Golden monkey trekking in mgahinga national park
Golden monkey trekking in mgahinga national park, Trekking for golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an exceptional activity for those engaging in a primate safari. Golden monkeys are an endangered species, with a remaining population of 3,000 to 4,000 individuals globally. They exhibit many colors, including black, grey, and a striking shade of orange-gold, which has led to their designation as golden monkeys. They inhabit sizable groups of up to 100 individuals, governed by an alpha male, and exhibit less mobility, remaining in the same site for extended periods, in contrast to gorillas. Golden monkeys consume bamboo leaves, seasonal fruits, flowers, sprouts, leaves, lichens, and small invertebrates, all of which are plentiful in the forest.
Gorilla National Park is situated. Golden monkeys are indigenous to the Albertine Rift Valley, where they coexist with the equally endangered mountain gorillas. The park is situated in the southwestern region of Uganda, within Kisoro District. Golden monkey tracking in Uganda occurs in Mgahinga National Park.
Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park entails hikers traversing the bush to locate golden monkeys in their natural environment. The excursion commences at 8 am with an orientation regarding expectations, after which travelers proceed to seek the golden monkeys along the Gahinga route. The jungle is animated by the sounds and activities of the golden monkeys, who leap from one bamboo tree to another as they engage in play and foraging. Travelers are permitted only one hour with the monkeys upon encounter, after which they return to the starting site. The activity is not physically demanding and typically lasts approximately 3 hours, as the monkeys inhabit lower elevations. Individuals under the age of 12 are prohibited from participating in golden monkey tracking at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
To effectively observe golden monkeys in Mgahinga, guests must possess appropriate equipment, including sturdy hiking footwear, long-sleeved shirts, rain coats, insect repellent, binoculars for birdwatching, energy-boosting snacks, and water for hydration during the trek. A trekking pole may also prove beneficial. At the commencement of the trek, you may engage a porter to assist you, such as by carrying your backpack or providing support on treacherous terrain through pulling or pushing.
Travelers must initially get golden monkey tracking licenses, which grant access to participate in the activity. The permit is priced at $60 for foreign non-residents and residents, whilst East African natives are charged UGX 40,000 per individual, and it is valid for a single use only. Permits are available for purchase at the Ntebeko park headquarters or through a reputable tour operator.
Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is available year-round. One can visit the park year-round and be certain of participating in the activity. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is accessible by both air and road, as well as from Rwanda. One can drive from Kampala to the park in approximately 9 to 10 hours. Charter flights can be booked from Entebbe or Kampala to Kisoro, from whence guests are taken to the park. The park is readily accessible from Rwanda; guests may choose to fly directly into Rwanda and then undertake a four-hour car journey from Kigali to Mgahinga via the Cyanika or Katuna border.
Travelers seeking an extended interaction with the golden monkeys may choose to participate in a golden monkey habituation session within the park. The habituation experience enables passengers to learn about the nature and behaviors of golden monkeys alongside researchers and specialists. A golden monkey habituation experience permit must be acquired for $100 for foreign non-residents and residents, and UGX100,000 for East African citizens.
Golden monkey trekking in mgahinga national park , In Mgahinga, guests can engage in several activities beyond golden monkey tracking, including gorilla tracking, bird viewing, nature treks, visiting local communities, and exploring the Batwa cultural trail, among others.Golden monkey tracking at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an excellent pastime for travelers to engage in alongside gorilla tracking. Contact us or a reputable tour operator to assist you in organizing an optimal holiday to observe the golden monkeys.
What is the cost of the golden monkey permit
A golden monkey trekking permit is a document provided by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to visitors aged 15 and older, permitting them to visit a golden monkey family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. A solitary golden monkey hiking permit is priced at USD 60 for foreign non-residents, USD 60 for foreign residents, and UGX 40,000 for East African citizens. The cost encompasses park entrance fees, a one-hour interaction with the golden monkeys, and the services of a park guide.
How to reserve golden monkey trekking permits
Golden monkey trekking permits in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be reserved directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority by contacting their offices by telephone or email. Permits for golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be reserved via a reputable tour operator such as Achieve Global Safaris. Golden monkey trekking permits may be reserved in advance through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or obtained on-site at the park headquarters, as there is no minimum visitation requirement.
When is the best time to go for golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is feasible year-round, although the optimal period is during the dry/peak season, specifically in June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. In the dry season, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park experiences reduced rainfall, resulting in accessible trekking pathways and sparse foliage, which facilitates clear observation of golden monkeys and other animal species.