Incredible Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda
Mgahinga Gorilla Park is the only park in Uganda to Trek Golden Monkeys.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda:
The fantastic experience of Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda is an activity that we highly recommend, especially if you are trekking Gorillas in Either southern Bwindi Impenetrable Forest or Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
Golden Monkey Trekking is an unforgettable experience where you observe the rare and stunning Golden Monkeys in their natural bamboo forest habitat. The Golden Monkey experience will leave an indelible impression on you.
The Golden Monkey trek was challenging, as the thick vegetation and rugged terrain required physical endurance. However, every step is worth it. The scenic beauty of the tour is most beautiful, and when you finally see the golden monkeys, it is quite an experience. Their vibrant golden hue and playful demeanor were indeed a sight to behold. You will be lucky to observe them leaping from tree to tree and munching on bamboo shoots.
The park rangers are knowledgeable and provide fascinating insights about the golden monkeys and the conservation efforts to protect them. It was heartening to see the park’s commitment to ensuring the survival of these rare primates.
We highly recommend Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda to anyone desiring an authentic and breathtaking encounter with Uganda’s wildlife. It’s an adventure that will undoubtedly remain with you for a long time. Incorporate Goden Money into your Safari in Uganda with us.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda
Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda
Meet the Golden Monkeys – one of Uganda’s 20 Primate Species:
The golden monkey (Cercopithecus mitis kandti) is a rare and endangered primate species found only in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Volcanoes, including in Mgahinga Gorilla Park. The Virunga Volcanoes are a chain of volcanoes that straddle the borders of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the golden monkeys are found in all three countries.
Golden monkeys are medium-sized primates, with males weighing up to 10 kilograms and females weighing up to 7 kilograms. They are known for their distinctive golden-orange fur, which is long and dense, and their black faces. They have long tails, which they use for balance when moving through the trees.
Golden monkeys are primarily arboreal, spending most of their time in the trees of the bamboo forests where they live. They are social animals and live in groups of up to 80 individuals, although the average group size is around 30. Within the group, there is a strict hierarchy of males and females, with dominant individuals prioritizing access to food and mates.
Golden monkeys are omnivores, feeding on various plant and animal foods, including bamboo shoots, leaves, fruits, insects, and small animals. They are active during the day and spend most of their time foraging for food and socializing with other group members.
The golden monkey is classified as an endangered species, with an estimated population of fewer than 5,000 individuals remaining in the wild. The main threats to their survival include habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion, hunting for bushmeat and the illegal pet trade. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the golden monkey and its habitat, including establishing national parks and protected areas and promoting sustainable tourism activities such as the Golden Monkey Habituation Experience.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda
Find out more about Golden Monkey Trekking:
Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a popular activity that allows visitors to see these rare and beautiful primates in their natural habitat. Here is a more detailed description of what to expect during a golden monkey trekking experience in the park:
Preparation: You will receive a briefing from park staff before the trek, including information on the behavior and conservation status of the golden monkeys and guidelines for responsible wildlife viewing. Visitors should wear comfortable and appropriate clothing and footwear for hiking, bring plenty of water and snacks, and be prepared for a moderate hike through the Forest.
- Trekking: Trekkers will be accompanied by experienced rangers who lead the way through the bamboo forest where the golden monkeys live. The trek can take several hours, depending on the location of the monkey group on a given day. The hiking trail can be steep and challenging in some areas, so visitors should be in good physical condition and prepared for a potentially strenuous hike. If you are on a safari with us, we give you the services of a porter to assist you.
- Observing the golden monkeys: Once visitors reach the location of the golden monkey group, they will spend up to an hour watching the monkeys as they go about their daily activities, such as feeding, playing, and grooming. Visitors will be able to take photographs and ask questions of the guides. It’s important to remember that monkeys are wild animals, and visitors should keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing them or their habitat.
- Conservation: Uganda Wildlife Authority is committed to sustainable tourism practices and works closely with local communities to promote conservation and support sustainable development initiatives. By participating in golden monkey trekking and the Golden Monkey Habituation Experience, visitors are supporting conservation efforts and helping to protect this endangered species and its habitat.
Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a unique and rewarding wildlife experience that allows visitors to see these rare and beautiful primates in their natural habitat. It’s an experience that should not be missed for anyone interested in wildlife and nature-based tourism in Uganda.
The Golden Monkey Habituation Experience is for those who want a more immersive experience; visitors can opt to participate in the Golden Monkey Habituation Experience, which allows trekkers to spend several hours with a group of habituated golden monkeys, observing their behavior and learning about their social dynamics from experienced guides and researchers. The experience is designed to minimize the impact on the monkeys and their habitat and is limited to a small number of visitors daily. Read more here about the Golden Monkey Habituation Experience<
Permits for Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda;
Tickets for your Golden Monkey Trekking are best obtained using a Bonafide tour operator such as Kabiza Wilderness Safaris. You can get betterlicenses if you allow a Ugandan Tourism Board registered Tour Operator.
The cost for a Golden Monkey Trekking Permit is $60 plus a $40 park entrance for the day. The trekking permits include the services of the Rangers that will lead you during the Golde Monkey Trek.
The Entance fee into the Park for the golden monkey trek, however, you can use the permit for afull 24 hours and get back into the park for a Hikel.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla Park
Golden Monkey Trekking Wear and Gear:
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 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 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 with breathtaking views. There are no overnight Volcano Climbs.
- Hiking 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 exploring 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.
