How long do stay with golden monkeys in Mgahinga.

Staying with the golden monkeys is known as the golden monkey trekking safari takes place in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park it’s an interesting and intriguing safari activity, that involves the tourists moving on foot into the forest while searching for the habituated golden monkey families and once found you will spend one hour with the golden monkeys in their natural habitat. The golden monkeys are the unique primates in Uganda that are only found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which is the smallest protected area in Uganda. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the Virunga Mountains, which stretch across the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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The park is located in Southwestern Uganda in Kisoro district and it’s the only protected area in Uganda that harbors the endangered golden monkeys. The park is famous on a Uganda safari because it is one of the two national parks in Uganda where you can trek and see the endangered mountain gorillas as well. The park covers an area of 33.7 square kilometers (13 sq. mi).  The park was established in 1991, making it as one of the youngest national parks in Uganda.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park harbors the golden monkeys, also the golden monkeys are found in other safari destinations like Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Beiga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is known for its stunning and diverse ecosystems and it’s a great safari destination for nature lovers’ hikers and those interested in the cultural experiences.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has various habitats that include the montane forest, bamboo forest, alpine vegetation that supports diverse range of the wildlife like mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, bushbucks, buffaloes, duikers, bush pigs and among many others, over 180 bird species like Rwenzori turacos, Black-and-white casqued hornbill, crowned crane, Grey crowned crane, Waxbills, sunbirds and among others. However it’s worth noting that some species, like the elephants are occasional visitors and not permanent residents. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park’s rich biodiversity makes it a fascinating safari destination for nature lovers, bird watchers and those interested in exploring the unique ecosystems of the Virunga Mountains.

How long do stay with the golden monkeys in Mgahinga.

On your Uganda safari when visiting the golden monkeys in Mgahinga gorilla national park, the duration for the visit is typically limited to 1 hour. This is to minimize the impact on the monkeys and their habitat and to ensure that they do not become too habituated to humans.

During your golden monkey trekking safari you are expected to know the following during the one hour,

Guided treks, a park ranger will lead you through the forest to look for the golden monkeys in their natural habitat.

Observation, Once you find the monkeys, you will be able to observe them for 1 hour, this is a great safari moment where you are going to observe them doing their daily activities like feeding, playing, grooming and many others, as well that’s the period when you will take photos and learning about their behaviors.

Distance, you will be required to keep a distance from the monkeys during your stay with them that is at least 5 meters/16 feet) to avoid disturbing them.

Group size, the number of the visitors is limited to 8 people per group to minimize the impact on the monkeys.

It’s important to note that the golden monkey trekking safari experience is not as physically demanding as gorilla trekking, but it still requires a moderate level of fitness and mobility. On your safari to the park, you are reminded that the park offers a golden monkey habituation safari experience, which allows you to spend up to 4 hours with the monkeys, but this requires a different permit and is subject to availability.

Golden monkey trekking experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Golden Monkey Trekking Safari is a distinctive and captivating safari activity in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the activity starts early in the morning at the park headquarters with a briefing about the rules, regulations and expectations during the golden monkey trekking. After the briefing, you will start trekking in the forest with an experienced guide which takes about 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on where the golden monkeys are located as they like to move from one place to another while looking for fresh food and along the way looking for the golden monkeys you will spot different wonderful animal species, other primate species and bird species.  Golden monkeys are small in size and do not leave behind clear evidence of their previous day’s location like the mountain gorillas there during trekking you will look out for the fresh leftovers of the bamboo shoots and leaves. But once you spot the golden monkeys you will be allowed to spend one hour in their presence while watching them doing their daily activities, that’s when you will take photos, learn about their behaviors, watching them jumping from one tree to another while recording the videos.

Cost of a Golden Monkey trekking permit.

Golden monkey trekking permit is a legal document issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to any visitor who is above the 15 years allowing them to stay with the golden monkey family in their habitat for one hour in hour in Mgahinga gorilla national park. A single golden monkey trekking permit costs 100 USD for foreign non-residents, USD 100 for foreign residents and 60,000 UGX for East African citizens. The price includes the park entrance fees, one hour encounter with the golden monkeys and services of a park guide.

How to book Golden Monkey trekking permits.

Golden monkey permits in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be booked in two different ways that is either through directly Uganda Wildlife Authority through contacting the offices on telephone calls or emailing them. On the other hand the golden monkey trekking permits in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be booked through a trusted tour operator like us. Golden monkey trekking permits can be booked in advance at

as well as on the ground from the park headquarters since there is no minimum number of visitors required.

