Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park; Golden monkey trekking is an exciting and the best done activity in Mgahinga gorilla national park after gorilla trekking. The activity involves travelers moving on foot into the tropical rainforest in search of the golden monkeys and once located spend one hour with them in their natural habitat.
Mgahinga gorilla national park is located in southwestern part of Uganda in Kisoro district bordering with Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Virunga national park in Congo. Apart from Mgahinga gorilla national park, golden monkey trekking is also done is Volcanoes national park in Rwanda.
1. Golden monkey trekking experience
Golden monkey trekking is an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. It starts early in the morning at 8:00am, when visitors will first attend a briefing at the park headquarters to become familiar with the regulations and expectations of visiting the national park. After that, visitors will embark on a captivating journey in search of the golden monkeys, who often travel and migrate in groups. As visitors explore the bamboo-forested area, they are sure to be in awe of the natural beauty that looms around them. Trekking may take anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours, depending on the golden monkeys’ location.
Once the golden monkeys are found, visitors will be given one hour to observe and explore their habitat. It is during this time that visitors can observe the unique behaviors and social interactions of the primates while taking photos and videos of the stunning scenery.
For those pondering a more in-depth experience, Mgahinga gorilla national park also offers golden monkey habituation. During this process, visitors can join the habituation team for four hours of tracking, observing and training the golden monkeys in order to get them used to human presence. Either way, a golden monkey trek is an unforgettable and must-try experience!
2. Cost of a golden monkey trekking permit in Mgahinga gorilla national park
One of the most unforgettable experiences in Uganda is the golden monkey trekking experience at the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. To take part in this thrilling activity, visitors who are 15 years and older must purchase a trekking permit. Foreign non-residents will be charged 100 USD, whereas foreign residents will be charged 100 USD, and East African citizens will be charged 100,000 UGX. These permits must be booked 3-4 months in advance, as they are highly soughtout during the dry or peak seasons, which usually spans from June to September and December to February.
Once the golden monkey trekking permit has been obtained, visitors will start the adventure early in the morning at 8:00am, following a brief overview at the park headquarters of the regulations and expectations of the visit. After, visitors will begin trekking in search of the golden monkeys.
The journey could take anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours, depending on the location of the primates. If located, guests will be given one hour to observe and explore in the habitat, gaining insight into the unique behaviors, habits and social interaction of the monkeys.
For those looking for an even more in-depth experience, the Mgahinga gorilla national park also offers a golden monkey habituation process where visitors can join the habituation team for four hours of tracking, observing and training the golden monkeys. No matter the route taken, this an experience that should not be missed!
3. Best time to go for golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga gorilla national park
Visiting the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for a golden monkey trekking experience is a must-do for anyone planning a safari in Uganda. The best time to go for this trekking experience is during the dry or peak season, which typically falls between June to September and December to February. During these months, the trekking trails are passable and vegetation will be thin due to the little rainfall; this makes it easier to spot the golden monkeys and other wildlife.
The bush is also much easier to traverse, allowing trekkers to make the most of their excursion in the park. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should not be missed, so plan ahead and schedule your trekking date for the dry season for the best possible experience!
4. Where to stay in Mgahinga gorilla national park
Visiting Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for a golden monkey trekking experience is an unforgettable and must-do activity in Uganda. Fortunately, there are plenty of accommodation options available in and near the park for visitors to stay during their safari.
Choose from luxury, mid-range, and budget options such as Amajambere Lwacu Community Camp, Mondi Lodge Kisoro, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Bam Rest House, Gahiza Island Retreat, Kisoro Travelers Rest Hotel, Muhabura Motel, Lake Chahafi Resort, Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Mucha Hotel, Kisoro Travelers Lodge, and Mubano Hotel. Whichever accommodation you choose, you’ll be sure to have the best experience possible during your stay at Mgahinga!
5. How to get to Mgahinga gorilla national park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is a unique and breathtaking destination that can be accessed in a variety of ways. Visitors are able to reach the park by air transport via a charter or scheduled flight with Aerolink Uganda Limited from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrips, and then connect to the park headquarters on road. There are also domestic flights available from other tour companies.
Visitors can also access the park by road transport, by driving from Entebbe or Kampala via Masaka, Munbende, Mbarara, Ntungamo, Kabale and Kisoro, which typically takes around 9-10 hours. Lastly, travelers can arrive at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park from Kigali, Rwanda, by first flying to Kigali International Airport, and then connecting to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park by road via the Cyanika border in approximately 3-4 hours.
Golden monkey trekking is a can’t-miss activity that can be combined with other activities such as gorilla trekking, Batwa Trail Experience, volcano hiking, bird watching, and guided nature walks in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and wildlife viewing in Murchison Falls National Park. For more information about golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, contact Achieve Global Safaris for the ultimate experience.
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