Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga gorilla National park

Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga gorilla National park : Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a beautiful national Park located in southwestern Uganda in Kisoro district, near the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s known for its stunning landscape and being home to endangered mountain gorillas and the only protected area in Uganda that you can find the endangered golden monkeys.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the smaller national parks in Uganda. It covers an area of about 33.7 square kilometers making it one of the smallest parks in the country. However, despite its size, it is incredibly rich in biodiversity and offers unique experience especially with the endangered mountain gorillas.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a home to variety of other primates, including golden monkeys which are beautiful and playful monkeys are a delight to observe in their natural habitat. So, if you visit the park, you might have the chance to see not only the gorilla but also the golden monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys and the olive baboons.

NOTE; CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 12 CANNOT DO GOLDEN MONKEY TREKKING IN MGAHINGA

Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Golden Monkey trekking is a popular activity in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and it offers a unique opportunity to observe these beautiful and endangered monkeys up close in their natural habitat. The Park is known for its habituated golden monkey groups, which means they are accustomed to human presence, making it easier to have a memorable encounter with them. It 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 habitats.

Golden monkeys primarily feed on a diet of bamboo leaves, shoots, and fruits. They are specialized feeders and have adapted to rely heavily on bamboo as their main food source. They also consume other plants materials such as flowers, seeds, and insects. Its fascinating to observe their feeding behaviors and see how they interact with their environment while searching for food.

There are currently around 3000-4000 golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It’s a significant population, and efforts are being made to protect and conserve these endangered monkeys. They live in a large group of up to 100 individuals led by an Alpha male and do not move as much for they stay in one location for a time. Golden monkeys live in the bamboo forests of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda can only be found in Virunga Volcanoes.

Golden Monkey stand out from other monkeys’ species because of the gold/orange spot on their fur coast. They are considered to be one of the most beautiful and cute monkey species in Africa. They are very active, curious and playful always jumping from tree to tree

Golden Monkey Trekking Experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

The trekking experience usually starts early in the morning at 8 am and you’ll be accompanied by knowledgeable guides who will lead you to the areas where golden monkeys are known to reside. Golden Monkey trekking experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an incredible experience where you will have an opportunity to hike through the beautiful bamboo forests and observe these unique monkeys in their natural habitat which takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes depending on where the golden monkeys are located because they like to move from one place to another in search for food. During the trekking you will follow trails of leftover bamboo shoots, leaves, fruits among others which gives you a chance to learn more about their habits, behaviors, take pictures.

Mgahinga gorilla national park also offers golden monkey habituation experience is an incredible opportunity to spend more time observing and interacting with these unique primates. During the habituation experience, you will have the chance to join researchers and guides as they acclimate the golden monkeys to human presence. A golden monkey habituation permit is USD100 per person both foreign and non- foreign resident East African citizen UGX100000

Cost of Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

The permit costs USD 60 for foreign non-residents and residents while East African citizens pay UGX 40000 only per person and can be used only once. The permits can be purchased on the ground from the park headquarters of Ntebeko or through 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 trekking family in Mgahinga

Best time to go for Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla Park is during the dry season, which are from June to August and December to Feburary. During these months, the weather is generally more favorable with less rainfall and clear skies which makes it easier to navigate the trails and and increases the chances of spotting the golden monkeys.

What to Carry for your Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Comfortable hiking shoes; Make sure to wear sturdy and comfortable shoes that are suitable for trekking on uneven terrain.

Lightweight clothing. Dress in layers and wear lightweight, breathable clothing that can be easily adjusted according to the weather conditions.

Rain gear. Its always a good idea to carry a waterproof jacket or poncho in case of unexpected rain.

Insect repellent. To protect yourself from mosquitoes and ither insects bring a good quality insect repellent.

Sunscreen and hat. Protect yourself from the sun by applying sunscreen and wearing a hat to shield your face and neck.

Snacks and water. Carry some snacks and enough water to keep yourself hydrated during the trek.

Camera or binoculars. Capture the beautiful moments or observe the wildlife up close with a camera or binoculars.

How to get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Mgahinga gorilla national park is located in southwestern park of Uganda and can be accessed by both road and air transport means.

Road transport means tourists will drive from Kampala via Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, Kisoro and then to the park headquarters which takes about 9 to 10 hours drive.

Air transport means tourists will fly into Entebbe International Airport in Uganda; from there you can take a domestic flight to Kisoro Airstrip which is the closet airport to the park

 Where to stay in Mgahinga gorilla national park

The accommodation ranges from luxury, midrange and budget including Amajembere Lwacu Community camp, Mondi lodge Kisoro, Mount Gahinga lodge, Bam Rest house, Gahiza island Retreat, Kisoro travelers rest hotel among others.