Golden monkey trekking in Uganda
Golden monkey trekking in Uganda ; Golden monkey trekking is a unique and active activity that involves moving into the tropical rainforest in search of the golden monkeys and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. Golden monkey trekking in Uganda is only done in Mgahinga gorilla national park which is located in southwestern part of Uganda in Kisoro district.
Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park starts early in the morning with a briefing about the rules, regulations and expectations at the park headquarters. After the briefing you will start trekking in the forest with an experienced guide following trails of left over bamboo shoots and fruits. Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park takes about 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on where the mountain gorillas are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking you will be able to view other primate species, birds, plant species among others and once the golden monkeys are located, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to watch them play, feed, fight, jump up in tree branches, learn more about their habits, behaviors, take photos and record the interesting moments to show people back home after the Uganda safari.
Apart from Golden monkey trekking, Mgahinga gorilla national park also offers golden monkey habituation experience an adventurous activity where the wild golden monkeys are trained to get used to human presence for trekking. Golden monkey habituation experience starts early in the morning just like golden trekking with a briefing at the park headquarters and once the golden monkeys are located, you will be able to spend four hours with them in their natural environment.
Cost of a golden monkey trekking permit in Uganda
A golden monkey trekking permit in Uganda costs 60 USD per person for foreign non residents, 60 USD per person for foreign residents and 40,000 UGX per person for East African citizens while a golden monkey habituation permit costs 100 USD per person for foreign non residents, 100 USD per person for foreign residents and 100,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
A golden monkey trekking permit in Uganda should be booked 3 months in advance before the trekking date because permits are competitive and get sold out quickly especially during the dry season in the months of June to September and December to February.
How to book a golden monkey trekking permit in Uganda
There are two options of booking a golden monkey trekking permit in Uganda for example booking directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority by contacting the offices via email or telephone calls. The other option is booking through a trusted tour company like Achieve Global Safaris. When you booking through a tour company, you will contact us with the dates when you wish to visit the golden monkeys, after contacting us we will check for permit availability and if there are permits matching with your dates, you will be asked to make a deposit for the permit. Once we receive the money, we will purchase the permit on your behalf.
When to go for golden monkey trekking in Uganda
Golden monkey trekking in Uganda can be done all year round though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February because that’s the best period when the golden monkey trekking trails are passable. During the dry season the national park receives less rainfall therefore vegetation will be thin which helps you to clearly view the golden monkeys and other wildlife species clearly.
Where to stay in Mgahinga gorilla national park
There are a number of accommodation facilities in Mgahinga gorilla national park where you can stay during your golden monkey trekking safari. The accommodations range from budget, midrange and budget including Mount Gahinga lodge, Amajambere lwacu camp, Kisoro tourist hotel, Mountain Gorilla safari hotel, Kisoro travelers rest hotel, Countryside guesthouse Kisoro, Mount Gahinga rest camp, Mgahinga safari lodge, Kisoro tourist hotel, Muhabura motel, Mubano hotel, Mucha hotel, Montana guest house among others.
How to get to Mgahinga gorilla national park for golden monkey trekking
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/ Entebbe through Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, Kisoro and then to the park headquarters which takes about 9 to 10 hours’ drive in a 4WD safari vehicle.
When using air transport means, you will book scheduled or charter domestic flights with Aerolink Uganda from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kisoro airstrip or Kihihi airstrip and then connect to the park headquarters. Domestic flights to Mgahinga gorilla national park can be booked through your tour operator.
Golden monkey trekking is an interesting activity that can be combined with gorilla trekking or wildlife viewing in Lake Mburo national park. For more information you can contact us at Achieve global safaris or visit our website for affordable golden monkey trekking packages.
