Visiting Gorillas and Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga National Park

Visiting Gorillas and Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga National Park

A minimum of 4 days is recommended for a safari to see both gorillas and golden monkeys in Mgahinga National Park. The cost of this safari includes transportation, accommodation, meals, gorilla and golden monkey permits and service fees. Mgahinga is Uganda’s smallest national park but it offers some of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences, including trekking to see the endangered mountain gorillas and the unique golden monkeys.

Located in the Kisoro district of southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga National Park is part of the Virunga Mountains, shared by Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is known for its breathtaking volcanic landscapes, home to Mountain Gahinga, Mountain Sabyinyo and Mountain Muhabura. Along with the mountain gorillas, Mgahinga is the only park in Uganda where you can observe the fascinating golden monkeys in their natural habitat.

Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga National Park

Golden monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis kandti) are a stunning species found exclusively in the Virunga Mountains, making them a unique attraction in Mgahinga National Park. Their beautiful golden fur and playful behavior make them a joy to watch. With an estimated population of 2,000 to 4,000, golden monkeys are considered endangered.

The monkeys live in large troops, usually between 80 to 100 individuals and feed primarily on bamboo shoots, fruits and leaves. There are two habituated golden monkey groups in Mgahinga and golden monkey trekking is one of the park’s primary activities.

The trekking begins early in the morning at 7:00 AM with a briefing at the park headquarters. Afterward, you’ll hike into the forest with park guides and rangers to find the golden monkeys. You will have one hour to observe these fascinating primates in their natural environment.

Trekking permits cost:

• USD 100 for Non-foreign residents
• USD 90 for Foreign residents
• UGX 40,000 for East African citizens

Golden monkey trekking permits are among the most affordable primate trekking options in East Africa.

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park

Mgahinga National Park is also home to the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family, the only habituated gorilla group in the park. Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga offers a rare chance to see these majestic primates in their natural habitat. Gorillas share 99% of their DNA with humans, making them one of the most captivating species to observe.

Gorilla trekking begins with a briefing at the park headquarters, where you’ll be assigned to a gorilla family to visit. The trek itself involves walking through dense vegetation, often on steep slopes but the rewards are worth every step. You will spend one hour observing the gorillas, getting up close (within 7 meters) to watch them feed, rest and interact with one another.

Gorilla trekking permits are priced at:

• USD 800 for Foreign non-residents
• USD 700 for Foreign residents
• UGX 300,000 for East African citizens

After your trek, you’ll receive a certificate to commemorate your visit to the gorillas.

Cost of Visiting Gorillas and Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga

The cost of your visit depends on a variety of factors, including accommodation, meals, transportation and the price of gorilla and golden monkey permits.

What is the Cost of Transportation for a 4-Day Mgahinga Gorilla and Golden Monkey Trekking Safari?

The cost of transportation for your 3-day Mgahinga safari includes vehicle hire, driver-guide allowances and fuel for the entire trip. Vehicle hire typically ranges from USD 50 to USD 250 per day, depending on the type of vehicle you choose. Since the roads leading to Mgahinga National Park can be challenging, we provide 4×4 vehicles to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the journey.

Accommodation Options in Mgahinga National Park

For your 4-day Mgahinga safari, you’ll need to spend at least 3 nights near the park. Mgahinga National Park offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly to luxury stays.

• Luxury Accommodation:
  • Gahinga Lodge: A luxurious stay with rates starting at USD 400 per person per night.
• Midrange and Budget Accommodation:
  • Lake Chahafi Lodge
  • Lake Mutanda Lodge
  • Lake Muhele Lodge
    These lodges offer great value for money, with rates ranging from USD 80 to USD 150 per person per night. They provide a comfortable stay with stunning views of the forest and mountains surrounding the park.
• Alternative Accommodation: If you prefer staying in Kisoro town, it’s only about 30 minutes from the park headquarters, offering additional options for budget-friendly stays. Some travelers also choose to stay in lodges or camps in Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is about an hour’s drive to Mgahinga.

How to Get to Mgahinga National Park

Travel from Kigali, Rwanda

Mgahinga National Park is easily accessible from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, located just a 4-hour drive away. You’ll cross the Chanika border between Uganda and Rwanda on your way. A typical journey from Kigali may start with a city tour, followed by a drive into Kisoro district in Uganda for lunch and an overnight stay.

Travel from Entebbe/Kampala, Uganda

If you’re coming from Entebbe or Kampala, the journey is a bit longer, around 9-10 hours via the Kampala-Mbarara-Kisoro highway. This scenic drive will take you through Uganda’s beautiful countryside before reaching the park.

Flying to Mgahinga National Park

For those who prefer a quicker route, you can opt to fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kisoro Airstrip. The flight takes about 2 hours and costs around USD 300 per adult one-way. Scheduled flights are available daily with Aerolink Uganda and other providers. Charter flights are also an option. A flying golden monkey safari can be arranged for those looking to see the amazing monkeys in Mgahinga without the long drive.

Why Book Your Mgahinga Gorilla and Golden Monkey Safari with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we are passionate about providing unforgettable experiences at Mgahinga National Park. Whether you’re interested in gorilla trekking or golden monkey tracking, we offer tailor-made safaris to suit your preferences. Our team is a mix of young, energetic staff and experienced managers, all dedicated to making your trip exceptional.

We are highly rated on TripAdvisor, where you can read reviews from other travelers who’ve experienced our safaris. Contact us today to book your Mgahinga safari and enjoy an authentic, expertly organized adventure.