How to Plan a Gorilla and Golden Monkey Tracking Safari in Uganda?

Planning a successful gorilla and golden monkey safari in Uganda or any tour is every traveler’s dream. A gorilla and golden monkey safari offers exceptional primate encounters of both the massive mountain gorillas and golden monkeys while in the wild and not at the zoo. Mountain gorillas and golden monkeys are all unique species thriving only in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.

In Uganda, it is possible to track both mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. This is possible while on your Uganda safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Golden monkeys are endemic to only the Virunga Mountains and in Uganda, Mgahinga lies within the Virunga Region which makes it a special safari destination of its own.

Other than Mgahinga, a huge number of mountain gorillas also thrive within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park making Uganda a country with 2 great mountain gorilla safari destinations. Visiting both mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Uganda is possible on 4 day or 5 days Uganda safari in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is remotely located in extreme Southwestern Uganda at the border with Congo and Rwanda. Its borders stretch covering only 33.7sq.km of land area, established in 1991 mainly to inhabit mountain gorillas and other wildlife/attractions of Uganda safari traveler interest. The park also protects some of the Virunga Mountain ranges, especially Mount Gahinga, Sabyinyo, and Mount Muhabura Volcanoes.

Other wildlife species living in Mgahinga include spotted hyenas, golden cats, forest elephants, buffaloes, duikers, leopards, bushbucks, side-stripped jackals, giant forest hogs, and more. Over 180 bird species also reside in the park making it a significant birding safari destination. The major attractions/activities in Mgahinga include mountain gorilla trekking, birding, volcano hiking, and golden monkey tracking.

Tracking mountain gorillas and golden monkeys are the top list experiences attracting many travelers on Uganda safaris every year. Unlike Bwindi with over 20 habituated gorilla groups, in Mgahinga National Park, there is only one habituated family- the Nyakagezi gorilla group to be visited for gorilla trekking. This is visited by a maximum of 8 visitors per day.

Over 30 golden monkeys have also undergone habituation and are ready for tracking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Combining both gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking rewards visitors with mesmerizing encounters of a lifetime.

Treks to see golden monkeys or gorillas in Mgahinga begin at the Ntebeko area with a briefing at 7:00 am and at 8:00 am, the actual search for these great apes starts. Tracking golden monkeys or gorillas is always done with a lead of an experienced and armed park guide. It takes about 2-6 hours to complete the trek but it all depends on the location of these apes, your speed of trekking, and the nature of the habitat.

Golden monkeys and gorilla permits

Golden monkey and gorilla trekking permits are required for you to have access to Mgahinga to engage in a trek to see these apes. Golden monkey tracking permits in Uganda cost USD60 for foreign non-residents & foreign residents, then East African citizens UGX40,000.

Gorilla trekking permits

Foreign non-residents pay USD700 for the Mgahinga gorilla permit, USD700 for foreign residents, and UGX 250,000. The golden monkey and gorilla permit costs include park entrance fees, one hour with gorillas or golden monkeys, and park guide fees. Golden monkey and gorilla permits should be booked early at least 2-6 months and the team at Maranatha Tours and Travel is readily set to provide you with any kind of help to make your safari in Uganda a dream come true.

Best time to go track golden monkeys and gorillas in Mgahinga

Gorilla and golden monkey tracking are done yearly, but the dry season is the most preferred time. Every year, Mgahinga records 2 dry seasons- one phase starts in June, July, August, and September, then another phase occurs in December, January, and February.

What to pack for gorilla and golden monkey tracking?

How and what you pack for gorilla and golden monkey safari in Uganda matters and it is always advisable to start with essential items. These include golden monkey permits, gorilla permits, long-sleeved shirts, trousers, camera, daypack, sweater, first aid kit, waterproof hiking boots, pair of binoculars, snacks, bottled water, insect repellents, toiletries, etc.

Where to stay

The lodges to consider for an overnight stay in and around Mgahinga include Mount Gahinga Lodge, Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Mt. Muhabura Climbers Rest Camp, Travelers’ Rest Hotel, Mucha Hotel Kisoro, Mutanda Lake Resort, Mgahinga Rest Camp and others.

Getting to Mgahinga for golden monkey and gorilla safari

Getting to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is easier by road or by air. By road, the park is a 9-10 hours drive from Kampala capital city and you drive through Mbarara to Kisoro with the opportunity to visit unique attractions en route including the Equator crossing. Or take a short distance by connecting from Kigali for just 4 hours drive or fly from Entebbe Airport/Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro airstrip.