Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda. Golden monkey trekking is one of the most exciting activities carried out in this park. Before the trek begins, tour guides brief visitors at the park headquarters about the rules, safety measures, and what to expect during the experience.
A golden monkey trek can take between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on where the monkeys are found. These playful primates move often in search of food, which makes the experience more adventurous.
Unlike gorillas, golden monkeys are not easy to find because they leave no clear tracks. They are small and fast, but once located, visitors can spend one hour observing their behavior and taking photos.
To take part in this activity, visitors must have a golden monkey trekking permit. Permits can be booked through the Uganda Wildlife Authority by phone or email, either in advance or directly at the park headquarters. The permits cost 60 USD for foreign residents, 60 USD for foreign non-residents, and 40,000 UGX for East African citizens. Only visitors aged 15 years and above are allowed to participate.
The best time for golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga is during the dry months from June to September and December to February. During this period, the trails are dry, less slippery, and the vegetation is thinner, making it easier to spot the monkeys.
Visitors are advised to pack essential items such as comfortable hiking boots, insect repellent, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, a camera with extra batteries, walking sticks for support, snacks, and enough drinking water.
Mgahinga National Park can be reached by road or air. By road, the journey from Kampala goes through Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, and Kisoro, taking about 9 hours. A 4WD vehicle is recommended because the road from Kisoro to the park can be rough. Budget travelers can use public transport by taking a bus to Kisoro and then a taxi to the park. Alternatively, visitors can fly from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip.
Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga is a memorable experience. Watching these playful primates in their natural forest home is truly worth every moment.
