Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
One of the most incredible things to do on a primate safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is golden monkey trekking. As a species, golden monkeys are endangered, with just 3000–4000 individuals remaining worldwide. They are known as golden monkeys because of their many hues, which include black, grey, and a stunning orange-gold hue.
They live in big groups of up to 100 people, all under the leadership of an Alpha male, and they don’t move about much since, unlike gorillas, they remain in one place for a while. Bamboo leaves, seasonal fruits, flowers, sprouts, lichens, and tiny invertebrates are among the many foods that golden monkeys consume in the jungle.
Only the Virunga Volcanoes, which are home to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, are home to golden monkeys, who thrive in bamboo-forested regions. The Albertine Rift Valley is home to both golden monkeys and mountain gorillas, both of which are endangered. The park is situated in the Kisoro area in the southwest of Uganda. at Uganda, monitoring golden monkeys is possible at Mgahinga National Park.
In Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, golden monkey trekking entails hikers exploring the forest to find the golden monkeys in their native environment. After receiving a briefing on what to anticipate, the activity begins at 8 am. After that, visitors use the Gahinga route to seek for the golden monkeys.
The sounds and movements of the golden monkeys, who leap from one bamboo tree to another while playing and feeding, bring the jungle to life. Once they have spent an hour with the monkeys, travelers are permitted to return to the starting site.
Since the monkeys reside in lower regions, the whole action isn’t too taxing and may take around three hours. Golden monkey tracking at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is not permitted for children under the age of twelve.
Having the proper equipment, such as sturdy hiking shoes, long-sleeved shirts, rain coats, insect repellents, binoculars for birdwatchers, energy-boosting foods, and water for hydration throughout the climb, is essential for tracking golden monkeys in Mgahinga. You may also need a trekking stick. Additionally, you may hire a porter at the beginning of the climb to assist you with tasks like carrying your luggage or to push or pull you along slick terrain.
In order to participate in the activity, travelers must first obtain golden monkey tracking licenses. Foreign residents and non-residents pay $60 for the permit, while East African natives pay UGX40,000 per person, which is valid for one usage only. The permits are available for purchase on-site at Ntebeko’s park headquarters or via a trustworthy tour operator.
Trekking for golden monkeys is possible all year round in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You can be sure that you will participate in the activities whenever you visit the park. Access to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is possible via road, plane, and from Rwanda. The travel to the park from Kampala takes around nine to ten hours.
From Entebbe or Kampala, charter aircraft may be booked to Kisoro, from whence visitors are taken to the park. The park is also readily accessible from Rwanda; visitors may choose to fly straight into Rwanda and then drive four hours from Kigali to Mgahinga via the Cyanika or Katuna borders.
A golden monkey habituation experience at the park is an option for those who would want to spend more time with the golden monkeys.
In the habituation experience, visitors learn about the characteristics and actions of golden monkeys while accompanied by professionals and researchers. For international residents and non-residents, a Golden Monkey Habituation Experience Permit costs only $100, whereas for East African natives, it costs UGX100,000.
In addition to monitoring golden monkeys, visitors may engage in a variety of other activities at Mgahinga, such as tracking gorillas, observing birds, hiking in the natural environment, visiting local villages, and exploring the Batwa cultural route.
Along with gorilla tracking, visitors to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park may enjoy the wonderful pastime of golden monkey tracking. Spend some time contacting us or a reputable tour operator to assist you organize the ideal trip to visit the golden monkeys.
