Mgahinga Gorilla Park-Best Park for Golden Monkey Trekking in East Africa

he Best Park for the One-of-a-kind Golden Monkey Trekking is Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda

Mgahinga Gorilla Park-Best Park for Golden Monkey Trekking in East Africa: We are thrilled to say that Mgahinga Gorilla Park is the best park where you can trek the beautiful Golden Monkeys. Your interest in considering a Golden Monkey Trekking adventure in this stunning park in East Africa is greatly appreciated.

Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda is the Best Park for Golden Monkey Trekking in East Africa. You can track the Golden Monkeys in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, the newer Gishwati – Mukura National Park, and Virunga National Park in DR Congo. However, the best park in East Africa still is Mgahinga Gorilla Park in southwest Uganda.

Golden Monkeys live in the Bamboo Forests of the Virunga Massif, the Virunga Volcanoes, and the Mountains that Cook, which are found in three countries, Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The largest concentration (2,000 to 4,000) is in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla Park. The number of Golden Monkeys is estimated since no census has been taken for some time.

Golden Monkey Trekking can be done in three countries, but in our opinion, the best place to do so is in the scenic Mgahinga Gorilla Park. In Mgahinga Gorilla Park, you can combine Golden Monkey trekking with Gorilla Tracking, Volcano Climbs, Hikes, and various other activities. It is also the only park where you can do the longer Golden Monkey Habituation Experience, an all-day trek with 4 hours in the presence of the Golden Monkeys.

 

Mgahinga Gorilla Park-Best Park for Golden Monkey Trekking in East Africa

The Golden Monkeys of Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda

The Golden Monkeys are a rare primate species that move around the bamboo forest like court jesters. They have been declared an endangered species and are even protected. Their numbers are in decline because they are not reproducing adequately.

They weigh about 15 kilos, and their appearance attracts many admirers who come to trek them. Golden Monkeys are attractive-looking primates with vibrant color and playful ways. You can have a hundred flit around you, above you, to your side, and underneath you. The Golden Monkeys of Mgahinga Gorilla Park were the first to be habituated, and that means they are used to Humans and do not scamper off as you arrive. A bit of advice is to be prepared for fast-moving subjects when picture-taking.

The Golden monkey Cercopithecus mitis kandti is one of Uganda’s 20 primate species. It is found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, part of the Virunga Volcanoes Massive, made up of eight volcanoes, three of which are in Mgahinga Gorilla Park, where it is an endemic species only found in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. It is estimated that 2,000 to 4,000 golden monkeys remain, and no recent census has passed. They are classified as endangered species. Besides habitat reduction, they do not produce sufficient offspring for some odd reason.

The Golden Monkeys live in troops of about 100 and are led by an Alpha male. They primarily feed on bamboo shoots, various seasonal fruits, leaves, lichens, sprouts, flowers, and small invertebrates. They live in the Bamboo Forests, one of the six Afro-Montane zones on the Volcanoes, and it is the same area where Gorillas trek. Compared with other monkey species, the golden monkeys are truly stunning, with their bright-colored fur and long golden hair mixed with orange.

 

Golden Monkey Trekking Permits 

The POrices below are good until the end of June, 1016

1. Golden Monkey Trekking Permit (1-hour encounter):

• Foreign Non-Residents: $60 USD per person
• Foreign Residents (Expats): $50 USD per person
• East African Community (EAC) Citizens: UGX 40,000 per person

2. Golden Monkey Habituation Permit (extended encounter, typically 4 hours):

• Foreign Non-Residents: $100 USD per person
• Foreign Residents (Expats): $80 USD per person
• East African Community (EAC) Citizens: UGX 100,000 per person

Important Considerations:

• Park Entrance Fee: These permit prices do not include the park entrance fee for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You will need to pay this separately. The current park entrance fees are:
  • Foreign Non-Residents: $40 USD
  • Foreign Residents (Expats): $30 USD
  • East African Community (EAC) Citizens: UGX 20,000
• Proof of Residency: Expats (foreign residents) will need to provide proof of their residency in Uganda (e.g., a work permit, resident permit, or diplomatic card) to qualify for the resident rates.
• Booking in Advance: It’s highly recommended to book your golden monkey permits in advance,with licensed Tour Operator such as Kabiza Wilderness Safaris.
• Inclusions: The permit typically includes the services of an experienced Uganda Wildlife Authority guide and armed rangers for your safety.

Mgahinga’s golden monkey trekking truly offers a unique and less crowded experience, allowing for intimate observations of these playful primates in their natural habitat amidst the stunning Virunga Volcanoes.

 

Why Mgahinga Gorilla Park is the Best Park for Golden Monkey Trekking in East Africa

Mgahinga Gorilla Park is off-the-beaten-tourist-path, providing the perfect setting for tracking Golden Monkeys without the crowds. Mgahinga means fewer tourists, yet it has the most significant numbers of Golden Monkeys.

You hike up the scenic Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga Park with your guide, an informative Uganda Wildlife Ranger. He will take you to the Bamboo Forest, where the playful monkeys are found, and you will observe them as they go about their daily routine.

Mgahinga Gorilla is one of the most photographed places in the world. The stunning scenery makes it worth the trek, another reason why Mgahinga Gorilla Park is the best place for Golden Monkey Trekking in East Africa.

Golden Monkey Trekking can be combined with Gorilla Trekking, Volcano Climbs, Hiking, Caving, and the cultural Batwa Trail. An added plus is that the park is only a three-hour drive from Kigali, making it conveniently accessible.

 

Mgahinga Gorilla Park-Best Park for Golden Monkey Trekking in East Africa

Mgahinga Gorilla Park-Best Park for Golden Monkey Trekking in East Africa: Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda stands out as the premier destination for Golden Monkey Trekking in East Africa. With its large population of these endangered primates, stunning Virunga Volcano landscapes, and opportunities for diverse activities, Mgahinga offers an unparalleled experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Whether you choose the standard Golden Monkey Trek or the immersive Habituation Experience, you are guaranteed to be captivated by the golden-furred acrobats as they leap through the bamboo forests. Combine this with the chance to track mountain gorillas, conquer volcanic peaks, and delve into the rich cultural heritage of the Batwa people, and you have a truly remarkable safari that will leave a lasting impression.

As an accredited tour operator with over 15 years of experience, Kabiza Wilderness Safaris is your trusted partner in planning an unforgettable Golden Monkey Trekking adventure in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla Park. Contact us today to start crafting your dream safari in the heart of Africa’s Pearl.