Frequently Asked Questions about Golden Monkey Habituation Experience

Golden monkey habituation is a unique and fascinating experience where wild golden monkeys are gradually trained to get used to human presence, making it possible for visitors to interact with them more closely. This habituation process usually takes about two to three years and involves a dedicated team of researchers, scientists, park guides, rangers, and trackers.

Many travelers planning a golden monkey habituation safari often ask specific questions before their trip. Below are the most frequently asked questions about the golden monkey habituation experience in Uganda, along with detailed answers.

Where can you do the golden monkey habituation experience?

You can only take part in the golden monkey habituation experience in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in the Kisoro district of southwestern Uganda. This park also offers golden monkey trekking. Additionally, golden monkey trekking (not habituation) is available in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, but the full habituation experience is exclusive to Uganda.

How much is a golden monkey habituation permit?

Currently, golden monkey habituation permits in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park cost:

• USD 100 per person – Foreign non-residents
• USD 80 per person – Foreign residents
• UGX 100,000 per person – East African citizens

It is important to note that the permit fee does not include park entrance fees, which are:

• USD 50 per person – Foreign non-residents
• USD 40 per person – Foreign residents
• UGX 20,000 per person – East African citizens

How can you book golden monkey habituation permits?

The easiest way to secure your permit is through a trusted tour operator such as Experiya Tour Company. You simply need to share your preferred date, month, and year for the experience. Our team will then check availability with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). If permits are available, you will be asked to make a deposit. Once payment is confirmed, we will purchase the permit on your behalf and send you a scanned receipt as confirmation.

How long does the golden monkey habituation experience take?

The habituation experience lasts a full day. It begins early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters, where rangers explain the rules, regulations, and expectations. Afterward, you will trek into the forest with park guides and rangers in search of golden monkeys.

Once you find them, you will spend four hours with the troop in their natural habitat. During this time, you will observe their daily behaviors such as feeding, breastfeeding, grooming, playing, and interacting with one another. You will also have the opportunity to take photos and record videos.

What should you pack for the golden monkey habituation experience?

For a comfortable and safe habituation experience, you should pack the following essentials:

• Sturdy hiking shoes
• Insect repellent
• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
• Garden gloves
• Waterproof rain jacket
• Long socks (to tuck into trousers)
• Energy snacks and drinking water
• A walking stick (can be hired at the park)
• Warm sweater
• Camera with extra batteries
• A pair of binoculars
• Face masks
• Hat and sunglasses
• Backpack to carry essentials

What other activities can you do in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?

Apart from golden monkey habituation, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offers several other exciting activities, including:

• Golden monkey trekking (1 hour with golden monkeys)
• Gorilla trekking (a highlight of Uganda safaris)
• Bird watching (spot rare Albertine Rift endemics)
• Guided nature walks (explore flora and fauna on foot)
• Batwa cultural experience (interact with the indigenous Batwa community)
• Mountain climbing (hike the three Virunga volcanoes: Mt. Muhavura, Mt. Sabyinyo, and Mt. Gahinga)

How can you get to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park?

You can reach the park either by air or road:

• By air: Book a scheduled or charter flight with Aerolink Uganda from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip, then drive to the park headquarters.
• By road from Kampala: Drive via Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, and Kisoro, which takes about 9–10 hours.
• By road from Kigali, Rwanda: Fly into Kigali International Airport, then connect to the park via Cyanika border (Kisoro) or Katuna border (Kabale), which takes about 3–4 hours.

Where can you stay during your golden monkey habituation safari?

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget to midrange to luxury lodges. Popular choices include:

• Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge, Lake Mutanda Resort
• Midrange: Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Ichumbi Hotel Kisoro, Travellers Rest Hotel
• Budget: Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Ntebeko Homestay, Kisoro Tourist Hotel

Each lodge provides comfort and excellent service, ensuring you have a memorable stay during your golden monkey habituation safari.

 For more details about the golden monkey habituation experience and to book your safari, you can reach out to us at Experiya Tour Company.