Trekking Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga National Park

The stunning Mgahinga National Park is situated in the Kisoro district of southwest Uganda, close to the borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is renown for its breathtaking scenery, for being the only protected area in Uganda where endangered golden monkeys can be found, and for being home to endangered mountain gorillas.

One of Uganda’s lesser-known national parks is Mgahinga National Park. With a surface area of roughly 33.7 square kilometers, it’s among the nation’s smallest parks. Nevertheless, despite its small size, it offers a unique experience and is extraordinarily rich in wildlife, particularly when it comes to the endangered mountain gorillas.

Many additional primates may be seen in Mgahinga National Park, among them are the stunning and gregarious golden monkeys, which are a pleasure to watch in their natural habitat. Therefore, if you go to the park, you might be able to observe olive baboons, golden monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and gorillas.

In Mgahinga National Park, trekking golden monkeys is a well-liked activity that provides a rare chance to get up close and personal with these stunning and endangered animals in their natural habitat. Because the golden monkey groups in the park are habituated—that is, acclimated to human presence—it is simpler to have a memorable interaction with them. Using foot navigation, one must seek the forest for habituated golden monkey families and, upon finding them, spend an hour with them in their natural settings.

food and feeding of golden monkeys

The main foods that golden monkeys eat are fruits, leaves, and shoots from bamboo trees. They are specialist feeders, and as a result of their adaptations, their primary food source is bamboo. They also eat the blooms, seeds, and insects that are produced by other plants. Observing their feeding habits and the way they engage with their surroundings when seeking food is intriguing.

Their number

The number of golden monkeys in Mgahinga National Park is currently between 3000 and 4000. These endangered monkeys are being protected and conserved because of their considerable number. They don’t travel around as much since they settle down in one place for extended periods of time. They live in a huge group of up to 100 members, led by an Alpha male. Golden monkeys are unique to the Virunga Volcanoes and are found only in the bamboo forests of Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park.

The gold/orange patch on their fur coast sets Golden Monkeys apart from other monkey species. They are regarded as one of Africa’s most exquisite and adorable monkey species. They frequently hop from tree to tree and are highly animated, inquisitive, and lively.

How long is the trek for Golden monkeys?

You will be guided by experienced guide to the places where golden monkeys are known to live throughout the trekking adventure, which typically begins at 8 a.m. It takes about three hours and thirty minutes to trek through the gorgeous bamboo forests and witness these unusual monkeys in their natural habitat if you are lucky enough to find the golden monkeys in Mgahinga National Park. This is an amazing experience because the monkeys are nocturnal and like to move around in search of food. You will have the opportunity to capture pictures and learn more about the routines and behaviors of the locals by following the paths left by fallen bamboo shoots, leaves, and fruits, among other things.

Habituation Experience of Golden monkeys

The golden monkey habituation experience, which is available at the Mgahinga,it is a fantastic chance to spend more time observing and engaging with these extraordinary primates. You will be able to see researchers and guides acclimating the golden monkeys to human presence during the habituation experience. The cost of a golden monkey habituation permit is $100 per person for East African citizens who are not foreign residents. UGX $100,000,000.

Trekking rates

For foreign non-residents and residents, the permit costs USD 60; for East African citizens, it costs UGX 40,000 per person and is valid for a single use. The permits, which allow visitors over the age of 15 to visit a golden monkey trekking family in Mgahinga, can be obtained on the spot from the Ntebeko park headquarters or through a document provided by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

The ideal time of year to visit golden monkeys.

In Mgahinga Gorilla Park, golden monkey trekking takes place from June to August and from December to February, during the dry season. Less rain and clear skies during these months make for more ideal weather conditions that facilitate path navigation and raise the likelihood of seeing golden monkeys.

What to Bring for Your Golden Monkey Trek

Easy hiking shoes: When trekking over uneven terrain, make sure you’re wearing strong, comfy shoes.

Lightweight attire. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing that is easily adjustable to suit the weather, and dress in layers.

Raincoats. Having a waterproof jacket or poncho on hand is usually a smart idea in case of sudden downpours.

Repellant for insects. Carry an effective insect repellent with you to shield yourself from mosquitoes and other insects.

Hat and sunscreen. Use sunscreen and cover your face and neck with a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Water and snacks. Bring enough water and food with you so you can stay hydrated throughout the hike.

Binoculars or a camera. Use binoculars or a camera to get up close and personal with the wildlife or to capture those idyllic moments.

Directions for reaching Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Access to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is possible by road or air; it is situated in Uganda’s southwest.

Road transit entails visitors traveling 9 to 10 hours by car from Kampala to the park headquarters via Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, and Kisoro.

Traveling by air requires arriving at Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport, from where you can catch a domestic aircraft to Kisoro Airstrip, the closest airport to the park.

Where to Stay in the National Park for Gorillas in Mgahinga

Amajembere Lwacu Community Camp, Mondi Lodge Kisoro, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Bam Rest House, Gahiza Island Retreat, and Kisoro Travelers Rest Hotel are just a few of the luxurious, moderately priced, and alternative lodging options available.

IMPORTANT: IN MGAHINGA, CHILDREN UNDER 12 ARE NOT ALLOWED TO DO GOLDEN MONKEY TREKKING