How long do you stay with the golden monkeys in Rwanda?

The time spent with the golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is usually 1 hour and this one hour enables the tourists to observe the golden monkey’s natural behavior, photography opportunities, and a safe and respectful distance from the monkeys. After the trekking safari activity you will leave the golden monkeys’ habitat and trek back to the park headquarters to get the golden monkey trekking certificates. It’s worth noting that the golden monkey trekking safari is often less strenuous than gorilla trekking, as the monkeys who inhabit lower-altitude forests are more accustomed to human presence.

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Golden monkeys are intriguing primate species also known as the Golden monkey (Cercopithecus mitis kandti) though they are listed as endangered on the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List due to the habitat loss, hunting and diseases as well. Just like the endangered mountain gorillas whose numbers are estimated to be around 1,000 only left in the world. The golden monkeys are estimated to be about 5000 individuals left in the entire world as most of them are only living and exist in the Virunga ranges. On a Rwanda safari, the golden monkeys are known for their distinctive golden coats and allow for an unforgettable safari trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes National Park is popularly known for being the home of the mountain gorillas of Rwanda. The park is so attractive because it is home to other attractive primates, including the more common golden monkeys. On your safari to East Africa, you find the golden monkeys in more safari destinations in Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo and these are known as the endemic species to the Virunga region.

Volcanoes National Park is a famous safari destination located in the Musanze village Rwanda, the destination is renowned for primate tracking and wildlife exploration at large. Volcanoes National Park is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda, bordering Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Volcanoes National Park covers an area of approximately 160 square kilometers (61 square miles). The park is characterized by its rugged terrain, with the five mountains that is Karisimbi (4,507 meters), Bisoke (3,711 meters), Muhabura (4,127 meters), Gahinga (3,474 meters), Sabyinyo (3,669 meters).

The park has attractive vegetation with diverse habitats like Bamboo forests, Montane forests, cloud forests Afro-alpine vegetation that inhabits the various wildlife like mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys and other animal species like bushbucks, spotted hyenas, forest elephants and various beautiful and colorful bird species that are over 200 bird species like Rwenzori Turaco, Red-chested sunbird, Regal sunbird, Rockefeller’s sunbird, Shelley's Crimsonwing, African Emerald Cuckoo, Kivu Ground Thrush, Lagden’s Bush Shrike, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Carruther’s Cisticola, Mountain Yellow Warbler and among many others.

Gold monkeys are a subspecies of the skies monkey which as well-known as the blue monkey. The monkeys do live in big groups of up to 60 members in a family led by a dominant male. These golden monkeys are easily identified by the bright orange fur spread out all over their bodies, they have white markings on their face, throat and chest. Golden monkeys have a long, thin tail which they use for balance. Golden monkeys are diurnal, spending most of their time in the trees, but also foraging on the ground. The golden monkeys produce high-pitched calls, often sounding like a loud ‘’kek-kek-kek’’.

The golden monkeys primarily feed on bamboo shoots, leaves, fruits and other small insects. After feeding, these beautiful primates spend most of their time swinging from one tree branch to another. Spending time with the golden monkeys during golden monkey trekking is the ultimate safari experience that every tourist should pursue, rather than simply reading about them.

On a Rwanda safari, trekking the golden monkeys is an equal choice as the safari activity is fully developed for tourists to participate in. The Rwandan government together with the Volcanoes National Park is very well organized and the country is very safe one so there will not be much worry about your safari activity. Trekking golden monkeys compared to mountain gorilla trekking have a favored age limit of individuals above 12 years which means almost everyone interested can take part in the golden monkey trekking safari.

Golden monkey trekking experience in Rwanda.

Golden monkey trekking is a full day safari activity that begins as early as 7: 30 am with a morning briefing about the rules and regulations to follow during the golden monkey trekking, you will be told about what to expect from the trek and the expected code of conduct for the trek in the forest. After the briefing, you will head to the experience that takes place at Volcanoes National Park. On a safari during the golden monkey trekking, compared to the mountain gorillas is a bit easy and fast venture as you will meet the golden monkeys within the shortest period of time compared to a longer period of time during the gorilla trekking.

The activity will necessitate your effort and enthusiasm, as the monkeys leave no trace of their presence. During the trekking, along the way you will spot various biodiversity in the park that are beautiful and eye catching. The other way to track and spot the golden monkeys is by spotting the fresh leftovers of the bamboo shoots once you meet them, you will watch them play, swing from one tree branch to another and this is the best way to capture images and record the videos through putting your camera to fast shutter shot speed as these move so faster. In just one hour, you will have the opportunity to spend time with the golden monkeys of Rwanda.