Golden monkey trekking permits in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park should be booked 2 to 4 months in advance before the trekking date as to avoid last-minute disappointments because they tend to be sold out quickly especially during the dry season in the months of June-September and December-February.

What to carry for your golden monkey trekking safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park,

Trekking to see the golden monkeys in their natural habitat is an exhilarating safari experience. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, it’s essential to pack the right gear and be prepared for the challenges of trekking in the mountainous forest. By being prepared and knowledgeable you will be able to focus on the thrill of the golden monkey trekking and create unforgettable safari memories in Mgahinga gorilla national park.

• Camera and the extra batteries to take the pictures and record videos.
• Insect repellent to protect your body from the insect bites.
• Energy snacks like the packed lunch and the drinking water.
• Walking stick to give you support during golden monkey trekking.
• Backpack to carry your golden monkey trekking essentials like the insect repellent, rain jackets, and among many others.
• Hiking boots/strong hiking shoes to keep your feet dry during the trekking.
• Waterproof rain jacket to protect you from rainfall.
• Long sleeved shirt and trouser to keep you warm and avoid insects from entering your trousers.
• Waterproof jacket and pants.
• Quick-drying trekking shirt.
• Water bottle or hydration pack.
• Respect the park rules and regulation.
• Be prepared for the changing weather conditions.
• Portable change for the tips and the souvenirs.
• Hand sanitizer.
• First-aid kit.

Best time to go for golden monkey trekking safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Golden monkey trekking safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be done at any time throughout the year though the best period is during the dry/peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season that’s when there is less rainfall in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park therefore the hiking trails will be passable making it easier to hike and navigate through the forest,  vegetation will be thin which gives you an opportunity to clearly view the golden monkeys and other wildlife species. The clear skies and less foliage provide better views of the monkeys and their habitat and the golden monkeys can be more active during the dry season thus making them easier to spot. Overall the dry season provides a more comfortable and enjoyable trekking safari. You are reminded that the dry season is also the peak tourist season, so expect more visitors and thus the higher prices of the accommodations.

However also golden monkey trekking can be in the rainy season that’s is the months of March to May and September to November, although the trails can be muddy and slippery there are advantages in the park as there can be fewer tourists that visit during the rainy season, making for a more peaceful and intimate safari experience with the monkeys.

The rainy season brings lush, green vegetation, making the forest even more beautiful for photography. Also the golden monkeys tend to stay in the lower elevations during the rainy season making them easier to spot.

Trekking in the rain can be an exceptional and exciting safari experience, with the sounds and the smells of the forest intensified by the rain, also during the rainy season the accommodation facilities can be affordable compared to the dry season when there can be many visitors.

Where to stay in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park during the golden monkey trekking.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers various accommodation facilities to tourists who come to do golden monkey trekking. For this matter, the park features a wide range of accommodation options from Luxury-Midrange and budget options. Some of the lodges include Mount Gahinga Lodge, Traveler’s rest hotel-Kisoro, Mucha Hotel Kisoro, Montana Guest House, Ichumbi Hotel, Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle Lodge, Ikaze cottages, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Lake Chahafi Resort,  Mutanda Lake resort, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Mgahinga rest camp and among many others.

How to get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the southwestern part of the country, and to access the park you either use the road transport or air transport. When you opt to use the road transport you will drive from Kampala through Masaka, Kisoro and then you will reach the park which will take you about 9 to 10 hours.

You can also opt to drive from Kigali Rwanda’s capital and drive to Kisoro which takes you 4 hours to the park through Cyanika border in Kisoro or Katuna border in Kibale.

Air transport, when using air transport you will book the scheduled or charter flights with Aero Link Uganda from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro airstrip and you will connect to the park headquarters by the safari vehicle.

Also you can get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, by flying into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda, taking a charter flight or a scheduled flight to Kisoro Airstrip (near Mgahinga) that makes you reach the park.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers other incredible safari activities after golden monkey trekking. On your safari you can also engage in gorilla trekking where you will be able to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas, bird watching where you will be able to view a variety of bird species like the Albertine rift endemics, mountain climbing where you will able to explore through hiking Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga and Mount Muhabura. After all the experiences you can end your safari with the cultural trail safari experience where you will be able to interact with the Batwa people who used to live in the forest before it was gazetted as a national park.

At Encounter Africa Safaris, our team of experts is readily available to assist you plan your safari. Contact us for more information.