Among the variety of attractions found in Uganda as a travel destination are about 20 primate species, and among these are Golden monkeys, which are very eye-catching due to their outstanding golden fur, which is mixed with the color orange. In Uganda, Golden monkeys are only found and trekked in Maghinga National Park, and this is one of the reasons why these species are considered to be an endangered species. Maghinga National Park is located in the south-western part of Uganda in Kisoro district, covering approximately 34 square kilometers, which makes it Uganda’s smallest National Park. Here is all you need to know about golden monkey trekking in Uganda (Maghinga National Park)

What is Golden monkey trekking and Golden monkey habituation?

Golden monkey trekking is a tourist activity which involves tourists, clients or visitors to search for these endangered species (Golden monkeys) in their natural habitat and when found not more than an hour is given to tourists to spend in their presence while Golden monkey habituation also involves the search for Golden monkeys in their natural habitant but in this case when a golden monkey family is found or located, more than an hour is given to tourists or visitors to spend in their presence.

How is Golden monkey trekking conducted?

Golden monkey trekking experience in Maghinga National Park is just one of the primate trekking activities in Uganda. It starts in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters, where tourists or visitors are given instructions and divided into groups of not more than 8 people led by different tour guides and game rangers. The Golden monkey trekking activity takes approximately 30 minutes to 3 hours of searching, depending on the trekking pace of the tourists, the weather conditions, and the location of the Golden monkey families. When a Golden monkey family is located, not more than an hour is given to clients, tourists, or visitors to spend in the presence of these beautiful endangered species.

What are the facts/characteristics of Golden Monkeys?

Golden monkeys are a very interesting species among the primate family,, starting with their appearance and their way of life.

• Golden monkeys are very playful in nature, always jumping from one bamboo or tree branch to another. This is why you will notice that some have shorter tails than others because their tails get stuck in trees or bamboo branches, hence breaking off, and new tails grow back.
• For food, Golden monkeys eat bamboo shoots mostly, different fruits, bamboo leaves, sprouts, lichens, and small vertebrates, to name a few.
• Golden monkeys live in groups/ troops of approximately 100 individuals, which are led by a dominant male Alpha.
• These species are named after the color of their eye-catching fur, which is a mix of black, gold, and orange.
• Golden monkeys are naturally shy, but with the help of the habituation process, they get used to the presence of human beings, tourists, or visitors.
• Golden monkeys are very photogenic, and unlike other primates, flash cameras can be used to take photos of them.
• Golden monkeys are also known for staying or living in a place for a long period of time, unlike other primates.
• The scientific or the other name of the Golden monkeys is Chlorocebus aethiops.

What is the price/ cost of Golden monkey trekking in Uganda?

The Golden monkey trekking permits in Maghinga National Park cost approximately 60$ for foreign nonresidents, about 50$ For Foreign Residents, and approximately UGX 40,000 for East African citizens. For the Golden monkey habituation experience, the permit rates are approximately 100$ for foreign nonresidents, about 80$ for foreign residents, and approximately UGX 100,000for East African citizens. For booking either Golden monkey trekking or Golden monkey habituation permits, this should be done through trusted licensed tour operators like us, and the earlier you do it, the better, due to the limited number of permits.

What is the best time for Golden monkey trekking or habituation in Uganda?

Golden monkey trekking or Golden monkey habituation in Uganda (Maghinga National Park) can be done or carried out at any time of the year, but the best or recommended time to do it is during the dry season of the year (June, July, August, September, December, January, and February). The dry season is the best time because during this time of the year, the trekking trails are more accessible than during the wet or rainy season, when they tend to be filled with mud and slippery and less accessible. Also, during the rainy season, the Golden monkeys tend to go deep into the forest, which makes it hard to track them.

What to pack or bring along for the Golden Monkey trekking

To ensure you enjoy every moment of the Golden trekking activity in Maghinga National Park, there are some items or things that you should consider packing or bringing along, and some of these include,

• A backpack that helps you carry all you require for the Golden monkey trekking activity, giving your hands the freedom to do other things.
• Refillable drinking water bottle to practice sustainable or eco-tourism, and at the same time keep yourself hydrated all the time.
• A camera and extra batteries to take beautiful photos of the Golden monkeys and other attractions you will encounter.
• Hiking boots, which will help you move with ease while protecting your legs from scratches from tree branches and insect bites.
• Enger is giving snacks since you will be needing all the energy you can get for this activity.
• A hat or a cape to protect your head and face from direct sunlight
• Sunscreen to protect your skin from direct sun rays
• Insect repellent to protect yourself from insect bites, since Maghinga National Park is covered with forests
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect you from insect bites and scratches from tree branches

How to get to Maghinga National Park

Maghinga National Park can be accessed or reached by both road transport and air transport. By road transport, you can get there via the Masaka – Mbarara road, Kable, Kisoro, which takes approximately 6 to 10 hours to get there, depending on the traffic, stopovers, weather, and road accessibility.

You can also decide to use air transport and fly from Kajjansi to Kisoro airstrip, which takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes.