Seeing golden monkeys and mountain gorillas on the same trip is one of the most rewarding primate experiences in Africa. In Uganda, both live in the bamboo and montane forests of the Virunga volcanoes, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the one park in the country where you can track both. This guide explains where to go, what each trek is like, permit prices, the best time to visit and three easy itineraries for seeing golden monkeys and mountain gorillas in one adventure.
Tulambule Uganda Safaris has been planning gorilla and golden monkey safaris from Kampala since 2014. Below we share what we tell our own guests before they set off for the Virungas.
Why Track Golden Monkeys and Mountain Gorillas on One Safari?
Tracking golden monkeys and mountain gorillas gives you two treks that feel completely different, which is exactly why they work so well together.
- Two very different encounters: golden monkeys are small, fast and playful, leaping through the bamboo in noisy troops. Mountain gorillas are calm, powerful and deeply social, led by a silverback.
- Two rare species: the golden monkey is endangered and found only in the Albertine Rift, mainly the Virunga volcanoes. Mountain gorillas number just over 1,000 in the wild.
- A balanced level of effort: golden monkey tracking is usually shorter and gentler, so it makes a good warm-up before the more demanding gorilla trek.
- Better photos: the bright orange and gold coat of the monkeys against green bamboo, followed by a silverback at close range, gives you two very different sets of pictures.
- Conservation impact: both permits fund ranger patrols, research and community projects around the parks.
Golden Monkeys and Mountain Gorillas Compared
| Feature | Golden monkey | Mountain gorilla |
| Size | About 4 to 7 kg | Silverbacks up to about 200 kg |
| Group | Troops of 30 or more | Families of about 5 to 30, led by a silverback |
| Diet | Bamboo shoots and leaves, fruit, insects | Leaves, stems, roots, bark and some fruit |
| Habitat | Bamboo zone of the Virunga volcanoes | Montane and bamboo forest in the Virungas and Bwindi |
| Conservation status | Endangered | Endangered |
Seeing golden monkeys and mountain gorillas side by side in the same week shows how different two forest primates can be. One is a nimble, chattering bamboo specialist, the other a gentle giant. Both depend on the same protected forests, which is why golden monkeys and mountain gorillas are such powerful symbols of Virunga conservation.
Where to See Golden Monkeys and Mountain Gorillas in Uganda
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is Uganda's smallest national park, about 34 square kilometres in the far southwest near Kisoro. It covers the Ugandan slopes of three extinct volcanoes, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo, and forms part of the wider Virunga Conservation Area shared with Rwanda and the DR Congo, managed together through the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration.
It is the only park in Uganda where you can see both golden monkeys and mountain gorillas. Golden monkeys live in the bamboo zone near the Ntebeko gate, and the habituated Nyakagezi gorilla family ranges across the volcano slopes. The park's slogan, "where gold meets silver", refers to exactly this pairing.
- Golden monkey tracking: 2 to 4 hours in total, on gentle to moderate trails through bamboo forest.
- Gorilla trekking: 3 to 6 hours on steeper volcanic slopes, with one hour spent with the Nyakagezi family.
- Other activities: volcano hikes, the Batwa Trail, the Garama Cave walk and birding for Albertine Rift endemics.
For a closer look at golden monkeys on their own, read our golden monkey tracking safari in Mgahinga guide.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to about half of the world's mountain gorillas and more than 20 habituated gorilla families. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers far more gorilla permits than Mgahinga.
Bwindi has no golden monkey tracking, but its southern Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors are only about 1 to 2 hours by road from Mgahinga. Many travellers track golden monkeys in Mgahinga and then trek gorillas in Bwindi, which gives more choice of permit dates. Compare the sectors in our Bwindi gorilla sectors guide, or read Bwindi vs Mgahinga for gorilla trekking to decide between the two parks.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Across the border, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda also offers golden monkey tracking and gorilla trekking. It is closer to Kigali, but the gorilla permit costs about twice as much as in Uganda. Mgahinga is only about 30 minutes from the Cyanika border post, so you can easily combine both countries. See our 3 Days Gorilla and Golden Monkeys Tour in Rwanda for the Rwandan version.
Golden Monkeys and Mountain Gorillas Permit Costs
You need a separate permit for each activity, issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). These are the current rates for foreign non-resident visitors:
| Activity | Permit cost (foreign non-resident) | Notes |
| Mountain gorilla trekking, Uganda | US$800 per person | Maximum 8 visitors per gorilla family per day |
| Golden monkey tracking, Mgahinga | About US$100 per person | Easier to get than gorilla permits |
| Gorilla trekking, Rwanda | US$1,500 per person | For comparison |
Foreign residents and East African citizens pay lower rates. Prices can change, so we always confirm the latest UWA tariff when we book. Our gorilla trekking permits in Uganda guide explains how permits work in detail.
Booking Tips
- Book gorilla permits 3 to 6 months ahead, and earlier for June to September and December to February.
- Mgahinga has only one habituated gorilla family, so permits there sell out fast. Bwindi's southern sectors are the best backup.
- Book both permits together so your golden monkey and gorilla days fit neatly into one plan.
- Use a licensed tour operator. We secure permits directly through UWA and arrange transport, lodges and guides.
What to Expect When Tracking Golden Monkeys and Mountain Gorillas
Golden Monkey Tracking
- Start: briefing at the Ntebeko gate at about 8:00 am.
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours in total, with one hour spent with the monkeys.
- Difficulty: easy to moderate, suitable for most fitness levels.
- Experience: watch the monkeys feed on bamboo shoots, groom each other and leap between stems. They move fast, so be ready with your camera.
