Golden monkey tracking in Rwanda offers a unique opportunity for you to explore the rare and endangered golden monkeys. During the golden monkey trekking, primate enthusiasts embark on the guided trek to search for a semi-habituated troop of golden monkeys. The trekking adventure to witness the stunning golden monkeys in Rwanda begins with an early morning briefing and allocation of ranger guides.
Where to go for the Rwanda golden monkey tracking
Rwanda golden monkey treks can be experienced in Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, is composed of 2 fully habituated golden monkey troops. The two golden monkey troops present unique opportunities for nature lovers to wind through the jungle in search of golden monkeys.
Volcanoes National Park is a more reliable destination for golden monkey tracking in Rwanda. But golden monkeys in Rwanda are also present in other destinations like Nyungwe National Park and Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
At the Volcanoes National Park, the two habituated troops of golden monkeys reside around the Sabyinyo slopes. The Sabyinyo golden monkey troop is the most explored and comprises 80-100 members. They can be accessed on a guided walk around the slopes of the Sabyinyo Volcano.
Volcanoes National Park is found in the Virunga Conservation Area (VCA), northwestern Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park boasts of a lush mosaic of montane ecosystems, evergreen and bamboo forest, heath, swamp, and open grassland. This Park is compact, measuring only 160 sq. km of area. Its compact size comes with abundant fauna and avifauna. The diverse wildlife to encounter includes bushbucks, forest elephants, giant forest hogs, mountain gorillas, spotted hyenas, bush pigs, black-fronted duikers, and about 200 species of birds.
The birds in Volcanoes include the Rwenzori turacos, collared apalis, handsome francolins, Archer’s robin-chat, Grauer’s rush warblers, Rwenzori batis, Narina trogon, lagden’s bush-shrike, palm-nut vultures, grey-headed bush shrike, and strange weaver birds.
Cost of Rwanda golden monkey tracking
The golden monkey permits for Rwanda can be secured at USD 100 per personal and they are issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). The permit grants you a chance to participate in the trek with the golden monkey troop in Rwanda’s Volcanoes. Booking a golden monkey permit is possible through our experts, and you can secure one in advance before the actual visit to see golden monkeys.
When to visit Rwanda for golden monkey tracking
Golden monkeys in Rwanda are best explored during the peak dry season. The dry season occurs in two phases: the short and the long. The longest dry season extends from June to September while the short dry months in Volcanoes begin from December to February. The dry months are characterized by little rainfall with the ground left relatively drier, making it easier to wind through the bamboo forest in search of the golden monkey troops.
Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, is also open for trekking with golden monkeys even during the wet or rainy season, also referred to as low or off season. The rainy season is often the period characterized by fewer visitors, making it an excellent season to enjoy golden monkey treks on a budget or free of crowds. This occurs from March, April, to May, then from October to November.
Packing for golden monkey tracking in Rwanda
Pack right for you to have a successful golden monkey trek in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The packing list for your golden monkey tracking includes waterproof hiking boots, a safari hat, a daypack, a camera, long-sleeved shirts, a pair of socks, a first aid kit, insect repellent, and more.
How is golden monkey tracking done in Rwanda?
Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda starts with a briefing about rules and regulation, then allocation of ranger guides. The actual trekking with a troop of golden monkeys begins at around 8:00 am and takes about 2-4 hours, but this covers a special 1 hour designated for a face-to-face encounter with these strikingly shining primates. After taking pictures, you are expected to return safely to the briefing area to relax and organize for the next programme.
A certain level of fitness is essential since your guided golden monkey trek involves walking through the lush bamboo forest. Golden monkeys can’t be found stationed in one location and to find them, you need to walk, which is different from game drives, where you use a 4×4 safari vehicle throughout.
Where to stay on the golden monkey tracking tour in Rwanda
Accommodation options to consider booking are available in Volcanoes National Park and also Kigali, most ideal for overnight on the first day of arrival. At Volcanoes National Park, the lodges to book in and around Volcanoes National Park include the Virunga Hotel, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse, Hotel Muhabura, Bisate Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, La Palme Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest.
Getting to Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey tracking
Connectivity to and from Volcanoes National Park is easier by road, whereby tourists can take only 2-3 hours to drive from Kigali to the park. There is an alternative of connecting from Southwestern Uganda about 3-4 hours through the Katuna and Chanika border crossing. A 4×4 tourist car is the most recommended when it comes to road trips to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
What else to do in Rwanda besides golden monkey tracking
In addition to golden monkey tracking, there is a chance to also engage in other experiences in Volcanoes National Park or other destinations. In Volcanoes, expect to have an addition of gorilla trekking, volcano hiking or climbing, bird-watching, Dian Fossey tomb trek, and visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village.
You may also have a city tour in Kigali to explore some of the finest historical sites like the Kigali genocide center, or visit Nyungwe Forest National Park to enjoy chimpanzee tracking or canopy walk.
How to book a golden monkey tracking tour in Rwanda
Golden monkey tracking in Rwanda can be planned and booked through a reliable tour operator on the ground. Talk to an expert from Rwanda safari booking to begin and secure your golden monkey trekking slot in advance.