Golden monkey trekking / tracking in Uganda is another exciting wildlife adventure you can add to your Uganda trip or vacation.This activity is done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which is also home for the mountain gorillas. The only other country which offers the golden monkey trek is Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park.
Golden Monkeys are unique to the Virunga mountain range which spans Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are some of the most beautiful monkeys species because of their striking golden fur coats, thus the name ‘Golden’ Monkeys. They live in large groups called troops, and inhabit the lower areas of the mountains which are largely covered with bamboo forest. They love to feed on the bamboo shoot.
The golden monkey trekking is normally done as an extra to the gorilla trekking adventure which is the most popular tour in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Other activities include volcano hiking, batwa pygmy experience, birding, and nature walks among others.
What is the cost of golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga National Park
A Golden Monkey tracking permit/ticket costs as follows:
International travelers: USD60
Foreign residents: USD50
Ugandan/East African citizens: 40,000 Ugandan Shillings (approx $12)
Note that above price of the ticket does not include park entry fee which must be paid and is charged as follows:
International travelers: $40
Foreign residents: $30
Ugandans/East African citizens: 20,000 Ugandan Shillings (approximately $6)
Note that only persons aged 15 years and above are allowed to take part in golden monkey trek or habituation.
How is the golden monkey trekking organized?
The tracking session starts off with a briefing by the rangers at the park offices at 7.30am, then starting the trek at 8.00am. The Monkeys do not veer off too high up the mountain but rather spend most of the time in the bamboo nearer to the base. They travel in their hundreds, spending most of the time in the bamboo canopy picking the shoot from the tops, but will often come down to the ground as well. The Golden Monkeys are photogenic and not shy to move within a small distance to human. You follow them through the forest for not more than one hour.
Do you want to spend more time time with the monkeys?
If you would like to spend more time with the monkeys then you can opt to do the golden monkey habituation experience. The habituation experience is supposed to last for a full day.
