Golden monkey tracking in Uganda is done at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, situated in the southwestern corner of Uganda, bordering Rwanda. As the name suggests, this park is also home to over 80 mountain Gorillas, which make up the total 500 mountain gorillas found in Uganda.
Golden monkey tracking unlike Gorilla trekking, is less popular however, the few travelers that get to do it are often glad they did it. Golden Monkey tracking or trekking – whichever you choose to call it – is a small group crowd-free experience. This makes it a lot more interesting – tourists get enough time to watch the cheeky fellas without knocking each other over as is with gorilla trekking especially during the peak season months with big crowds.
What to expect: Golden Monkey tracking in Uganda starts at 7:00 am with a safety briefing – with emphasis put on the Golden Monkey trekking rules that all trekkers are obliged to adhere to during the entire Golden Monkey tracking experience. Thereafter, you will begin your trek in search of the Golden Monkeys. Upon finding the golden Monkeys, your Ranger guide will allow you a maximum of 1 hour/60 minutes of viewing and photographing them after which you will begin your trek back to basecamp.
What is the Price of a Golden Monkey Permit in 2025 – 2026 Onwards?
Golden Monkey permits for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park cost;
- Foreign Non-residents pay $60 per person/permit.
- Foreign residents pay $50 per person/permit.
- East African Citizens pay Uganda Shillings -UGX40,000 per person/permit.
Note:
- The official minimum age for golden monkey trekking is 12 years.
- The above-mentioned permit fees exclude Park Entry fees.
UPDATED 2025 – 2026 Park Entry fees for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Adults Entry fees to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park;
- Foreign Residents pay $40 per person/per day.
- Foreign Residents pay $30 per person/per day.
- East Africans pay Uganda Shillings -UGX 20,000 per person/per day.
Kids/children Entry fees to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park;
- Foreign Residents pay $20 per person/per day.
- Foreign Residents pay $10 per person/per day.
- East Africans pay Uganda Shillings -UGX 5,000 per person/per day.
Note:
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- Only persons aged 5 – 15 years are considered children/kids.
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When is the Best time to go Golden Monkey tracking In Uganda?
While Golden Monkey tracking in Uganda can be done at any time of the year, the best time to go would be during the dry season months of June to August, or December to February. During these months, the forest trails are fairly drier and less slippery as compared to the wet season months when everything is soggy and slippery.
Climate/weather patterns in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park:
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- Dry season: June – September, December – February. Trails are drier and less challenging to navigate.
- Wet/rainy season: March-May, and October – November. The trails are muddy and slippery.
What to wear/bring on your Golden Monkey trek in Mgahinga
What to wear on my golden monkey trek.
- Sturdy Lightweight walking shoes. the lighter the better. Extra weight on the trek is not good.
- Long-sleeved shirt and trousers to provide extra body protection against thorny shrubs.
- Long socks that allow you to tuck your pants in to avoid bugs from climbing into your pants while on the trek.
- Rain jacket in case it rains. Remember you are trekking or tracking in a tropical rainforest.
- Gaiters (Optional). Don’t spend On new ones. These can well be substituted with long socks to serve the same purpose.
What to bring on your trek.
- A camera for your photographic needs. Don’t spend BIG on a camera. if you own an iPhone, it too takes amazing pictures, especially under limited forest light.
- Binoculars (optional). They might come in handy when spotting some forest birds. Your ranger guide will have a pair that he is willing to share.
- A hat (optional). This is to keep branches and leaves let alone bugs from falling into your hair.
- Drinking water. Realm Africa Safaris™ will provide adequate bottled drinking water for the entire trip.
- Packed Lunch. Realm Africa Safaris™ will take care of this. All our trips include meals unless agreed otherwise
- A Day Pack to carry all your items while on the trek. ** We recommend using a porter to carry your day pack for you.
Our Popular Trips with Golden Monkey Trekking Included
