Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park
Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park is an active and exciting activity in Mgahinga gorilla national park which involves moving on foot into the forest in search of the habituated golden monkey families and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. Mgahinga gorilla national park is located in southwestern part of Uganda in Kisoro district and the only protected area in Uganda that harbors the endangered golden monkeys. Golden monkeys are also found in other destinations like Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Virunga national park and Kahuzi Biega national park in Democratic republic of Congo. They are active and playful primates which feed on bamboo shoots, branches, ripe fruits, insects and always jump from one tree to another.
Golden monkey trekking experience in Mgahinga gorilla national park
Golden monkey trekking is an active and interesting activity in Mgahinga gorilla national park which starts with a briefing about the rules, regulations and expectations at the park headquarters. After the briefing you will start trekking in the jungle with an experienced guide which takes about 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on where the golden monkeys are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. Golden monkeys are small in size and do not leave behind clear evidence of their previous day’s location like the mountain gorillas therefore during trekking you will look out for fresh leftovers of bamboo shoots and leaves. Once the golden monkey troop is located you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you a chance to take photos, learn about their behaviors, watch them jump from one tree to another among others.
Cost of a golden monkey trekking permit
Golden monkey trekking is a document issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to any visitor above the age of 15 years allowing him or her to visit a golden monkey family in Mgahinga gorilla national park. A single golden monkey trekking permit costs USD 60 for foreign non residents, USD 60 for foreign residents and UGX 40,000 for East African citizens. The price includes park entrance fees, one hour encounter with the golden monkeys and services of a park guide.
How to book golden monkey trekking permits
Golden monkey trekking permits in Mgahinga gorilla national park can either be booked directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority by contacting the offices on telephone calls or emails. Golden monkey trekking permits in Mgahinga gorilla national park can also be booked through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris. Golden monkey trekking permits can be booked in advance at Uganda Wildlife Authority or on ground from the park headquarters since there is no minimum number of visitors required.
Best time to go for golden monkey trekking safari in Mgahinga gorilla national park
Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park can be done anytime throughout the year though the best period is during the dry/peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season there is less rainfall in Mgahinga gorilla national park therefore hiking trails will be passable, vegetation will be thin which gives you an opportunity to clearly view the golden monkeys and other wildlife species.
What to carry for your golden monkey trekking safari in Mgahinga gorilla national park
- Insect repellent to protect your body from insect bites
- Long sleeved shirt and trouser to keep you warm and avoid insects from entering your trousers
- Waterproof rain jacket to protect you from rainfall
- Hiking boots to keep your feed dry during trekking
- Backpack to carry your golden monkey trekking essentials like camera, insect repellent, rain jacket among others
- Walking stick to give you support during trekking
- Energy snacks like packed lunch and drinking water
- Camera and extra batteries to take photos and record videos
How to get to Mgahiga gorilla national park
Mgahinga gorilla national park is located in southwestern part of Uganda and can be accessed by both road and air transport means. When using road transport means you will drive from Kampala via Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, Kisoro and then to the park headquarters which takes about 9 to 10 hours drive.
When using air transport means you will book scheduled or charter flights with Aerolink Uganda from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip and then connect to the park headquarters by a safari vehicle.
