Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Golden Monkeys in Mgahinga NP

Country forums / Africa / Uganda

I'm hoping to see the golden monkeys in Mgahinga NP, visiting in December, either just before or just after xmas.
Has anyone done this recently who could give me any advice or suggestions?

Should I buy a permit in advance in Kisoro, or can I get one when I arrive at the park, and is the 50usd tracking fee in addition to the park entry fee, or is it inclusive?

I'd like to stay near the park rather than in Kisoro town, but don't have a big budget.... are there rooms or bandas to stay in at the Community Camp Ground, or is it just camping? Is food available there?

Thanks for any help!

Just show up at the park and you will get the permit. You do not need to buy the golden monkey permits in advance

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Accomodation bandas at the community camp are available but you need to book for it in advance!
also the 50$ is inclusive of park entry fees for the day.

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Thanks, that's good news!

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I've been there last year - in June. I was surprised not to see many visitors. The very expensive Mgahinga Lodge was empty, and in Mgahinga Community Camp there were a about 5 or 6 backpackers only. It is advisable to contact the Mgahinga Communita Camp in advance, unless you are going to pitch your own tent. During my stay they were offering only 2 bandas for the guest. The rest were closed for unknown reason (probably out of order).

Golden monkeys were shy and hard to find, but we spotted them at last. The hiking through the bamboo forest was quite challenging, so be prepared.

Permits for all treks are available at park head quarters - no need to book in advance. Also gorilla permits were available, and only one person (!) was interested to visit them, i.e. the rangers went with only one tourist to the gorillas on Mt. Sabinyo. That group is frequently crossing the border, so you shouldn't rely on it.

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