- Golden monkey habituation: for keen photographers, a longer habituation experience lets you spend up to four hours with a troop alongside researchers.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
- Start: briefing at the park office at about 7:30 to 8:00 am.
- Duration: 3 to 6 hours or more, depending on where the gorilla family has moved.
- Difficulty: moderate to challenging, with steep, muddy slopes at altitude.
- Experience: one magical hour with a habituated family, watching the silverback, mothers, infants and juveniles. Learn more about each group in our list of gorilla families in Bwindi and Mgahinga.
- Minimum age: 15 years for gorilla trekking. Younger travellers can often join golden monkey tracking, so ask us for the current rule.
Best Time to See Golden Monkeys and Mountain Gorillas
You can track golden monkeys and mountain gorillas all year, but the two dry seasons are the most comfortable:
- June to September: drier trails, clearer views of the volcanoes and the busiest permit season.
- December to February: mostly dry and warm, with good conditions for photography.
- March to May and October to November: the rainy seasons bring muddy trails, but fewer visitors, lush forest and easier permit availability.
Golden monkeys feed heavily on fresh bamboo shoots, which grow after the rains, so they are often very active in the wetter months.
How to Get to Mgahinga
- By road from Kampala: about 8 to 9 hours to Kisoro, usually broken with a night at Lake Mburo or Lake Bunyonyi.
- By air: scheduled and charter flights run from Entebbe to Kisoro airstrip in about 1.5 to 2 hours, followed by a short drive to the park.
- From Kigali, Rwanda: about 3 to 4 hours by road through the Cyanika border, the fastest route for most international visitors.
3 Itineraries for Golden Monkeys and Mountain Gorillas in One Adventure
1. 3-Day Mgahinga Primate Safari from Kigali
- Day 1: pick-up in Kigali, drive to Kisoro via the Cyanika border, and check in at a lodge near Mgahinga.
- Day 2: morning golden monkey tracking, then an afternoon on the Batwa Trail or a relaxed walk around the Ntebeko area.
- Day 3: gorilla trekking with the Nyakagezi family in Mgahinga or in Bwindi's Rushaga sector, then return to Kigali.
This short trip suits travellers with limited time who want to see both golden monkeys and mountain gorillas.
2. 4-Day Golden Monkeys and Gorillas Safari from Kampala
- Day 1: drive from Kampala to Kisoro, with a stop at the equator, or fly from Entebbe to Kisoro.
- Day 2: golden monkey tracking in Mgahinga, then a visit to a local Batwa community.
- Day 3: gorilla trekking in Mgahinga or Bwindi's southern sectors.
- Day 4: morning canoe ride on Lake Bunyonyi or Lake Mutanda, then return to Kampala.
3. 6-Day Ultimate Primate and Volcano Safari
- Day 1: Kampala to Lake Mburo National Park for a boat cruise and game drive.
- Day 2: continue to Kisoro and Mgahinga.
- Day 3: golden monkey tracking in the morning and the Batwa Trail in the afternoon.
- Day 4: gorilla trekking in Mgahinga or Bwindi.
- Day 5: hike Mount Sabyinyo, where Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo meet, or relax at Lake Bunyonyi.
- Day 6: return to Kampala or Entebbe.
Prefer a ready-made gorilla trip? See our 3 Day Gorilla Trekking Uganda Tour or the full range of Uganda gorilla safaris. We can add golden monkey tracking to any of them.
Where to Stay Near Mgahinga
For a golden monkeys and mountain gorillas safari, lodges around Kisoro and Mgahinga range from simple guesthouses to comfortable mid-range and upmarket lodges with volcano views. Staying close to the park means shorter early-morning drives on trekking days. For our recommended options, read best places to stay for gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga.
Health, Safety and Trekking Rules
- Vaccinations: a yellow fever certificate is required to enter Uganda. Speak to your doctor about tetanus, hepatitis and typhoid.
- Distance: keep at least 7 metres from gorillas, and further if your ranger asks. Never touch the animals.
- Health: do not trek if you have a cold, flu or any infectious illness, because gorillas catch human diseases easily.
- Masks and hygiene: rangers may ask you to wear a face mask near the gorillas. Use hand sanitiser before and after the trek.
- Photography: no flash photography, and keep your voice low.
What to Pack
- Waterproof hiking boots with good grip
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts to protect against nettles and insects
- A light rain jacket, as it can rain at any time in the Virungas
- Garden or work gloves for gripping vegetation
- A daypack with water, snacks and a camera without flash
- Money for a porter, who will carry your bag and help you on steep sections
Golden Monkeys and Mountain Gorillas FAQs
Can I see golden monkeys and mountain gorillas in the same park?
Yes. In Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the only park where you can track both. In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park also offers both.
How much are golden monkey and gorilla permits in Uganda?
A gorilla trekking permit is US$800 per person for foreign non-residents, and golden monkey tracking is about US$100 per person. Rates are lower for residents and East African citizens.
Can children track golden monkeys?
Gorilla trekking is only for visitors aged 15 and above, but younger travellers can often join golden monkey tracking. Ask us for the current age rule before booking.
How long does each trek take?
Golden monkey tracking usually takes 2 to 4 hours. Gorilla trekking takes 3 to 6 hours or more, depending on how far the gorilla family has moved.
How many days do I need?
Three days from Kigali or four days from Kampala is enough to see both golden monkeys and mountain gorillas comfortably.
Plan Your Golden Monkeys and Mountain Gorillas Safari
Seeing golden monkeys and mountain gorillas in one adventure is one of the most memorable things you can do in Africa. Call or WhatsApp +256 782 915 447 or email info@tulambule.com with your dates, and we will check permit availability and build your Virunga primate safari. For a wider view of gorilla parks, seasons and tours, read our complete guide to gorilla trekking in Uganda.
