Where gold meets silver

Where the gold meets silver is a slogan for the smallest primate national park in Uganda, popularly known as Mgahinga Gorilla Forest Park. Mgahinga is located in south western Uganda, bordering Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo within the Virunga conservation area. It was gazetted in 1991 to protect and conserve mountain gorillas and other wildlife species including the golden monkeys, birds, mammals, and primates.

The term where the gold meets silver echoes in many travelers’ ears, and they would love to know its meaning in relation to the park. Mgahinga National Park harbors the endangered mountain gorillas and the golden monkeys. During the bamboo shooting period, which happens in September and October every year, on lucky days the mountain gorillas meet the golden monkeys as they hunt for food, and young ones happen to play with each other hence the term “Where the gold meets silver”.

Golden monkeys are named gold because of their striking golden orange patches on their cheeks, long tails, and backs. The world silver comes from silverback, which is an adult male mountain gorilla with a silver coat on their back. In Uganda, the only place to see mountain gorillas and golden monkeys is Mgahinga, as the golden monkeys are endemic to the Virunga Conservation Area.

Trekking the mountain gorillas of Mgahinga National Park

Trekking mountain gorillas of Mgahinga National Park is done by persons above the age of 15 years. These must have a valid gorilla trekking permit which are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority. Mgahinga National Park has only 1 mountain gorilla family for now and this is trekked by a maximum of 7 people.

Uganda Wildlife Authority sells 7 mountain gorilla permits for Mgahinga National Park, and these cost $800 for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents, $500 Rest of Africa, and UGX300,000 for citizens of East African member states. Advance booking at least 6 months or more before the trekking date is advised, especially for those trekking in the high season.

With a mountain gorilla trekking permit, on the day of trekking all trekkers of the day gather at the park headquarters located at Ntebeko. The rangers check permits and later brief trekkers about the rules and regulations of the activity which enables one to know what to do and not to do during the activity. After the briefing is done, trekkers who have heavy luggage may hire porters to help them lift their luggage during the activity.

Gorilla trekking is done with trekkers and armed ranger guides who create way in the forest and also protect everyone from animals that could be dangerous. As different trails are being used to search for the mountain gorillas, the trekkers get an opportunity to meet some of the forest mammals, primates, birds, water sources and vegetation among others.

After 2 to 5 hours of searching, the trekkers meet the mountain gorillas, and the rangers give 1 hour to be around these primates. Mountain gorillas are said to be the second closest relatives to human beings after chimpanzees. While around them, trekkers are allowed to ask different questions in a low voice so as to learn more about their habits, take photos, and record videos for memories. After a successful gorilla trek, trekkers are awarded certificates.

Golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga National Park

Golden monkey trekking is the second most done activity in Mgahinga National Park. It’s done by persons aged 12 years and above as long as they have trekking permits. The golden monkey permits for Mgahinga National Park are unlimited, which allows tourists to buy permits at the park or from Uganda Wildlife Authority offices.

Golden monkey trekking needs one to have paid entrance for Mgahinga National Park which is $40 for foreign non-residents, $30 for foreign residents, $25 Rest of Africa and UGX 20,000 for citizens of East African member states. After paying the entrance fee, one needs to pay the golden monkey trekking permit, which is $60 for foreign non-residents, $50 for foreign residents, and UGX 40,000 for citizens of East African member states.

Golden monkey trekking starts at the park headquarters in Ntebeko which also serves as the park entrance. Trekkers are briefed about the activity and given armed ranger guides to lead them into the jungle. Different trekking trails are used to locate these monkeys, and once spotted the trekkers get 1 hour around them as they watch the members play from one bamboo tree to another. Pictures and videos are allowed for future memories.

What would be the best time to visit Mgahinga National Park

The dry months of the year June to September, and December to February would be the best time to visit Mgahinga National Park. These are characterized by little rainfall and plenty of sunshine, which keeps the trails a little bit dry. The vegetation is short, giving a clear view of the primates, which leads to clear photography.

Tourists can also visit Mgahinga National Park in September and October, which are said to be the bamboo shooting periods. During this period, it’s easy to locate the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys because they like feeding on bamboo shoots. On a lucky day, trekkers might find the mountain gorillas feeding with the golden monkeys.

Tourists may still travel during the rainy season months, which happen from March to May and October to November. The park is open, but there is plenty of rainfall and little sunshine, which keeps the trekking trails slippery and the vegetation tall. The rainy season is good for tourists who like less crowded places, as few people visit the park.