Golden Monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Golden Monkey trekking is one of those safari activities that you must try atleast once in a lifetime. When planning a safari Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda, you will quickly come to realize that Golden Monkey trekking is always at the top of the list next to Mountain Gorilla trekking.

Golden Monkeys are a rare primate species that might not be found elsewhere in the world other than Uganda. They are believed to be a slightly varying sub species of the more widespread blue Monkey. These intriguing primates occupy Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in groups of about 100 individuals headed by an Alpha male.

In the past, golden Monkeys were abundant in Rwanda’s Gishwati forest but the population was wiped out by returned refugees of the 1994 Rwanda genocide. Currently, a small population is believed to exist further south in Nyungwe Forest. In Uganda however, about 3,000 – 4,000 individuals were recorded in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in 2003.

Consequentially, this makes it the best destination for safari tours Uganda golden Monkey trekking. Explore unimaginable intimate landscapes on safari Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda as you hike through verdant forest to find these primates with bright orange – red orange fur on their bodies and faces.

An exhilarating adventure

The best way to start a Golden Monkey trekking Uganda tour is to arise very early in the morning while the sun appears and have your breakfast. You will then be transferred to the park headquarters where a 30 minute briefing is offered; sharing with you some insights that are essential for the success of this safari Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda. This is at about 7.30am.

At exactly 8.00am, the adventure begins as you hike through a misty dark green mountainous forest, closing in to the location of the Golden Monkeys with every step. The hike is not as strenuous as Mountain Gorilla trekking since these monkeys live at relatively low altitudes. Once you have found the golden Monkeys, you are allowed only an hour with them before you start your hike down.

Rules and regulations

Safari Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda golden Monkey trekking is governed by a set of rules such as;

  • All persons should be 12 years and older
  • Refrain from sudden, abrupt movements and noises
  • Do not feed or eat in the presence of the animals
  • Always stay atleast 8m away from the golden monkeys
  • Do not make physical contact with the primates
  • Incase of any ailments such as flu, do not go for Golden Monkey trekking tours Uganda as you might be immediately evacuated if you display any symptoms
  • Do not litter the park or the forest

What to pack:

  • Waterproof hiking boots
  • Trousers and long sleeved shirts
  • A backpack
  • Packed lunch and snacks
  • Enough drinking water
  • Insect repellant
  • Walking/ hiking stick
  • A sweater or raincoat depending on the season

When to go:

Uganda tours Golden Monkey Trekking Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are often set in a green rugged arena posing endless ridges and rocky paths. This means that most times of the year, the park is cold and also receives a lot of rainfall due to the presence of a rain forest. The best time for safari tours Uganda Golden Monkey Trekking then is the dry seasons.

Within the months of January to February and June to July, your chances of encountering heavy rainfall are slim and also, hiking is a lot easier over dry hilly surfaces.

Frequently asked questions

  1. How much does a permit for Uganda safari tours Golden Monkey trekking Uganda cost?

On safari Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda, permits cost;

  • USD 50 for foreign non residents
  • USD 40 for foreign residents
  • UGX 20,000 for East African Residents

The price you pay for Golden monkey trekking Uganda tours includes;

  • Park entry fee
  • A guide
  • 1 hour in the presence of golden Monkeys Uganda safari
  • What is Golden Monkey Habituation?

Just as with Uganda tours Golden Monkey Trekking Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you get to observe these primates in the wild; the only difference is the time you spend with them. Golden Monkey Trekking Uganda Tours lasts half a day and you only spend 1 hour in the presence of the Golden Monkeys while the Habituation process lasts all day.

You set off early in the morning with a group of researchers, scientists and game rangers. Time is taken to slowly observe golden Monkey behavior, and get them accustomed to human presence before they are ready for trekking. Habituation permits cost USD 100 per person.

  • Apart from Golden Monkey trekking, what else can I do on safari Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?

There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda tour such as;

  • Mountain Gorilla Trekking
  • Birding
  • Game drives
  • Hiking and Nature walks
  • Cultural encounters

Conclusion:

Uganda tours golden Monkey trekking Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the perfect way to explore and really enjoy the beauty that Uganda holds. Get in touch today with our safari experts to book a Golden Monkey trekking Uganda safari tour.

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