Want to know about golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park, the best park for gorilla trekking safaris in Africa, all is discussed here! Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda is an exciting rare wildlife adventure that gives you a golden opportunity to encounter the beautiful and endangered Golden monkeys in the misty bamboo trees of Rwanda Volcanoes Park.

In the whole world, Golden monkeys are some of the endangered species of monkeys only found within the Virunga region in Virunga Mountains range. This area encompasses 3 national parks including Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Uganda’s Mgahinga park holds the highest population of Golden monkeys.

Golden monkey tracking in Rwanda gorilla park starts early morning around 7:00 am with briefing before you embark on the Golden monkey trek.

The adventure is open year-round and it’s very easy to add it to other Rwanda safari activities such as; gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe National Park, or wildlife viewing safaris in Akagera park.

Continue with me below to explore the details about golden monkey tracking in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park.

The Experience of Tracking Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park

Trekking golden monkeys doesn’t require a certain number of people as it is with gorilla adventures.

Before going on a golden monkey trek in the jungle of bamboo forests, visitors will first have a briefing at the park headquarters around 7:30 am. A park ranger will guide you on the dos and don’ts while tracking the endangered Golden monkeys.

Thereafter the briefing, visitors may decide to hire a porter to help them carry extra luggage before entering the montane jungle to search for Golden monkeys. This exciting hike can take about 2-3 hours to find the Golden monkeys. A golden monkey hike is not as hard as a gorilla trek.

Trackers find these exciting endangered species by keeping an eye out for fresh leftovers of bamboo shoots in the bamboo forest where they dwell mostly.

Golden monkey tracking offers a unique amazing experience every day because of the weather and the movement of these primates.

An Encounter with Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park

Upon spotting them, it can be hard to take photos of these monkeys as they always move on tree tops. Due to this factor, it’s okay to use a flash camera unlike with Mountain gorillas. For the best photos, you should therefore set your camera to a fast shutter shot speed.

Expect to watch large troops of Golden monkeys as they excitingly jump from tree to tree, and you will follow them around. Their long tails help them stay balanced, but the bamboo forest can catch them and cut off their long tails. As proof of this, you can see that some members have short tails.

Habituated Golden monkeys are used to human presence and are not afraid to come close. They may do this out of interest. Monkeys will sometimes leave the park and go eat the Irish potatoes that were left over after the harvest in the potato gardens. It’s amazing to watch the Golden monkeys dig up and clean the potato before they eat it.

Visitors trekking golden monkeys in Rwanda Volcano Park are allowed to spend one hour watching these magnificent monkeys, just like it is with Mountain gorillas and chimpanzee trekking.

Note: Volcano NP holds two habituated troops of Golden monkeys. The bigger and most visited Golden monkey troop is found along the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo with over 80-100 individuals.

Cost for Golden Monkey Trekking Permit in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park

Are you thinking of how much is golden monkey trekking in Rwanda? The cost for a golden monkey trekking permit (golden monkey permit) in Rwanda varies according to the nationality of the traveler.

Below is the cost for trekking golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park;

1. Non Foreign Residents: $100
2. Foreign Residents: $65
3. East African Residents: RWF 4000

Golden monkey permits in Rwanda can only be issued to persons with an age limit of 15 years. Most travelers book their golden monkey tracking permits through tour operators but, it’s also possible to buy them from Rwanda Development Board offices.

Best Time to Visit Rwanda for Golden Monkey Trekking Safaris in Volcanoes National Park

The best time to track golden monkeys in Rwanda is during the dry season in December to February as well as June, July, August, and early September. This is the peak season for Rwanda tours and most lodges are normally full.

Volcanoes National Park hardly receives much rainfall in dry months so, the trails for trekking golden monkeys are dry and mud-free. Some of the paths can be muddy and slippery during wet months, March-May and October-November.

Many lodges around Volcano National Park offer discounts to travelers who visit Rwanda during the wet season. Therefore, this can be the ideal time for travellers with an interest in budget Rwanda safaris.

Other Things to Do in Rwanda on Top of Golden Monkey Trekking Adventure

For a notable African safari in Rwanda, we advise you to supplement other exciting adventures on your golden monkey trek to see this monkey species- a subspecies of the Sykes monkey.

