Golden Monkey Trekking in Uganda

Golden Monkey Trekking in Uganda

Golden monkeys are primates well known for their golden hair and they are found on the slopes of Virunga volcanoes which is being shared by three countries that is Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. In Uganda golden monkey trekking is done in Mgahinga gorilla national park, then in Rwanda it’s done in Volcanoes national park and lastly in Democratic republic of Congo, it’s done in Virunga national park.

Golden monkey trekking is just like gorilla trekking and chimpanzees because this monkeys also move from one place to another and it require you to follow them to see them. Golden monkey trekking is done in the mountainous area and they like being in bamboo sections of the forest because they enjoy eating the young bamboo shoots.

Golden monkey trekking starts early just like gorilla and chimpanzee trekking with briefing on the rules, expectations and regulations from the park’s headquarters.  The golden monkeys live in the group of about 30 individuals and more roaming over the territory. After briefing you will enter the jungle with a well-trained game ranger following the trail of left over bamboo shoots and fruits so as to find this golden monkeys. The trek takes half an hour to 4 hours depending on the movement of golden monkeys because they like moving from one place to another in search of fresh bamboo shoots and fruits. As you trek expect to view other primate’s species, birds and plant species to list but a few. After finding the golden monkeys, you will be allowed only one hour with them in their natural habitat. Watch them feeding, playing, interacting, jumping from tree branches and breastfeeding. Take photos, ask questions and enjoy that one hour moment.  Return to the parks headquarters after the trek.

Mgahinga gorilla national park also offers golden monkey habituation experience apart from golden monkey trekking. The habituation experience is where golden monkeys are trained to get used to human presence. The habituation experience takes 6 hours starting in the morning with briefing from the park’s headquarters and you will be allocated golden monkeys to follow as you learn more about them.

Cost of Golden Monkey Trekking permit in Uganda

Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park costs 60USD for foreign nonresidents, 50USD per person for foreign residents and the 40,000UGX for east African citizens per person. Then golden monkey habituation experience cost 100USD for foreign nonresidents, 80USD for foreign residents and 100,000 for east African citizens.

Golden monkey tracking permits are booked from Uganda wildlife authority or on ground in Mgahinga gorilla national park. The permits should be booked 4 months in advances before trekking date because there is always high demand of permits most especially during peak seasons.

How to book a golden monkey permit in Uganda

A Golden monkey trekking permit, can be booked from either Uganda wildlife authority by contacting the office via email or phone calls. Then you can book through a trusted tour company like us, Chosen Expeditions and Tours ltd. If you are using a Tour Company, you will provide us with date you wish to trek and your names as they appear on the passport. Then will shall check the availabilities of the permit if it will match your dates, you will pay the deposit so and we book the permit.

When to go for golden monkey trekking in Uganda

Golden monkey trekking in Uganda is done throughout the year but the best time is during dry season went the trails are passable and vegetation is thin. The dry seasons include the month of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. Rainfalls are less during the dry season which make national park’s vegetation thin and you will have clear view of golden monkeys and other wildlife.

Where to stay while in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga gorilla national park has got quiet number of accommodation facilities where you can stay during your visit to the park. The accommodation ranges from luxury, midrange and budget accommodation. Some of the  lodges found in Mgahinga gorilla national park include; Montana guest house, Mount Gahinga lodge, Mountain Gorilla safari hotel, Mount Gahinga rest camp, Mgahinga safari lodge, Amajambere Iwacu camp, countryside guesthouse kisoro, Kisoro tourist hotel, Kisoro travelers rest hotel, mucha hotel and Mubano hotel to list but a few.

How to get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga gorilla national park can be accessed by road transport or air transport. By road transport it takes 9-10 hours’ drive which is more adventurous and then air transport takes 2 hours flight to Kisoro.

By road transport you will drive from Entebbe or Kampala through Masaka highway to Mbarara home of long horned ankole cattle to Kabale home of rolling hills and finally to Kisoro where you will drive to Mgahinga gorilla national park.

By air transport, you will book a chartered flight from Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip where you will find the driver waiting to drive you to Mgahinga gorilla national park. Domestic flights are booked by local tour operators.

Mgahinga gorilla national park is a park where silver meets with golden. You can combine golden monkey trekking with other activities which include gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking and wildlife safari. If you need more information, please contact Chosen Expeditions and Tour ltd, we shall help you or you can visit our website for more packages.