Golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a national park in southwestern Uganda. It was established in 1991 and spans an area of 33.9 km². Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the Virunga Mountains and encompasses three inactive volcanoes, namely Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Sabyinyo. At an altitude of 2,227 to 4,127 m, the national park is part of the Nile River watershed area. It is contiguous with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and the southern sector of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is renowned for its mountain gorillas, but it is also home to the endangered golden monkeys, making it a prime destination for primate enthusiasts and nature lovers.

While gorilla trekking often steals the spotlight, golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga is an equally unforgettable adventure. These playful creatures are smaller and more agile than their gorilla cousins, offering a dynamic and captivating viewing experience.

About the golden monkey (Cercopithecus kandti)

With their striking golden-orange fur shimmering against the vibrant green of their bamboo forest home, golden monkeys (Cercopithecus kandti) are a dazzling sight. These Old World monkeys stand out from their cousins with their distinctive coloration, contrasting with their black limbs and tails. Slightly larger than most monkeys, males can weigh up to 12 kg, while females are a bit smaller.

Golden monkeys are social creatures that live in large troops of up to 100 individuals with intricate family structures. A dominant male leads the troop, while females and their young form the group’s core. You’ll often see them grooming each other, playing, or foraging for bamboo shoots, their primary food source.

How long do you stay with the golden monkeys in Mgahinga?

Golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga: On your Uganda safari, when visiting the golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the duration for the visit is typically limited to 1 hour. This is to minimize the impact on the monkeys and their habitat and to ensure that they do not become too habituated to humans.

Observation: Once you find the monkeys, you will be able to observe them for 1 hour. This is a great safari moment where you are going to observe them doing their daily activities like feeding, playing, grooming, and many others. That’s the period when you will take photos and learning about their behaviors.

It’s important to note that the golden monkey trekking safari experience is not as physically demanding as gorilla trekking, but it still requires a moderate level of fitness and mobility. On your safari, the park offers a golden monkey habituation experience that allows you to spend up to 4 hours with the monkeys. This specialized trek requires a separate permit and depends on availability.

Cost of Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Tourists planning to take part in this thrilling activity while on a Uganda safari to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are recommended a golden monkey permit. This permit allows you to trek and observe these fascinating creatures up close:

Golden Monkey Trekking Permit: $60 (foreign non-residents), $40 (foreign residents). UGX 40,000 (East African residents).

Golden Monkey Habituation Permit: $100 (foreign non-residents), $80 ( foreign residents), UGX 100,000 (East African Residents)

The Experience: Though similar in structure to a gorilla trek, prepare for a more active golden monkey trek. Their agility means you’ll be moving at their pace!

How to book Golden Monkey trekking permits.

Golden monkey permits in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be booked in two different ways, that is, either directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority by contacting the offices on telephone calls or emailing them. On the other hand, the golden monkey trekking permits in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be booked through a trusted tour operator like us. Golden monkey trekking permits can be booked in advance as well as on the ground from the park headquarters since there is no minimum number of visitors required.

To avoid last-minute disappointment, book golden monkey trekking permits for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park 2 to 4 months in advance. Permits sell out quickly, especially during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February.

Where to stay

Gahinga Lodge (High-end, $800 pp) — Nestled in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, Mount Gahinga Lodge is an exclusive vacation lodge with a tranquil charm enthralled by the dramatic backdrop of three of the extinct Virunga volcanoes. Its rustic charm creates an absorbing atmosphere of tranquillity, and its closeness to the park offers an excellent base to see golden monkeys and gorillas in Mgahinga National Park.

Lake Mutanda Resort (Mid-range $155 pp) — Mutanda Lake Resort is a charming little lodge sitting on a peninsula at one of the most beautiful lakes in Uganda. Although located about a 1.5-hour drive away from Mginga, this enchanting little getaway heaven provides an excellent base to track golden monkeys in Mgainga, gorillas in the south of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and explore the Nepal-like attractions around this misty lake.

Chameleon Hill Lodge (Mid-range $125 pp)  — Vibrantly glows atop a hill overlooking Lake Mutanda’s tranquil rift valley in the shadows of the Virunga Mountains. This charming little retreat is a perfect base for trekking gorillas in southern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and exploring the slopes of the Virungas in Mgahinga National Park.

Best Time for Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga

While you can trek to see golden monkeys year-round, the best time to experience these dazzling creatures is during the drier seasons (June to August and December to January). Trails are clearer, the weather is more pleasant, and you can fully enjoy watching their playful antics without the distraction of rain.

But beware – these drier seasons are also peak tourism times in Uganda and Rwanda. Lodges fill up quickly, so even though golden monkey permits are easy to come by, it’s crucial to book your stay well in advance, especially if you’re traveling between June and September.

Feeling adventurous? Consider the low seasons (March to May and October to November). Expect rain, muddy trails, and a touch of mist in the forests.

Getting to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is 510km away from Kampala, the capital of Uganda, and you can get there by Road or Air. On the road, it is approximately a 9-10-hour drive from Kampala to Mgahinga, that is around 8 hours to Kabale town covering 434km, and there are another 76km to Kisoro town. This route is tarmacked and a bit mountainous and steep. There is also an alternative of using a route from Kabale town passing near the beautiful Lake Bunyonyi and joining Kabale-Kisoro tarmac again. From Kisoro to the park, it’s around 14km to Ntebeko, the park’s main entrance.

