When it comes to primate adventures, Rwanda isn’t only popular for gorilla trekking but also for golden monkey trekking experiences! Golden monkey tracking is one of the outstanding primate adventures you should expect to engage in while on safari in Rwanda.
Like gorilla treks, golden monkey trekking in Rwanda entirely takes you through in-depth learning on how golden monkeys feed, mate, socialize, groom each other and for you to take photos. Golden monkeys are known for their strikingly beautiful appearance and they are popular old-world monkeys. They are endangered species and exist only in the Virunga Conservation Area which consists of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda and Virunga National Park in DRC.
Golden monkeys (Cercopithecus Kandti) are sub-species of the blue monkey. These magnificent creatures feature a unique yellow patch around their bodies. They are jumpy thus requiring you to be very keen when taking photos.
Rwanda shelters some of the 5000 golden monkeys that are left on earth today. These can be trekked in Volcanoes National Park, Northwestern Rwanda which is 2-3 hours’ drive from Kigali. Currently, there are 2 habituated troops set for tracking and they comprise of 80-100 golden monkeys. They dwell around Sabyinyo area and huge profusion of them can be spotted here.
Volcanoes National Park can also be reached from Kisoro/Kabale through border crossing via Chanika or Katuna. This can take you 3 to 4 hours driving and preferably, use 4×4 drive vehicle.
What is golden monkey trek like in Volcanoes National Park?
Golden monkey trek starts with briefing at Kinigi by park official. You get to learn the golden monkey tracking rules, assigned to park guide and later, you begin trekking to see golden monkeys at 8:00am. This adventure takes 2-4 hours and one hour is allowed for you to enjoy face to face with golden monkeys.
How much do golden monkey permits cost in Rwanda?
Golden monkey trekking permits in Rwanda are issued at US Dollars 100. This rate applies to foreign non-residents on golden monkey tour, RWF 400 for East African citizens and US Dollars 65 for foreign residents.
It is easier to book golden monkey permits through a ground tour operator or book directly with Rwanda Development Board. Only those above 15 years are eligible to purchase golden monkey permits in Rwanda.
Best time of the year to trek golden monkeys in Rwanda’s Volcanoes N. Park
There is specific time to trek golden monkeys in Rwanda since this is an all-year round destination. But the dry season is incredibly the best if you are to enjoy excellent trek to see golden monkeys in the wild.
This occurs in June, July, August, September and December, January, February. You can as well visit Rwanda for golden monkey tour during the wet or rainy months of the year starting from March, April, May and October, November. But it is during these months that the park records the heavy rainfall amount.
Check-list of items to pack for golden monkey trekking in Rwanda
When packing for your golden monkey trek, ensure you do so wisely. Begin with essentials first and these should consist of snacks, sweater, insect repellent, long-sleeved shirt, waterproof hiking boots, rain-jacket, sun hat, camera with no flashlight, golden monkey permit (should be valid) and others.
Lodges to stay during and after golden monkey trek in Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park has numerous accommodation facilities covering all visitor needs. There are budget options, mid-range and luxury. They include Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mount Gorilla View Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, La Palme Hotel, Hotel Muhabura.
