Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, also known as the place where the silver meets the Gold offering you a chance to track the golden monkeys and mountain Gorillas in the same park. Listed as ‘endangered’ by the World Conservation Union, Golden monkeys are a rare species of primates associated with Bamboo as their food and endemic to the Albertine Rift. The golden monkey is identified by its bright orange-golden color of their fur that shines right into your eyes on your first sight.
The Golden Monkey wasn’t common in Uganda until recently when this beautiful monkey was introduced to Mgahinga when its home was destroyed by the refugees in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide. There is an estimated population of 3,000 – 4,000 in Mgahinga National Park giving visitors a chance to watch them all time.
As earlier said the Golden monkeys share their home with the largest primate the Mountain Gorillas, buffalo and forest elephant. Several other mammals, amphibians, reptiles and birds live in the same area. It was hard to see the Golden monkeys at the start because they do not make nests or leave much evidence for the researchers to see and notice them.
These monkeys have been habituated now and are used to the presence of human beings, they are available for tracking and are used to the visitors each day. Visitors are required to acquire permits to be allowed to watch them for a whole hour. The exercise starts in the morning at the park offices for a briefing before they are led to the forest to search for these habituated Gorillas. You will be divided into groups to go and meet the Golden monkeys and to learn about their unique behavior.
The exercise takes you about 3 to 4 hours in the forest and once you encounter them, you will be allowed to spend one full hour in their presence as you take pictures and have all your questions answered by the guides.
What to carry for Golden Monkey tracking
You will be required to carry a number of things to make your journey enjoyable and they include the following;
- Hiking boots
- Hut
- Sun glasses
- Golden monkey tracking permit
- Drinking water
- Snacks
- Long sleeved shirt
- Long trouser
- Walking stick.
Cost a golden monkey permit
This permit costs $100 per person for nonresidents while East African residents are required to pay 100000 Ugx per person. The Golden monkey permits can be acquired at the park in Mgahinga or at Uganda Wildlife Authority in Kampala.