You can access the park by air by booking early flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airfield. Using flights saves more time and is less tiring.

Other tourist activities to do in Mgahinga National Park

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Travelers often combine this exciting activity with golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. While Mgahinga hosts only the Nyakagezi family, its neighbor, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, remains more famous because it shelters over half of the world’s mountain gorillas.

Hiking

The other volcano is Mount Muhavura, which is a crater lake with several bird species. There is also Mount Sabyinyo, which has three peaks. The hike takes 8 hours. Hike to the third volcano, Mount Gahinga, which means a small pile of stones. This hike takes 6 hours. With the help of porters to carry the luggage.

Batwa in Mgahinga

Besides the golden Monkey Trekking activity, there is an option for visiting the Batwa Cultural Trails in Mgahinga. Visit the Batwa pygmies and learn about their past life in the forest, including food gathering, fruit gathering, hiding in Ngarama caves, collecting firewood, hunting, music, dancing, and drama.

Bird Watching

There are also bird-watching activities, and you will be able to see over 120 bird species. Birds spotted in Mgahinga National Park while trekking the Golden Monkeys include pin-tailed whydah, black kites, paradise flycatcher, ibis, speckled mousebirds, Grey-capped warbler, Double-collared sunbird, waxbills, alpine, Blue-headed Coucal, Archer’s robichat, Yellow-vented Bulbul, Olive Pigeon, Olive woodpecker, kivu ground thrush, and Rwenzori nightjar. You will enjoy the sweet songs of birds in the trees within the fresh rainforests.

Nature walk

Tourists can also engage in Nature walks as they go for gorilla trekking, and in this, you can enjoy the forest walk where you have chances of spotting the bush pigs, jackals, elephants, forest hogs, baboons, Gorillas, Monkeys, and many more. This walk can take about 6 hours.

What are the rules of Golden Monkey Trekking?

  • Avoid provoking the golden monkeys because you may stimulate them to charge at you.
  • Keep a distance of about 8 meters from the mountain gorillas to avoid passing germs to them.
  • Littering in the forest is forbidden as it alters the nature of the forest where golden monkeys thrive.
  • Only 1 hour of golden monkey trekking and four hours of golden monkey habituation experience are allowed with these primates when you locate them during a golden monkey safari adventure.
  • The age limit for golden monkey safaris is 15 years and above in Uganda and Rwanda, as the wilderness may be rough for a child below this age. Sometimes, mountain gorillas feed from deep in the forest, which may not be easy to withstand.
  • Stand in a tight group when you locate the golden monkeys. They are highly sensitive to visitors around them, as they may look suspicious. In case they come closer, stealthily retreat.
  • Use a flash-less camera to take photos, and it should be soundproof.
  • Wear a clean mask when you encounter golden monkeys and when you locate the golden monkeys.

Your Golden Monkey Trekking Packing Essentials

Golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga: Trekking to see golden monkeys means navigating high-altitude rainforests, so your packing list needs to prioritize comfort and protection. Think of it as very similar to gorilla trekking! Here’s what to pack:

Footwear & Clothing

  • Waterproof Hiking Boots: Choose a pair with good ankle support for uneven terrain.
  • Long-Sleeved Shirt & Trousers: Lightweight, breathable fabrics protect from insects and scratches.
  • Warm Sweater/Fleece: Perfect for chilly evenings at the lodge.
  • Waterproof Rain Jacket: A must-have for unpredictable weather.
  • Waterproof Backpack: To protect your gear from the rain.
  • Warm Socks: Keep your feet cozy in the evenings and during the trek.

Photography & Observation

  • Camera with Zoom Lens: Capture those amazing golden monkey moments, even from a distance.
  • Binoculars: A great alternative or addition to a camera for close-up views.

Additional Essentials

  • Hat: Shield yourself from the sun or rain.
  • Insect Repellent: Protect against mosquitoes and other bugs.
  • Sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, high-altitude sun is stronger.
  • Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during the trek.
  • Snacks: Energy bars or fruit for a quick energy boost.

Is Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Safe?

Golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga: Safety is a top concern for many travelers considering gorilla trekking. Rest assured that Golden Monkey trekking in Mgahinga is generally safe, with park rangers and experienced guides prioritizing the well-being of both visitors and Golden Monkey.

Here’s what makes Mgahinga safe for Golden Monkey trekking:

Experienced Guides: Treks are always led by knowledgeable guides who are trained in Golden Monkey behavior and safety protocols. They ensure that trekkers maintain a safe distance from the gorillas and know how to respond in any situation.

Park Rangers: Armed park rangers patrol the forest to ensure the safety of both trekkers and the Golden Monkey. Rangers train to deter potential threats and maintain a secure environment.

Health Precautions: Before entering the park, trekkers are screened for illnesses to prevent the transmission of diseases to the gorillas. This protects both humans and animals.

Group Safety: Trekking in groups provides an added layer of security, as guides can monitor the surroundings and ensure everyone’s safety.

Effortless Planning with Anthill Safaris

Let us take the stress out of crafting your dream African safari. We’ll customize your primate adventure based on your wishes and budget, finding perfect accommodations and securing those precious permits. Our private, all-inclusive safaris free you to simply immerse yourself in the experience and create unforgettable memories amongst these magnificent creatures.