Here are the most unique and amazing activities for you;

1. Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park

The only reason most travelers probably visit Rwanda is to track gorillas in Volcanoes National Park- a mountainous park on Uganda’s border and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Absolutely everyone who loves animals can’t miss an encounter with Mountain gorillas- the majestic giants of the forest. Tourists are limited to spend one magical hour watching these great apes playing, feeding, and grooming to mention but a few. This thrill is memorable!

For the past 20 years, Rwanda has taken substantial conservation measures to ensure the survival of the gorillas and the people that inhabit their habitat. Travelers who visit gorillas in Rwanda likewise contribute to gorilla conservation efforts.

2. Wildlife Viewing in Akagera National Park

Akagera park, is only a 2.5-hour drive from Kigali. Various animals inhabit the park’s  1,122 km2 of land terrain, including several species of birds, Zebras, Giraffes, Hippos, Antelopes, and Elephants. The other three members of the Big Five could even show up. During the game viewing expeditions in Akagera, you will enjoy game drives in beautiful savannah plains & boat cruise on Lake Ihema. Game walks are only possible in specific areas.

Usually, tourists on Rwanda safaris visit Akagera park before embarking on gorilla tracking tours in Volcano NP.

3. Explore the Kigali Genocide Memorial Site

This adventure allows you to reflect about the recent Rwandan Genocide, in which over 800,000 people lost their lives in a span of 100 days, while you journey across Rwanda. Not only did the tragedy alter the nation’s trajectory, but it also profoundly affected the lives of regular people who had lost loved ones in the recent past.

At the Kigali Genocide Memorial, visitors can start to realize the immeasurable killing. In the museum’s photo galleries, artifact collections, and instructive narratives, visitors may learn about the events leading up to the genocide, and Rwanda’s efforts to heal and come together after the tragedy.

In addition, there is a display honoring the little genocide victims, complete with life-size photographs and poignant anecdotes about their little lives. Tragic yet illuminating, a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial is necessary for any serious student of Rwandan history or culture.

4. Enjoy Forest Canopy Walking in Nyungwe Forest

The trails on the floor of Nyungwe Forest are amazing to explore but, the Nyungwe  Forest canopy walk offers the most thrilling adventure.

On a suspending bridge rising 200ft above the canopy of Nyungwe rainforest tree tops, you’ll explore splendid views of this beautiful ancient forest. While on this 2 hours canopy walkway, expect to see verdant foliage, blossoming orchids, and magnificent umbrella trees. Numerous primate species such as the Black and white colobus monkeys are unmissed.

You will also listen to lovely songs and calls of birds in this jungle.

5. Participate in Tea Picking Around Nyungwe National Park

In addition to the picturesque landscape, the area surrounding the park is covered in tea plantations, so visitors may take part in tea picking.

In most cases, visitors explore Gisakura Tea Estate. They will join workers of the tea plantation and learn about tea picking. Photos while wearing the backpack basket can’t be missed.

6. Volunteer in Community Works During Muganda Day

There is barely any litter anywhere in Rwanda! Umuganda, a community work day that happens on the last Saturday morning of every month, and a ban on plastic bags that has been in effect since 2008 are both factors that contribute to the cleanliness of the country.

In the late 1990s, following the genocide, the government reinstated the practice in an effort to “rebuild Rwandan society and nurture a shared national identity.” It is mandatory for able-bodied working-age individuals.

Whether it’s mending houses, making a road, cleaning up the community, a school, or a healthcare center, neighborhood committees determine what project to focus on each month. The community gets together to talk about things that matter to them once the work is done.

Tourists visiting the country are welcome to join in on this wonderful event. For more information on how you can assist with the next Umuganda, contact us.

More Tourism Activities in Rwanda

1. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest Park; This primate tour takes you to encounter chimpanzees in the jungle. Travelers tracking chimps in Nyungwe park will get a chance to see other primates of this park such as Vervet monkeys, Blue monkey, Red-tailed monkeys, Baboons, and Colobus monkeys as well as many bird species. While on this adventure, you are to spend about an hour with chimps.
2. Exploring the tomb of Dian Fossey;  Fossey is an American primatology who preached first the gospel for gorilla conservation. Unfortunately, this lady was attacked with machetes and killed in her cabin in 1895.
3. Volcano hiking; Most travelers climb Mount Bisoke however, Mount Karisimbi is also great for hikers
4. Spend time relaxing on Lake Kivu; Done usually after gorilla tracking
5. Undertake the Kigali city tour; On this tour, you’ll explore Kigali streets, art galleries, local markets, & restaurants where you can have a local dish.
6. Enjoy cultural encounters; Iby’iwacu Cultural Village offers the best cultural experience in Rwanda.

