Golden Monkey Trekking Experience in Uganda – Meeting the Cheeky Creatures in the Wild

Golden monkey trekking is one of the most exciting wildlife experiences Uganda offers, allowing visitors to track and observe the playful primates in their natural habitat. This unique adventure takes place in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a protected area within the Virunga Mountains, where these endangered species thrive. The park is known for its rich biodiversity, also serving as a sanctuary for mountain gorillas.

If you are planning a golden monkey trekking safari, this article provides all the essential details, including permits, costs, the best time to visit, what to pack, and the experience itself. For those passionate about photography, this experience is made even better with Hillary, a local wildlife photographer, who will guide you in capturing the best shots of these fascinating primates while the park guide leads your trek.

Where to Find Golden Monkeys in Uganda

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The only place to enjoy golden monkey trekking in Uganda is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the Kisoro District in southwestern Uganda. This national park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which also includes Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Here, visitors can track golden monkey families that have been habituated for tourism. These beautiful primates, known for their black limbs and golden-orange fur, live in the dense bamboo forests of the park. They are highly active, often seen jumping from one tree to another, feeding on bamboo shoots, seasonal fruits, small invertebrates, and lichens.

For those looking for an in-depth encounter with these playful primates, the best 4 days golden monkey experience offers a great opportunity to fully immerse yourself in their world.

Arrival and Briefing

Upon arrival in Mgahinga National Park, you will check in at one of the nearby lodges and attend a briefing at the Uganda Wildlife Authority Park headquarters. Here, rangers will provide important details about golden monkey tracking, safety precautions, and what to expect.

Next day Golden Monkey Trekking

Your trekking golden experience starts early in the morning, led by an experienced park guide. The trek takes you through dense vegetation, following trails in the lower areas of the Virunga volcanoes. Along the way, you’ll learn about the golden monkeys’ behaviour, feeding habits, and conservation efforts while capturing super photos of the alpha male with his individuals. With Hillary, the wildlife photographer, you’ll get expert guidance on capturing stunning photographs of the monkeys as they interact in their natural habitat.

After spending one hour with the golden monkeys, you will return to the park headquarters for your tracking graduation, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure.

What to Expect During the Trekking?

• The experience begins with a briefing at park headquarters in the morning.
• You will be assigned a golden monkey family to track.
• The trek lasts between one hour to several hours, depending on the monkeys’ location.
• Once found, you will spend one hour observing and taking photographs.

What Golden Monkeys Feed On

During the trek, you’ll notice how golden monkeys feed on bamboo leaves, bamboo shoots, seasonal fruits, lichens, and even small invertebrates like insects. Their diet is highly dependent on the seasons, with sprouts and fruits being more available at certain times of the year. Watching these cheeky monkeys jump from one tree to another is such an amazing moment.

Photography Opportunities with Hillary

Photography enthusiasts will enjoy this experience even more with Hillary, a wildlife photographer, who will help you capture the best images of these rare species of monkeys. He will assist with camera settings, angles, and composition, ensuring you leave with high-quality photographs of the golden monkeys.

Golden Monkey Habituation Experience

For those who want a better understanding of the golden monkeys, the Golden Monkey Habituation Experience allows you to spend up to four hours observing the monkeys. This option is perfect for researchers, photographers, and anyone who wants to learn more about the endangered species in their natural habitat. This experience is part of our photo safari trips we specialise in.

Unlike regular golden monkey trekking, this experience involves spending more time with habituated troops, observing their behaviour, interactions, and daily activities.

Golden Monkey Trekking Permit and Costs

Cost of Golden Monkey Trekking in Uganda

To participate in golden monkey trekking, you need a golden monkey permit, which can be obtained through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a trusted tour operator.

• Golden Monkey Trekking Permit: $60 per person for foreign non-residents, $50 for foreign residents, and UGX 40,000 for East African residents.
• Golden Monkey Habituation Experience: $100 per person for foreign non-residents, $80 for foreign residents, and UGX 100,000 for East African residents.

These permits should be booked in advance, especially during low seasons since in peak seasons are limited (June to September and December to February).

