Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Monkey Trekking In Mgahinga National Park

Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Monkey Trekking In Mgahinga National Park

Discover the major frequently asked questions about golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga National Park. While Mgahinga National Park is renowned for gorilla trekking, it is also home to the exclusive golden monkeys. These unique primates have a larger body structure compared to regular monkeys and can only be found in Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. Embark on a primate trip to this small national park and combine gorilla trekking, mountain hiking, and golden monkey trekking for a memorable and diverse experience.

What Is Golden Monkey Trekking?

Golden Monkey Trekking is an exhilarating activity that involves following troupes of habituated golden monkeys families in the forest. These endangered species of monkeys require conservation efforts as their existence is at risk.

What Is The Cost Of Golden Monkey Permits In Mgahinga National Park?

The Uganda Wildlife Authority is responsible for issuing golden monkey permits. To secure your permit, make an advance reservation, and you will be allocated a ranger guide. The cost of a golden monkey permit in Uganda is $50 per person per trek.

What Is Included In The Price Of Golden Monkey Permits?

The golden monkey permit price includes the park entrance fee, golden monkey conservation fee, ranger guide, security, park monitoring and maintenance, and the opportunity to spend one hour with a habituated golden monkey family.

Is Golden Monkey Trekking Worth Doing?

Absolutely! Golden monkeys are enchanting and charming primates, making the trek well worth it. Contributing to their conservation efforts also plays a crucial role in safeguarding these endangered species.

How To Get To Mgahinga National Park For Golden Monkeys Trekking

You can access Mgahinga National Park either by road or air. By road, the journey from Kampala to Mgahinga covers approximately 540 km and takes around 8 to 9 hours. Alternatively, you can opt for a daily domestic flight from Kajjansi Airstrip or Entebbe Airport to Kisoro Airstrip, and then take a transfer vehicle to Mgahinga National Park. Charter flights can also be arranged upon request.

How Many Golden Monkeys Live In A Troupe?

Approximately 100 to 200 golden monkeys live in a troupe, with an alpha male leading the group.

What Accommodations To Book For Golden Monkey Experience In Mgahinga National Park?

To fully enjoy the golden monkey trekking experience, it is recommended to stay close to Mgahinga National Park. Several accommodations are available, ranging from luxury to budget options. Some of the choices include Volcanoes Gahinga Lodge, Camping, Traveler’s Inn, and Kisoro Tourist Hotel.

When Is The Best Time For Booking A Golden Monkey Trekking In Mgahinga National Park?

Golden monkey trekking is possible all year round, but the drier months, especially June to September and December, offer better visibility, making them more suitable for photography. Despite the park’s cool climate throughout the year, the drier months have less humidity and more passable slopes.

How Long Is Golden Monkey Trek In Mgahinga National Park?

Locating the golden monkeys in Mgahinga National Park may take up to 2 hours or more, depending on factors like food availability and troop movements.

How Difficult Is Golden Monkeys Trekking?

Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga National Park involves hiking in the generally mountainous terrain. As it shares a similar topography with gorilla trekking, using gorilla trekking gears, such as trekking boots, is advantageous. Be prepared to traverse boggy soils and dense river networks.

What Food Do Golden Monkeys Eat?

Golden monkeys primarily consume vegetation, including tree leaves and fruits. Similar to other monkeys, they also add ants to their diet.

What Is The Difference Between Golden Monkey Trekking And Gorilla Trekking In Mgahinga National Park?

The key distinction lies in the animals sought during the trek. Golden monkey trekking involves searching for the rare golden monkeys, while gorilla trekking aims to locate habituated mountain gorillas. Additionally, golden monkey permits cost $50 in Uganda, while gorilla trekking permits cost USD800 per person per trek. The age limit for golden monkey trekking is 12 years old, while it is 15 years old for gorilla trekking. Gorillas are larger, with mature silverback males sporting a white saddle of fur on their backs, while golden monkeys are smaller and have golden brown fur on their lower bodies.

What To Pack For Golden Monkey Trekking In Mgahinga National Park?

Pack essential items for a comfortable trek, including a camera, rainproof gear, a water bottle, trekking boots suitable for volcanic soil, energy snacks, a cape or large brim hat, some hard cash for local transactions, a waterproof light bag, masks for use before trekking and during the encounter with the golden monkeys, warm wear (trousers and long-sleeved shirt), binoculars, and insect repellent.

What Else Can You Do With Golden Monkeys Trekking Safari In Mgahinga National Park?

Enhance your golden monkey trekking experience by adding other activities like gorilla trekking, birdwatching to observe the numerous bird species, hiking the Mgahinga Mountains for breathtaking views, and engaging in a community visit with the Batwa people, immersing yourself in their rich cultural heritage and visiting the Garama caves.

What Are The Rules Of Golden Monkeys Trekking?

To ensure a safe and responsible encounter with the golden monkeys, adhere to the following rules:

1. Do not feed the golden monkeys.
2. Avoid dumping garbage in the forest.
3. Use flash-less cameras for photography.
4. Follow the ranger guide’s instructions regarding defecation.
5. Keep a distance from the golden monkeys and refrain from luring them with food.
6. Avoid smoking or chewing in front of the golden monkeys.
7. Do not spit on vegetation.
8. Limit your visit to one hour to allow the monkeys time to search for food.
9. If you feel unwell, volunteer to stay behind to avoid potential primate transmission of diseases.
10. Children aged 12 and above are allowed to participate in golden monkey trekking.
11. Avoid loud voices that may scare the mobile golden monkeys.

Is There A Golden Monkey Habituation Experience?

Yes, Mgahinga National Park offers a golden monkey habituation experience permit, allowing visitors to spend more time with these captivating primates.

For more information about frequently asked questions about golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga National Park, kindly consult our experts at Trek Africa Expeditions  and visit our Trip Advisor review page for additional insights. Unravel the mysteries of these endangered golden monkeys and embark on a thrilling safari in Mgahinga National Park.