What to Pack for Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park

Travelers interested in a golden monkey trek in Rwanda’s Volcano park should have these essential items for a notable golden monkey tracking experience;

• A waterproof rain jacket
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Camera with enough storage space. Flash cameras are allowed as you take photos of these monkeys eating the bamboo shoot.
• Insect repellent
• Waterproof backpack
• Bottled drinking water
• Long-sleeved shirt & trousers
• Energy giving snacks
• Sunhat and even sunglasses
• A walking stick

Best Volcanoes National Park Accommodation for Tourists Tracking Golden Monkeys

Volcanoes National Park accommodation for visitors interested in tracking golden monkeys ranges from luxury facilities to budget and standard lodges. These are found close to the park and it’s easy to connect to the park in the morning.

Among the most popular lodges in Rwanda Volcano Park include;

• Sabyinyo Silverback lodge
• One and Only Gorilla’s Nest
• Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
• Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
• Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge
• Le Bamboo Gorilla Lodge
• Kinigi Guest House
• La Palme Hotel

FAQs About Golden Monkey Trekking Experience in Volcanoes National Park

1. Where to See Golden Monkeys in Rwanda?

Tourists on Rwanda safari tours can only see these magnificent monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. Several visitors in this park first track golden monkeys and then Mountain gorillas. Note that, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) still lists Golden monkeys as endangered species.

Since Golden monkeys feed most on bamboo shoots, the Golden monkeys live usually within the bamboo region at an altitude of about 2500m above sea level.

2. Is It Safe to Track Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park?

Just like mountain gorilla tracking adventures, golden monkey tracking tours in Rwanda are safe! During this world amazing thrill, you’ll be in the company of trackers as well as rangers who ensure that tourists are safe in the jungle. Likewise, there are guidelines you should follow and these help to keep you safe.

3. How Long Does a Golden Monkey Trek Take?

Trekking Golden monkeys in Rwanda usually takes approximately 2-3 hours and this is influenced by the movement of these endangered monkey species. You’re limited to one hour watching these pretty primates with bright orange fur in their natural habitat eating bamboo shoot.

If you are interested in spending much time with these cute primates. You can go for a golden monkey habituation experience in Uganda’s Mgahinga park. Visitors undertaking golden monkey habituation experience can spend almost half a day with these rare monkey species.

4. Where Is the Best Place to See Golden Monkeys in Africa?

Both Uganda Mgahinga Gorilla National Park & Volcanoes National Park are ideal sites to track Golden monkeys and each place has something unique. In all the national parks, Golden monkeys are mostly spotted in bamboo shoots- the golden monkeys live usually in the bamboo shoots.

On booking your safari with us, our safari specialist will guide you on which destination to explore. Uganda and Rwanda are the only two countries to track golden monkeys. Congo’s Virunga NP holds a small group of wild Golden monkeys and it’s not yet habituated.

5. Is Golden Monkey Trekking Worth It?

Tracking golden monkeys is well worth the money because it gives you room to see this rare species of monkey and other wildlife including bird species. This money also helps to protect the natural habitat that suffered from human encroachment, for example, the bamboo trees. People used to harvest bamboo to make crafts.

6. How Difficult Is Golden Monkey Trekking?

Tracking golden monkeys is not as challenging as gorilla tracking expeditions. These endangered monkey species in the Virunga Mountains dwell in lower slopes of the mountains, mostly within the bamboo forest area- where the terrain is relatively flat & easy to hike. Travelers need to have a basic fitness level to go through fairly challenging terrain in the mountainous park.

7. What to Expect on a Golden Monkey Trek in Volcanoes National Park?

While on the golden monkey trek, be expectant to find other wildlife species within this gorilla park. The most popular include colorful birds, for example, the Sunbirds, and the lovely breathtaking views of the Virunga mountain range. Also, note that you can encounter muddy and slippery points along the path but, this adventure remains remarkable.

In summary, if you visit Rwanda to enjoy primate safaris, you should never leave out trekking golden monkeys in Volcano NP as well. It’s easy to combine this adventure with other wildlife viewing tours in Rwanda for instance, chimpanzee trekking tours in Nyungwe Forest, Mountain gorilla tracking as well as game viewing safaris in Akagera park.

For all inquiries about Rwanda safaris, contact our experienced team responsible for safaris in East Africa and beyond.