Golden Monkey Trekking – Mgahinga Gorilla Park in the Shadows of the Virunga Volcanoes
Mgahinga Gorilla Park is the only park in Uganda to Trek Golden Monkeys.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park –the small park with many activities also is the only park in Uganda where you can do Golden Monkey Trekking.
What are Golden Monkeys? Why should I trek them?
Golden Monkey Trekking requires that you have the same gear as on a Gorilla Trek, and it is about protecting you from thorns, nettles, ants, and flies. At this elevation, you will not have Mosquitoes or Tsetse flies.
- Daypack: Preferably a waterproof daypack, you can use it as a carry-on flying to Uganda. Pack all essentials inside of the daypack.
- Hiking Boots: Make sure that they have good treads on them. You will need ankle support, something boots give you and give you reactions on muddy trails. Have a good pair of merino wool socks.
- Long Trouser: They will protect you from nettles and thorns. Tuck the trousers into your socks for added protection from ants.
- Long-Sleeved Shirt: Neutral in color. Again, this is for your comfort and protection.
- Rain Jacket or Poncho: Pack into your daypack. You never know when it will train. You are in an Afro-montane Rainforest.
- Tough Gardening Gloves: This is to protect your hands from thorns, nettles, and sharp branches.
- Wide Brimmed Hat: It gives you protection from the Sun.
- Camera Equipment – Binoculars: Ensure extra batteries and storage devices. Put them into Ziploc bags. Binoculars are not needed if you are not a birder.
- Bottled Water: You will need bottled water for your trek.
- Insect Repellent – Sun Lotion – Sunglasses: We recommend the effective Australian RID Insect Repellent. Good Sun blocker cream and sunglasses.
Combine Golden Monkey Trekking with Gorilla Trekking-Volcano Climbs-Hikes:
There are other activities that you can do here in Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
- Gorilla Tracking: Tracking the Gentle Giants of the Forest is done on the sides of the Volcanoes. The same conditions you would find in Rwanda or DR Congo.
- Volcano Day Climbs: There are three Volcanoes that you can climb here. Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura or Muhavura, and Mount Sabinyo. You pass through six vegetation zones until you reach the summit, where you have breathtaking views. There are no overnight Volcano Climbs.
- Hikind Trails: There are several trails that you can hike. There is a very popular Sabinyo Gorge Trail in the shadows of Mount Sabinyo and the Border Trail along the border with DR Congo.
- See the Forest through the eyes of its first People: Take the Batwa Trail with some Batwa Elders and see how they lived in Forest before evicting and becoming Conservation Refugees.
- Mount Gahinga Lodge activities: The luxury Mount Gahinga Lodge is the perfect base for you to explore Mgahinga Gorilla Park. They also offer activities such as the Batwa Village walk, which that erected with funds from the lodge, the Batwa Heritage Trail, and a Caldera Walk, to name a few.
Contact us about Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.