Golden Monkey Trekking; Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda can be done in Volcanoes National Park the top visited national park for primate safaris such as Gorilla trekking and Golden monkey tracking adventures. However, golden monkey trekking is a quite memorable experience that offers an excellent opportunity to experience the active lifestyle of these species, behave, feed, swing on tree branches as well as enjoy unforgettable photography. The golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park is one of the most sought activities after the popular gorilla trekking adventure and another side –golden monkey trekking can be added to the Rwanda Gorilla Tour in Volcanoes.
These species are endangered and are rarely found in the Virunga mountain range which covers three countries Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. But golden monkeys can only trek in two countries; Uganda and Rwanda. Despite facts, golden monkeys are unique species that can be seen up close in their natural environment. They live in bamboo shoots, bamboo branches, and young bamboo leaves. Volcanoes National Park has two habituated troops of golden monkeys and the largest troop in Sabyinyo volcano with 80 – 100 Amembers it is the most visited by tourists.
What is the cost of golden monkeys trekking –at Volcanoes National Park?
Golden monkey permits in Volcanoes cost USD100 for foreigners. It is limited to a minimum of 12 years.
Golden monkey trekking permits can be got by contacting a trusted tour company or from the Rwanda Development Board ‘’RDB’’.
How are the golden monkeys trekking organized?
Golden monkeys start in the morning same as gorilla trekking with a briefing at Kiningi Park headquarters where they will meet the park ranger guide and drive for a short distance to start the trek which is 15 minutes away at the edge of the park.
Trackers shall go in search of monkeys at the bottom of the volcano mountain in the bamboo forest by following clues of fresh leftovers from eaten bamboo shoots and leaves. The activity can take about an hour and once found spend a maximum of one hour watching, their long tails as they get trapped by the bamboo tree, as they climb down along the tree to eye level and move on the ground as well as having wonderful for photography but the flash disc is not permitted.
Trackers are advised to be physically fit for their golden monkey tours. This is because monkeys live at the bottom of the mountain range in the bamboo forest and terrain which is relatively flat and easy to trek.
What to pack for the golden monkey trekking tour?
Light clothes which make hiking while in the park.
A camera with enough storage to take memorable pictures.
Hiking boots to help you during golden monkey trekking on slippery and muddy trekking trails.
A raincoat shouldn’t be forgotten because rainfall is unpredictable, it can fall at a time of the day.
Carry an insect repellent to avoid being bitten by an insect in the park. Some insects can spread diseases while biting for example mosquitoes that can spray malaria virus to tourists.
Best time to carry out golden monkey trekking?
The best time to do golden monkey trekking in Rwanda tours is during the dry season when the mountains are not slippery to cause any accidents and those interested in the activity, visit the park from June to September and from December to February. However, the activity can be done also during the wet season when there is a lot of food for the golden monkeys which limits their movements in the park.
