Golden Monkey Trekking in Uganda

Uganda is one of the best safari destinations known for golden monkey trekking. Golden monkey trekking in Uganda is done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The park is home to many primates including mountain gorillas and white colobus monkeys. Golden monkeys are a species of monkeys with silver hair at the back and around the neck hence the name golden monkeys.

Much as Uganda is a famous destination for mountain gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking safaris, golden monkey trekking tours have gained tremendous fame over the past decades. Uganda has been receiving overwhelming numbers of tourists taking on golden monkey habituation and golden monkey trekking tours in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

In this article, we delve into understanding golden monkey trekking safaris and golden monkey trekking tours in Uganda. By the time you’re done with this article, you will have a clear understanding of this amazing safari activity. You will be able to book yourself a golden monkey trekking permit in Uganda and get an extraordinary adventure.

What is golden monkey trekking in Uganda?

Golden monkey trekking in Uganda involves tourists or trekkers walking through the thickets of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. trekkers follow a particular golden monkey group or troop under the guidance of an experienced ranger or guide.

Once you meet the golden monkeys, trekkers are allowed to spend one hour in the presence of these magical apes. It is an opportunity to learn about the behaviors of golden monkeys and take as many pictures as possible. The entire golden monkey trekking activity in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park takes 2 to 4 hours inclusive of the 1 hour spent in the presence of the golden monkeys upon encountering them.

What is golden monkey habituation in Uganda?

Golden monkey habituation in Uganda involves trekkers or tourists following a golden monkey group to study them and make the family used to human presence. Although most primates are close relatives to humans, some golden monkey groups are not used to human presence.

It takes several habituation processes to declare a golden monkey troop or family ready for trekking. During a golden monkey habituation experience travelers spend more time in the presence of the apes, unlike the one hour for golden monkey trekking.

The habituation process is more of a research activity compared to golden monkey trekking. This is why Uganda golden monkey trekking permits are slightly cheaper than golden monkey habituation permits in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Where to do Golden Monkey trekking safaris in Uganda?

Golden Monkey trekking in Uganda takes place in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda in the Kisoro district. The park also borders Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is part of the great Virunga Conservation Area which covers three countries namely; Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Virunga Conservation Area comprises national parks including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Virunga National Park, and Volcanoes National Park. These parks are famous primate trekking destinations.

The Virunga Conservation Area is home to three-quarters of the world’s mountain gorilla population.

How much is a Golden Monkey trekking safari in Uganda?

For one to take on a golden monkey trekking tour in Uganda or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, he or she must obtain a valid golden monkey trekking permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. A Golden Monkey trekking permit costs USD 100 per person per trek.

The fees mentioned above do not include other travel requirements like accommodation, food, and transportation. Talk to your travel or tour agent in Uganda about the quotation for Golden Monkey trekking safaris inclusive of the permit, accommodation, and transportation.

An average golden monkey trekking safari costs between 1000 to 2000 per person depending on the number of days and other safari activities to be included on your safari.

How to book a Golden Monkey trekking permit in Uganda? 

Golden Monkey trekking permits in Uganda are booked through a reputable tour operator in Uganda. All you need is to let us know about your travel dates and make the payment. You will be required to provide a few travel details like your visa and passport copies.

Golden monkey trekking permits in Uganda are issued on a first come first serve basis. This implies that an early bird takes it all. To avoid missing out on the amazing adventure, especially during peak seasons, you are advised to book your Uganda Golden Monkey trekking permits in advance at least 3 months before arrival.

Other safari activities that can be combined with a Uganda golden monkey trekking safari

It is possible to combine your Uganda golden monkey trekking adventure with other safari activities. This implies that one does not have to visit Uganda to enjoy a blend of these amazing activities. Below are some of the safari activities that can easily be combined with Uganda gorilla trekking tours;

  • Mountain gorilla trekking safaris
  • Uganda Wildlife Game drives
  • Chimpanzee trekking tours
  • Uganda birding safaris
  • Kayaking
  • Bungee jumping
  • Zip lining
  • Nature walks
  • Guided nature walks
  • Uganda cultural tours
  • Kampala city tours
  • Quad biking
  • White water rafting

What to pack for a golden monkey trekking safari in Uganda

  • Steady hiking shoes
  • Garden gloves
  • Antimalarial drugs
  • Sunglasses
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Light clothes and a raincoat
  • Backpack
  • Toiletries
  • Camera with spare batteries

What is the best time to take on a Uganda golden monkey trekking safari?

The best time to take on a golden monkey safari in Uganda depends on the budget and the needs of a tourist. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an open safari destination that welcomes travelers any time of the year including public holidays and weekends. However, due to the terrain of the park, golden monkey trekking becomes easier in the dry seasons that are June to September and December to February.

Now that you have learned about golden monkey trekking tours or golden monkey safaris in Uganda, book your permit and enjoy an exceptional safari in the Pearl of Africa.