Cost of golden monkey trekking permits in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the details of golden monkey trekking permits in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, including permit information, booking procedures, the trekking experience, and much more. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, nestled in the southwestern part of Uganda, is a hidden gem known for its captivating wildlife experiences. Among its many attractions, golden monkey trekking stands out as a unique adventure that allows you to observe these charming primates in their natural habitat.

Golden Monkey Trekking Permits

To embark on a golden monkey trekking adventure in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, you’ll need a permit. The cost of these permits varies depending on your residency status:

1. Foreign Non-Residents: $60 USD per person
2. Foreign Residents: $50 USD per person
3. East African Citizens: 40,000 UGX per person

In addition to the permit fee, please note that there is a park entrance fee, which is separate from the golden monkey trekking permit. The entrance fee is as follows:

1. Foreign Non-Residents: $40 USD per person
2. Foreign Residents: $30 USD per person
3. East African Citizens: 20,000 UGX per person

Booking Golden Monkey Trekking Permits

Booking golden monkey trekking permits is a straightforward process that ensures you secure your spot for this incredible experience. You can book permits through trusted tour operators like Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd. Here’s how the booking process works:

1. Contact a Tour Operator: Reach out to a reputable tour operator, such as Iconic Africa Safaris Ltd, and provide them with the dates you wish to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for golden monkey trekking.
2. Permit Availability Check: The tour operator will then check the availability of permits with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Permit availability can vary, so it’s crucial to plan ahead.
3. Deposit Payment: If permits are available for your desired dates, you’ll be asked to make a deposit. Once the payment has been made, the tour operator can proceed to purchase the permit on your behalf.

When to Book Golden Monkey Trekking Permits

To ensure you secure your golden monkey trekking permits, it’s advisable to book them well in advance. Permits tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons. We recommend booking your permits 2 to 4 months ahead of your trekking date. This strategy helps you avoid last-minute disappointments and ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience.

What’s Included in the Golden Monkey Trekking Permit

When you purchase a golden monkey trekking permit, you gain access to a memorable experience that includes:

1. One Hour with Golden Monkeys: You’ll have the opportunity to spend an hour observing and interacting with these playful and rare golden monkeys in their natural habitat.
2. Knowledgeable Park Guide: A knowledgeable Uganda Wildlife Authority park guide accompanies you throughout the trek, providing valuable insights into the park’s flora and fauna.
3. Armed Ranger Guides: Your safety is a top priority. Armed ranger guides will be there to protect you from any potential dangers, ensuring a secure trekking experience.

Golden Monkey Trekking Experience

The golden monkey trekking experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park promises excitement and adventure. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Early Morning Briefing: The day begins at around 8:00 AM with a comprehensive briefing. During this session, you’ll learn about the rules, regulations, and what to expect during the trek.
2. Group Allocation: After the briefing, trekkers are divided into groups of eight people. Each group is assigned to a habituated golden monkey family to trek, accompanied by an experienced park guide.
3. Trek Duration: The trek itself can last anywhere from 2 to 5 hours. The duration varies depending on the location of the golden monkeys, as they tend to move around in search of food.
4. Observation Time: Upon locating the golden monkeys, you’ll be granted one hour to observe them in their natural habitat. This unique opportunity allows you to witness their feeding habits, playful antics, tree-bound acrobatics, and gain a deeper understanding of their behaviors.
5. Capturing Memories: Don’t forget your camera! You’ll have the chance to capture stunning photos and record precious moments to share with friends and family back home.

Best Time for Golden Monkey Trekking

Golden monkey trekking is available year-round in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, but the best time to embark on this adventure is during the dry seasons. These dry periods typically occur from June to September and from December to February. During these months, the park experiences less rainfall, making the access roads and trekking trails dry and passable. This favorable weather conditions make the trekking experience more enjoyable and less challenging.

Other Activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

While golden monkey trekking is a highlight of the park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a diverse range of activities to further enrich your visit:

1. Gorilla Trekking: Spend an unforgettable hour with the majestic mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
2. Bird Watching: Explore the park’s incredible birdlife, including the Albertine Rift endemics, with rewarding birdwatching experiences.
3. Mountain Climbing: Hike the stunning peaks of Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura for breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment.
4. Cultural Trail Experience: Interact with the Batwa people, who once called the forest home before it was designated as a national park. Learn about their rich culture and heritage.

How to Reach Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Getting to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is an integral part of planning your visit. You can access the park via various transportation methods:

1. Air Transport: You can book scheduled or charter domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip. From there, you can continue your journey to the park headquarters by road.
2. Road Transport: If you prefer a road trip, you can drive from Kampala, passing through Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, Kisoro, and finally reaching the park headquarters. This journey takes approximately 9 to 10 hours by safari vehicle.
3. From Kigali, Rwanda: Alternatively, you can fly to Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. From there, you can cross the border to reach the park headquarters via Cyanika Border in Kisoro or Katuna Border in Kabale. This route takes about 3 to 4 hours by road.

Where to Stay in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Some of the accommodation facilities available include:

1. Mount Gahinga Lodge
2. Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
3. Mount Gahinga Rest Camp
4. Lake Chahafi Resort
5. Mucha Hotel
6. Kisoro Travellers Rest Hotel
7. Montana Guest House
8. Lake Mutanda Resort
9. Ichumbi Hotel
10. Mgahinga Gorilla Triangle Lodge
11. Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp
12. Ikaze Cottages

These lodging options ensure that you have a comfortable and convenient place to stay during your golden monkey trekking adventure and other activities in the park.