The age limit for the golden monkey trekking safari in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park is 12 years, the authorities at the park in Rwanda are very strict on this, so kindly you are advised to make sure that all travelers to participate in this activity who are 12 years and older, that is no maximum age for the golden monkey trekking provided, but if you are adult and you can be able to walk.

Cost of a golden monkey trekking in Rwanda.

A golden monkey trekking permit is a legal card that is offered to all the visitors planning to trek the golden monkeys in Volcanoes national park, the visitors should be above the age of 12 years old allowing them to visit the habituated golden monkey families and spending one hour with them in their natural habitat. A golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes national park costs 100 USD per person for the 100 USD per person for foreign residents and RWF 4,000 for only the Rwanda citizens.

The golden monkey trekking permits in Volcanoes National Park can either be booked directly through a government body of Rwanda in charge of tourism that is Rwanda Development Board (RDB) by contacting their head offices in Kigali through email or telephone calls or you as well book online at IREMBO official website.

You can also get the golden monkey permit in Volcanoes National Park through a trusted tour operator like us, where you will contact us with the date, month and year when you wish to visit the golden monkeys. Once you reach out to us, we will verify the availability of permits on your selected dates. If they are available, we will request a deposit for your permits. Then once we have received the money, we will get the permits on your behalf, booking for your golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda through us is actually the helpful option to use in that we will not stop at purchasing the permits on your behalf but still we shall help you to save time, in that we shall plan for your entire safari that involves transportation, meals and accommodations.

Best time to go for the golden monkey trekking in Rwanda.

Staying with the golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda can be done all year round though the best time to do golden monkey trekking is the dry season also known as peak season during the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season, there can be less rainfall or no rainfall in the national park therefore the park trails can be dry and easy to navigate which makes trekking easy compared to the wet season when the trails can be muddy and slippery hence making it a challenge to navigate the park trails.

On the other hand, the wet season or rainy season is the best time for certain visitors to do golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda during the months of March to May and November. During the wet season brings lush, vibrant vegetation making the forest more beautiful for photography.

The wet season brings an abundance of food for the golden monkeys thus making them active and easier to spot. That’s the period when you are likely to encounter fewer tourists making for a more amazing and peaceful safari experience. Trekking the golden monkeys during the wet season there can be discounts on the accommodations thus making it more affordable option to go golden monkey trekking.

Trekking the golden monkeys in Rwanda offers a unique and different experience compared to the dry season, with the misty atmosphere and lush vegetation creating a memorable adventure. Keep in mind that the wet season can also bring challenges like muddy paths and reduced visibility, however with proper preparation and guidance, but still golden monkey trekking during the wet season can be a rewarding and unforgettable safari experience.

Where to stay during your golden trekking in Rwanda.

Rwanda offers a diverse number of accommodation facilities to tourists who are interested in the golden monkey trekking safari. The accommodation facilities range from budget, mid-range and budget options. These accommodations offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests, and some are within walking distance to the park headquarters.  These lodges include One and Only Gorilla’s Nest, Five Volcanoes Boutique, Best View Hotel, Garden Place Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, Garr Hotel, Villa Gorilla, La Palme Hotel, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, Kinigi Guest House and among many others.

What to pack for your golden monkey trekking safari Rwanda.

When you think about the golden monkey trekking safari in Rwanda, you are reminded to pack some of the essential items and these include long sleeved shirt and trousers, a waterproof backpack, binoculars, hiking boots/strong shoes, waterproof rain jacket, insect repellent, energy snacks and bottled drinking water, camera and extra batteries and among many others.

How to get to Volcanoes National Park.

Volcanoes National Park is situated in the northwestern part of Rwanda and it can be reached by road transport means that is you can drive from Kigali to Kinigi Park headquarters this will take 2 hours drive, where the park is approximately 160 km (100 miles).

You can as well take a flight through using Air transport, you will take a charter flight from Kigali International Airport to the park’s airstrip either Karisimbi airstrip, Musanze also known as Ruhengeri airstrip. Musanze Airstrip is located about 30km (19 miles) from Volcanoes national park headquarters and is used for charter flights, from there you can take a vehicle transfer to the park.

Volcanoes National Park Rwanda offers other wonderful safari activities apart from golden monkey trekking like gorilla trekking where you will be able to spend one hour with the endangered mountain gorillas, and mountain climbing where you are able to experience and hike the five volcanoes. You can finalize your safari with the cultural tour where you will be able to interact with the local people and visit the twin lakes of Lake Ruhondo and Burera and among many others.

Are you interested in a safari to see the golden monkeys in Rwanda, Kindly contact us for more information.