Golden Monkey habituation in Uganda is a process that involves gradually introducing the monkeys to human presence. It is done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which is part of the Virunga ranges. Golden monkeys can only be found in this area, travelers get to experience one of primates that live in the bamboo forests. The Golden Monkey Habituation Experience allows visitors to spend 4 hours in the company of a group of habituated golden monkeys. During the experience, you have the opportunity to observe the monkeys as they go about their daily activities. You watch them feed, play, and groom each other without minding human presence. Visitors also learn about the behavior and social dynamics of the golden monkeys with guidance from experienced guides and researchers.
A golden monkey habituation permit in Uganda costs 100 USD per person for foreign nonresidents, 80 USD per person for foreign residents, and 100,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
A golden monkey habituation permit in Uganda can be booked by visiting Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) head offices in Kampala. Alternatively one can contact UWA via telephone or email. Permits can also be booked through a tour operator like Fairend Safaris by contacting us with the dates when you wish to go for this experience. We will check for permit availability and if there are permits available you will be asked to deposit for the permit. When we receive the payments, we purchase the golden monkey habituation permit on your behalf and send you a scanned copy of the receipt as confirmation.
Golden monkey habituation can be done anytime throughout the year however, the best time is during the dry season. During the period from June to September, and December to February the park receives less rainfall. The trails are dry and passable, and vegetation is thin hence allowing you to view the golden monkeys and other wildlife species.
Golden monkey habituation experience is carried out every day at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and starts in the morning with a briefing. Travelers converge at the park headquarters which are Ntebeko Visitors’ Centre. You are given rules and regulations to follow and experienced Park guides and rangers share information on what to expect.
You start trekking in the jungle with experienced guides, researchers, conservationists, and doctors in search of the monkeys. It takes about 30 minutes to 3 hours depending to locate them since they like to move from one place to another in search of food. After finding them you spend 4 hours with them as you learn about their behaviors and habits. You will also get a chance to see other primates such as l’hoest monkeys and view bird species, and plants among others.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in southwestern Uganda and can be accessed road and air transport means.
When using road transport means you drive from Entebbe or Kampala via Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, to Kisoro. You proceed to the park headquarters and this takes about 9 to 10 hours’ drive.
You can also access Mgahinga Gorilla National Park from Kigali Rwanda .Travelers may fly to Kigali international airport and then connect to the park headquarters via Cyanika border. This takes about 4 to 5 hours drive.
Air transport, Mgahinga gorilla national park can also be accessed by air transport means. Travelers book scheduled or charter flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro airstrip. Upon arrival one connects to the park headquarters by road.
There are several lodging facilities ranging from luxury to budget facilities. It all depends on your budget, there is only one luxury lodging facility which is Mount Gahinga Lodge. Midrange accommodation facilities include; Traveller’s Rest Hotel, lake Chahafi Resort, Mutanda Lake Resort, Kisoro Tourist Hotel, Birds Nest, and Mucha Hotel Kisoro. Budget accommodation facilities include; Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Mutanda Eco-community Centre, and Ntebeko River Camp.
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