Where to See Golden Monkeys in Rwanda
Where to see golden monkeys in Rwanda: Golden monkeys are unique primate species that can be found inhabiting tropical and montane forests in the Virunga Volcano Massif, which is shared by three countries namely Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Golden monkeys are one of the few primates that live in areas near mountain gorillas. Golden monkeys in Rwanda can be found in Volcanoes National Park, which is located in the north eastern part of Rwanda.
Golden monkeys are active and playful which makes trekking an active activity compared to the mountain gorillas which are peaceful and gentle. Golden monkeys are territorial and live in groups of about 30 individuals and they feed on bamboo shoots, leaves, fruits, insects, shrubs among others.
Unlike mountain gorillas, golden monkeys in Rwanda live in lower altitude areas which make tracking them much easier than tracking mountain gorillas. Golden monkeys move from one place to another and hardly leave any trace or evidence behind.
Where to go for Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda.
Visitors interested in golden monkey trekking in Rwanda can do so in Volcanoes National Park. The national park is a well-known primate destination in Rwanda and has become a very popular destination for mountain gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda. It is also the only national park in Rwanda where you will get to see golden monkeys.
Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda is such a unique and wonderful experience. The national park has two groups of habituated golden monkey groups which comprise 80 individuals in total.
How much is Golden monkey trekking permit in Rwanda?
Golden monkey trekking permit in Rwanda costs USD 100 dollars per person. Visitors interested in the activity are advised to book their permits at least six months in advance to avoid any inconveniences that come with late bookings and permit unavailability that is caused as a result of high demand for the activity especially during the peak season in the park.
How to book your golden monkey trekking permit in Rwanda.
Tourists interested in trekking golden monkeys in Volcanoes national park in Rwanda can book their trekking permits online through the parks’ reservations website www.volcanoesnationalparkrwanda.org/bookings .Visitors can also make bookings for golden monkey trekking directly at the park’s reservation offices in Kinigi and Kigali City respectively.
What time does golden monkey trekking start in Volcanoes National Park.
Golden monkey trekking activities in Volcanoes national park commence at 7am, just like the gorilla trekking activity. Visitors are required to first sign into the visitors’ registrar upon your arrival at the park. This will then be followed by a briefing from the head ranger at the park and later visitors are placed in trekking groups which consist of a maximum of 8 members per group. Therefore visitors cannot do both golden monkey trekking and gorilla trekking activities on the same day.
How long does golden monkey trekking take in Volcanoes national park.
Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes national park in Rwanda takes between 4 to 8 hours or more depending on the location of the monkeys and how long it will take you to locate a group.
What to pack for your golden monkey trekking tour to Volcanoes national park.
Some of the essential items to carry with you on when you go golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes national park included; a pair of long trousers and shirts, a light raincoat, a good pair of hiking boots, sunscreen and insect repellent cream, a cap/hat, a water bottle, some snacks, and your camera. Also do not forget to carry your trekking permit on the day that you are going to do golden monkey trekking.
Accommodation in the park.
Volcanoes national park in Rwanda has quite a number of luxury accommodation facilities, some of which include; Bisate Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge and One & Only Gorillas Nest to mention but a few.
How to get to Volcanoes national park.
The main entry point into Rwanda is through Kigali International Airport. Volcanoes national park can be accessed by road from Kigali city. The park is a 2-hours’ drive by road from Kigali City that offers amazing experiences of the countryside. The nearest big town being Musanze, is a 20-minutes’ drive and close for tourists on tour of Rwanda. The national park can be accessed from Uganda through the Cyanika border, which is a 30 minute drive to the park.
Contact any of our travel consultants at Explore Rwanda Tours and book your to Volcanoes national park in Rwanda.
