Tracking The Beautiful Golden Monkeys in Bamboo Mountain Forests Of Mgahinga.
Come along with us on a thrilling journey to track the magnificent golden monkeys through the lush bamboo mountain forests of Mgahinga.
Located in the extreme southwestern region of Uganda on the borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mgahinga National Park is the smallest park in the Virunga Conservation area but the most beautiful national park. Established in 1991, it is contiguous with Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the DRC.
And what better way to experience this park than by tracking the endangered golden monkeys? These beautiful primates are a sight to behold, with their striking rufous-red backs, cheeks, tails, black legs, crown, tail tip, and a pale patch around the nose and mouth. They live in groups of 30-60 individuals, with one adult male leading each group through daily family dynamics and survival escapades.
Only three countries have a home for golden monkeys: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, Uganda and Rwanda are the best sites for golden monkey trekking, with approximately 4,500 endangered golden monkeys left on the planet.
Visitors to Uganda who mostly come for the gorilla trekking safari experience can extend their trip into Mgahinga for at least two nights and join the daily guided trekking excursions. Uganda offers two options to see these gorgeous creatures; golden monkey trekking and the golden monkey habituation experience.
Golden Monkey Trekking
The golden monkey trekking experience starts daily at sunrise. It is led by experienced local trackers who know the park inside and out, ensuring that visitors are safe and can enjoy the experience fully. The tracker guide leads a small group of tourists from the tracking center through the Afromontane tropical rainforest, bamboo forest zone, and alpine zone of Mgahinga National Park in Uganda until they find the golden monkeys.
When they find them, the creatures are usually being their natural selves; foraging, fighting, bonding, or napping anywhere from a tree branch to a soft grass cushion for a rest. And as the small primates move quickly through the trees, visitors will feel a sense of wonder and awe at the diversity of life surrounding them. The park rangers allow visitors to observe them for just an hour and then lead them out of the mountain forest.
Basically, it’s not different from watching mountain gorillas in the same park. The entire experience is incredibly breathtaking and surprisingly safe. As you hike through the forest, you’ll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature, with spectacular views of mist-shrouded mountains, lush vegetation, and the occasional glimpse of other wildlife. The trek can sometimes be challenging, with steep inclines and rocky terrain, but the reward is more than worth it.
The golden monkey tracking experience costs 60 USD per person, allowing visitors to see the golden monkeys for one hour. On the other hand, you can pay more and spend more time watching Africa’s mountain creatures on a Habituation Experience.
The Golden Monkey Habituation Experience
The Golden Monkey Habituation Experience in Mgahinga National Park costs 100 USD per person, and visitors can stay with semi-habituated golden monkeys for four hours, capturing photos and videos and observing how they play and live in their habitat.
During the four-hour habituation experience, visitors will follow the golden monkeys wherever they go following the guide’s instructions. The experience is truly immersive and highly recommended for primate researchers and students.
The Golden Monkey Habituation Experience isn’t just about seeing the golden monkeys – it’s also about learning more about their behavior and ecology. Visitors can ask questions and learn more about these fascinating creatures, their role in the ecosystem, and the conservation efforts underway to protect them.
After trekking the golden monkeys of Mgahinga, you can also extend your trip into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a gorilla trekking experience, which is a more immersive and captivating adventure. Such primate safaris usually extend into the savannah parks for wildlife viewing before heading out of the country.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a unique adventure in Uganda, the golden monkey tracking experience in Mgahinga National Park is an absolute must. With its stunning views, rare and beautiful golden monkeys, and the opportunity to capture unforgettable photos and videos, this experience is one you’ll never forget. So don’t hesitate to book your golden monkey tracking experience today!
