Golden monkey trekking is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in southwestern Uganda. It takes place in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a protected area in the Virunga Mountains, close to the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The park protects a population of endangered golden monkeys (Cercopithecus kandti), a striking primate species recognised by its golden-orange back, dark limbs and expressive face.
These monkeys live in the bamboo forests on the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. They are particularly active in the morning, moving through the bamboo in search of young shoots, leaves and other food.
Unlike gorilla trekking, which involves following mountain gorillas through dense forest, golden monkey trekking offers an opportunity to observe lively groups of monkeys jumping between bamboo stems, feeding, grooming and interacting with one another.
Mgahinga is the only place in Uganda where visitors can see golden monkeys in their natural habitat.
The experience starts early in the morning at the Ntebeko Visitor Centre, the main park headquarters. After registration and a briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers, visitors enter the forest accompanied by experienced guides.
The trackers locate the habituated golden monkey troop before visitors reach the area where the monkeys are feeding.
The trek takes place through sections of montane forest and bamboo vegetation. The walking duration depends on where the troop is located, the terrain and its movements.
Once the monkeys are found, visitors can spend up to one hour observing and photographing them.
During the encounter, you may see:
Golden monkeys feeding on fresh bamboo shoots.
Young monkeys playing and chasing each other.
Adult monkeys grooming and interacting within the troop.
Monkeys jumping between bamboo stems and branches.
The dominant male overseeing the group.
Golden monkeys are fast-moving and highly active, making this an excellent experience for wildlife photography.
For visitors interested in spending more time with golden monkeys, Mgahinga also offers a Golden Monkey Habituation Experience.
Unlike standard tracking, which focuses on visiting an already habituated troop, habituation allows visitors to accompany researchers as they work with a semi-habituated group.
The experience provides more time to observe the monkeys and learn about their feeding habits, social behaviour, movements and conservation.
The habituation experience allows up to four hours with the monkeys, subject to the applicable Uganda Wildlife Authority arrangements.
It is particularly suitable for wildlife photographers, primate enthusiasts and travellers looking for a more in-depth forest experience.
The following are the published 2026–2028 tariff rates for golden monkey activities in Mgahinga. Park entrance fees are charged separately.
|
Activity |
Foreign non-resident |
Foreign resident |
East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Golden monkey tracking |
$60 |
$50 |
UGX 40,000 |
|
Golden monkey habituation. |
$100 |
$80 |
UGX 100,000 |
Source: Uganda Wildlife Authority conservation tariff 2026–2028. Confirm applicable rates and availability when booking.
What the permit covers: The activity and ranger-guided experience. Park entrance fees are additional.
We recommend booking permits in advance, particularly during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred trekking date.
Golden monkey trekking is available throughout the year. However, some months offer more favourable hiking and photography conditions.
June to September: Generally drier conditions, making forest trails easier to navigate.
December to February: Another relatively dry period, suitable for trekking and combining activities.
March to May: Wetter conditions, with muddy forest trails and lush vegetation.
October to November: Rain is more frequent, although trekking remains possible.
The monkeys can be encountered throughout the year, and sightings are not restricted to a particular season.
Golden monkey trekking can be combined with several other activities in Mgahinga and the surrounding Kisoro region.
Track the Nyakagezi mountain gorilla family through the montane forests of Mgahinga.
Learn about the traditional forest lifestyle, knowledge and heritage of the Batwa community.
Explore the volcanic landscapes of Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga and Mount Muhavura.
Enjoy canoeing, scenic views and relaxation overlooking the Virunga volcanoes.
Extend your trip with a visit to one of Uganda's most scenic highland lakes.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is located in Kisoro District in southwestern Uganda, approximately 510 kilometres from Kampala.
Visitors can reach the park by road or domestic flight.
By road
From Kampala: approximately 9–10 hours by private 4x4 safari vehicle.
From Kigali, Rwanda: approximately 3–4 hours, depending on border formalities and road conditions.
From Lake Bunyonyi: approximately 2–3 hours.
From Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Rushaga): approximately 2–3 hours, depending on the route.
By air
Domestic flights can be arranged from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip, followed by a road transfer to the park headquarters.
We recommend bringing the following items:
Comfortable hiking boots with good grip.
Long trousers and long-sleeved clothing.
Lightweight waterproof jacket.
Gardening or hiking gloves for handling vegetation.
Drinking water and light snacks.
Camera with a suitable zoom lens.
Small backpack for personal belongings.
Golden monkey trekking can be booked as a standalone experience or incorporated into a longer Uganda or Uganda–Rwanda safari.
A short wildlife experience for visitors already staying in Kisoro or the surrounding area.
Highlights: Golden monkey tracking and private transfers.
Combine mountain gorilla trekking and golden monkey tracking in the same national park.
Highlights: Gorilla trekking, golden monkeys and optional Batwa experience.
Travel from Kigali to Mgahinga for golden monkey trekking, with an opportunity to explore southwestern Uganda.
Highlights: Private Kigali transfers and Uganda border crossing.
1. Where can I see golden monkeys in Uganda?
Golden monkeys can be seen in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda. The trekking experience takes place in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains.
2. How much does golden monkey trekking cost in Uganda?
The 2026–2028 published permit tariff for foreign non-residents is USD 60 per person for standard golden monkey tracking and USD 100 for the habituation experience. Park entrance fees are additional.
3. How long does golden monkey trekking take?
The trek generally takes between 2 and 5 hours, depending on the location of the monkeys. Visitors spend up to one hour with the troop during standard tracking.
4. Is golden monkey trekking difficult?
Golden monkey trekking is generally less demanding than gorilla trekking, although the trails can be steep, muddy and slippery. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.
5. Can I combine golden monkey trekking with gorilla trekking?
Yes. You can track golden monkeys and mountain gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, or combine golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga with gorilla trekking in Bwindi.
6. Can I do golden monkey trekking from Kigali?
Yes. Mgahinga is accessible from Kigali through the Cyanika border crossing. We arrange private 4x4 transfers from Kigali to Kisoro and the national park.
7. What is the difference between golden monkey tracking and habituation?
Standard tracking involves visiting an already habituated troop and spending up to one hour observing the monkeys. Habituation involves accompanying researchers and spending more time learning about the monkeys and their behaviour.
8. Are golden monkeys endangered?
Yes. The golden monkey is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Its restricted distribution in the Virunga region makes habitat protection and conservation particularly important.