Best Time for Golden Monkey Trekking in Uganda

Seasons and Weather Conditions

The best time for trekking these primates is during the dry seasons (June to August and December to February). These months offer easier trekking conditions and better chances to spot the monkeys.

However, golden monkey trekking is available year-round, with the rainy seasons (March to May and September to November) making the trails more strenuous due to mud.

What to Pack for Golden Monkey Trekking

To have a comfortable trek, it’s essential to pack the right gear.

• Waterproof rain jacket – The weather in the Virunga forests is unpredictable.
• Good hiking shoes – Necessary for navigating the rugged terrain.
• Long sleeved shirt and trousers – To protect against insect bites and scratches from bushes.
• Insect repellent – Helps to avoid bites from forest insects.
• Binoculars – For better views of the monkeys in the canopy.
• Camera – To capture beautiful photographs.
• Snacks and water – To keep you energized during the hike.

Don’t worry much about What to Pack for A safari in Uganda, you can check a full guide on that in the link attached.

How to Get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

By Road

From Kampala or Entebbe, it takes about 9-10 hours to drive to Mgahinga National Park via Kabale and Kisoro. The journey offers scenic views of mountains, rivers, and rural landscapes.

By Air

For a faster option, charter flights are available from Entebbe to Kisoro Airstrip, followed by a one-hour drive to the park.

Other Activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Visitors can also enjoy:

• Gorilla trekking – Track Mountain gorillas in the same national park.
• Batwa Cultural Experience – Learn about the Batwa people, the indigenous forest dwellers.
• Hiking the Virunga Mountains – Climb Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga, or Mount Muhabura.
• Birdwatching – Discover rare and endemic bird species in the park.

Why Choose Golden Monkey Trekking in Uganda?

• Uganda is the only country where you can track both golden monkeys and mountain gorillas in one location.
• The experience is more affordable compared to Rwanda.
• Mgahinga National Park is less crowded than Volcanoes National Park, offering a more intimate experience.

Golden Monkey Tracking in Rwanda

Golden monkey tracking in Rwanda is an incredible wildlife experience that takes place in Volcanoes National Park, located in the country’s northwestern region. This adventure offers visitors the chance to observe and photograph the rare and endangered golden monkeys in their natural habitat within the Virunga Mountains.

Volcanoes National Park – Home of the Golden Monkeys

The only place to experience golden monkey tracking in Rwanda is Volcanoes National Park. This national park is part of the greater Virunga Conservation Area (Virunga forests), which includes Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The park is primarily known for gorilla tracking, but it also harbours a significant golden monkey population. These playful primates are usually found in the lower areas of the Virunga volcanoes, where dense bamboo forests provide an abundant food source.

Golden Monkey Trekking Permits and Costs in Rwanda

A golden monkey permit is required to participate in golden monkey tracking in Rwanda. These permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and should be booked in advance through a trusted tour operator.

• Golden Monkey Trekking Permit: $100 per person
• Golden Monkey Habituation Experience: Not currently offered in Rwanda.

Unlike gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking is more affordable, making it an excellent choice for travellers who want a unique wildlife experience without the higher costs of gorilla tracking.

How to Get to Volcanoes National Park

By Road

From Kigali, it takes about 2.5 hours to drive to Volcanoes National Park. The journey offers scenic views of Rwanda’s mountains, villages, and lush forests.

By Air

For travellers who prefer a quicker option, charter flights from Kigali to Musanze are available. From Musanze, it’s a short drive to the park headquarters.

Why Choose this Tracking in Rwanda?

• Unique Experience – Unlike gorilla trekking, this monkey tracking is more active and involves following these fast-moving monkeys through the bamboo forests.
• More Affordable – At $100 per person, it is one of the most budget-friendly primate experiences in East Africa.
• Less Crowded – Fewer tourists participate in golden monkey trekking, allowing for a more intimate experience.

For an unforgettable safari, golden monkey trekking in Uganda is a must-do activity, combining conservation, adventure, and photography.

Book your trip today and experience the beauty of these playful primates in the wild.