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ToggleGolden Monkey Trekking Rwanda, Guide, Price & 3 Best Tours
Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda is an adventure where tourists hike into forests of Volcanoes National Park or Mgahinga in Uganda to encounter these beautiful primates.
Golden Monkey Tracking Rwanda is one of the major activities that you definitely have to do while in this country on your Rwanda safaris trip. This introduces you to golden monkeys that derives its name from the striking golden fur coat onto their bodies.
Where to Go for Golden Monkey Tracking?
These endangered wildlife species can only be found within Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda both situated within the Virunga Mountains that is shared with both Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic republic of Congo.
The Golden monkeys are rendered endangered because their lives continue to be threatened by human activities like encroaching on their habitat, civil wars and their uniqueness to other primate species – a reason why strong conservation efforts were considered to protect the remaining population of these species.
Golden Monkeys Facts;
Golden monkeys are unique compared to other monkeys and you can spot the difference when it comes to the positioning of their nostrils. In other monkeys, the nostrils are pointing to the sides while golden monkeys have theirs facing ups.
Being in the presence of these playful, curious and beautiful primates is a whole rewarding wildlife experience and you either consider golden monkey tracking in Rwanda as an add on to Rwanda gorilla safaris or visit Volcanoes solely to see these species.
There two habituated golden monkey troops within Volcanoes National Park with the largest and most visited found on the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo of about 100 individuals.
How Long Does Golden Monkey Trekking Take?
The adventure Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda only has one session per day and travellers who are interested in are expected to report at the park headquarters at 7:00am in the morning for briefing about the guidelines and rules before they are allowed to proceed and see these endangered primate species right in their natural habitat.
Unlike gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking in Rwanda is less tenous since these gentle creatures spend much of their time at the bottom of the mountain ranges. This is usually flat but basic hiking is required for you to be able to reach where these are situated.
By following leftover bamboo shoots, leaves trackers will be able to locate where golden monkeys are and you will meet them in less than an hour.
Golden Monkey Trekking Permits and Cost;
Like any other activity, to see golden monkeys right in their natural habitat, you will need to have purchased a permit that is issued by the Rwanda Development Board.
Each permit costs only $100 per person and the beauty about golden monkey trekking in Rwanda is that it has no limitations on the number of people that can get an up close experience with these monkeys.
With a permit, you will be allowed to spend time of up to 1 hour observing their characteristics, behavior, and following them as they swing on bamboo trees and feed on fruits.
Golden Monkey Permits Price;
Category of Travelers | Amount | Student / Child |
Foreigner | USD 100 | – |
Foreign resident in Rwanda | USD 65 | USD 45 |
Rwandan citizen | RWF 4,000 | RWF 2,000 |
East African citizen | USD 65 | USD 45 |
East African Foreign resident | USD 80 | USD 45 |
Is Golden Monkey Trekking Worth it?
Golden monkey tracking is worth its cost due to the fact that these primates are endangered and every dollar spent to visit them is used to conserve them for the future generation.It is one if the sustainable tourism activities – travel with purpose.
Seeing these species as they roam freely in their natural habitat is considered to be one of the most rewarding experience and it will only take you between 1-4 hours to get upclose with the golden monkeys rendering it one of the best activities you can do in Rwanda.
Best Time to Do Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda;
Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda can be done throughout the year but for the best experience, you will need to visit the park during the dry season of the year which does take place during the months June to September and December to February.
It’s during this time that the park receives less or no rainfall at all which does make the trails within the park less slippery and dry to ease your movement as you search for golden monkeys.
During the wet season of the year, the park receives a lot of rainfall which makes the trails within the park slippery and as it rains, it may hinder with your trip itinerary but the best thing about this season is that you will be able to enjoy the amazing discounts always made available by various accommodation options.
Regardless of the time of the year you choose to do golden monkey trekking, we assure you a memorable and rewarding time around these small playful species.
What to Pack for your Rwanda Golden Monkey Trekking Safari?
For a memorable golden monkey trekking experience in Rwanda, you will need to carry a few things and these do include;
- Hiking shoes to give you the stability as you hike to their natural habitat
- Insect repellent to protect you from insect bites
- Long trousers to keep you warm and protect you from insects that may sting you
- Long sleeved shirts to protect you from the thorns, insects and keep you warm
- A light weight rain jacket to keep you dry just in case it rains. Golden monkeys are found within a rainforest and it can rain anytime of the year.
- You can as well carry a camera to capture that award winning photo of these species as they swing on bamboo trees.
Golden monkeys are Albertine endemics which implies that you will only spot them within Virunga area that is within Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park. Planning for a golden monkey trekking safari, count on us.
Book a Golden Monkey Safari to Rwanda:
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