How much is a golden monkey tracking permit?.
How much is a golden monkey tracking permit? An adventure to witness the playful golden monkeys in their natural habitat is a journey into the heart of Uganda’s biodiversity. Abunda Discoveries Uganda is your gateway to this enchanting experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. A golden monkey permit in Uganda costs $100 per person for foreign non residents, $80per person for foreign residents and Shillings 100,000 for East African Residents. This cost includes the park entry fee $40 per person and you spend 1 hour with the golden monkeys. These permits can be booked on ground from the Park headquarters in Ntebeko Visitor Center. Also available is golden monkey habituation experience that costs only $140 per person for foreign non residents, 120USD per person for foreign residents and 120,000ugx per person for East African citizens.
Just like gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking starts with tourists arriving at the Park headquarters by 7:30am for pre-tracking briefing. The actual trek begins at 8:00am. Hiking through the forests to sight the golden monkeys is not so strenuous like gorilla trekking because golden monkeys live in lower areas, so tourists do not track for more than 3 hours.
How To get To Mgahinga National Park For Golden Monkeys Trekking
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By Road
Kampala-Kabale Kisoro
Mgahinga National park is approximately 540 km from Kampala and by road, you take about 8 to 9 hours excluding stops. When you take a drive from Kabale, the winding road of about 80 km leads you to Ntebeko Visitor Center the headquarters of the park lasting about 2 hours on a bumpy road.
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By Air
Kajjansi Air Strip / Entebbe Airport to Kisoro
Daily domestic flights depart Kajjansi Airstrip or Entebbe Airport for the Kisoro Airstrip. You need a transfer vehicle to take you to Mgahinga National Park. Charter flights can be arranged upon request from either Kajjansi or Entebbe Airport.
Understanding Golden Monkey Tracking in Mgahinga:
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, situated in the southwestern corner of Uganda, is renowned not only for its iconic mountain gorillas but also for being a sanctuary to the rare and delightful golden monkeys. Golden monkey tracking permits grant you access to the heart of their bamboo forest habitat, allowing you to observe their unique behaviors and vibrant interactions. Endemic to the Albertine Rift, the golden monkey is characterized as a bright orange-gold body, cheeks and tail, contrasting with its black limbs, crown and tail end.
What Accommodations To Book For Golden Monkey Experience In Mgahinga National Park
You need to overnight close to Mgahinga National Park in order to do golden monkeys trekking. It starts early in the morning with a briefing and since the golden monkey are very mobile, you need to locate them before they head for different parts of the park.
Some accommodations are located close to the park or in Kisoro town. They range from Luxury accommodations, Moderate accommodations to Budget accommodations.
Some Accommodations Available include
Volcanoes Gahinga Lodge, Camping, Traveler’s Inn, Kisoro Tourist Hotel
Golden Monkey Tracking Permit Costs:
As of our latest information update in October 2023, the cost of a golden monkey tracking permit in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is $100 USD per person. It’s important to note that permit prices are subject to change.
Permit Inclusions:
Your golden monkey tracking permit covers several components that contribute to the overall experience. A golden monkey tracking permit includes spending one hour with the golden monkeys, services of a knowledgeable Uganda Wildlife Authority park guide and armed ranger guides to protect you from any danger.
Guided Trek:
A knowledgeable guide accompanies you on the trek, sharing insights into the golden monkeys’ behaviors, the local ecosystem, and the conservation efforts in place.
Trekking Experience:
The permit grants you access to the designated trekking trails within Mgahinga, allowing you to traverse the bamboo forests and follow the golden monkeys in their natural habitat.
Conservation Fee:
Part of the permit cost contributes to the conservation and protection of the golden monkeys and their fragile ecosystem. This fee supports ongoing efforts to ensure the sustainability of this unique primate population.
Booking and Availability:
Golden monkey tracking permits are limited to a specific number per day to minimize the impact on the primates and their environment. Abunda Discoveries Uganda recommends booking your permits well in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons when demand is higher. Our team assists you in navigating the booking process, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.
Tips for an Enjoyable Golden Monkey Tracking Experience:
Book in Advance: Secure your golden monkey tracking permit well in advance to guarantee availability.
Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable clothing suitable for trekking, and don’t forget essentials like sturdy hiking boots, a hat, and sunscreen.
Photography Gear: Bring a camera to capture the magic of the golden monkeys. Ensure your camera is equipped with a good zoom lens for clear shots.
Follow Guidelines: Abide by the guidelines provided by your guide to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for both you and the golden monkeys.
What to carry during golden monkey tracking.
There are several requirements that tourists need to have a memorable experience during golden monkey tracking. These include waterproof hiking boots, wear long sleeved shirt, long trousers, and carry a backpack for your lunch and documents. Also carry drinking water and snacks, carry a walking stick to support you during hiking, you can hire a porter to support you during hiking in slippery places and they carry your backpack, and do not forget to carry an insect repellant.
Conclusion: Golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga with Abunda Discoveries Uganda is a doorway to a world of vibrant biodiversity and charming primate encounters. Book your golden monkey tracking permit today and let the allure of these playful monkeys become a highlight of your journey into Uganda’s untamed wilderness.
