Golden Monkey Trekking In Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Virunga Volcanoes forest being one of the remnant forest that has survived over 25000years is home to unique primates like the Golden monkeys. Scientifically golden monkeys are known as Cercopithecus mitis kandti .

Volcanoes national Park is famous for gorilla trekking but an addition of the golden monkey trek immerses you in the primate world the more.

In appearance, Golden monkeys have a bigger body compared to other monkeys, have bright colored fur with golden orange color. Watching them take charge of there day today forest activities makes you feel like joining there happy party.

You never get bored while in the forest with the golden monkeys. It is so unfortunate that currently only about 2000 to 4000 golden monkeys are surviving in the world bringing them to the list of endangered primates.

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga National Park are the only homes of these golden monkeys in the world. They live in troupes of about 100 members under the control of an Alpha male.

Golden Monkey Feeding habitats in Volcanoes National Park

Golden monkeys are generally vegetarian feeding on lichens, bamboo shoots and leaves, flowers, leaves, fruits to mention but a few. They also feed on some invertebrates to like ants, to complement there meal course at times.

Golden monkey habituation

Although gorillas are charming to watch, they are wild animals that require to be habituated for human viewing. At the moment some troupes have been habituated for tourist visits but some others are semi habituated and require to get used to humans.

The golden monkey experimental tourism has been opened for tourist contribution to research. This product is aimed giving tourists a walk in the primate conservation feet, protect endangered species, give a short glimpse into what rangers go through in this competitive century.

How To Book Golden Monkey Trekking Permits In Rwanda

The Rwanda Development board is responsible for selling the golden monkey trekking permits. Each golden monkey permit in Rwanda costs $100.

You can book the golden monkey trek after gorilla trekking. Do not go in the forest to search for the golden monkeys without the escort of a ranger guide. The forest is wide and wild so your safety is most important.

What To Pack for golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda

The tracking boots help you to walk over the soggy ground in the forest.

A rain proof gear to protect you from getting wet especially when it rains without warning

A camera to keep memories of your encounter with the golden monkeys in the wild.

Camouflaged wear that is forest friendly to ensure you don’t look dirty as the jungle is rough and dirty too.

A walking stick to give extra support as you walk in the slippery forest. This can be acquire at the ranger station.

Insect repellant to protect your skin from biting nettles.

A light brim hut for extra protection from dropping morning dew from the surfaces of the leaves.

What Is The Age Limit For Golden Monkey Trekking

12 years and beyond is the age limit for golden monkey trekking in Rwanda since it is not as strenuous as gorilla trekking. The forest area where the golden monkeys live is not so steep.

When is the best time for Golden Monkey Trekking In Rwanda

Golden monkeys are readily available for tourist viewing any time but during the drier months of June to September they are more outgoing than the so cold months. They keep up in the trees when it gets so wet and display less acrobatic tactics.

4 Day Gorilla Trekking And Golden Monkey Tracking Rwanda

Summary

Day1 drive to Volcanoes National Park

Day 2 Gorilla trekking in Rwanda

Day 3 Golden Monkey trekking

Day 4 Departure day or optional Kigali City tour

Details

Day1 Drive To Volcanoes National Park

Rise up for breakfast and our driver guide will pick you from your overnight hotel. Drive through the lash green hills of Rwanda to arrive at Volcanoes National Park.

Enjoy the spectacular views of the Rwanda countryside that is at time referred to as the Switzerland of Africa. Check into your lodge

Day2 Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Taking your packed gorilla trekking gears and lunch proceed to the ranger station at ORTPN for briefing. Do not forget to wear a mask and pack an extra one to change into before coming face to face with the mountain gorillas.

You will be divided into groups of 8 clients who will be escorted by the ranger guide. Look around for the spectacular entertainment from other monkeys like black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey, blue monkeys, red tailed monkeys and many others.

The forest also has a rich bird life that call out on you as you pass by. They are rare species and amazing to watch especially for keen birders but you should not delay the entire crew. The time of locating the mountain gorillas is unknown because of there unrestricted mobility.

At last when you get to find them, put on your mask and watch the mountain gorillas from a distance of about 10 meters. The gorilla trekking family goes about there day today activities like feeding, grooming the infants, jiggling, playing and so much more activity.

Get back to your lodge to relax.

Day 3 Golden Monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park

After breakfast, head to the ranger station for a briefing from your ranger guide. Follow the ranger guide into the forest to search for the golden monkeys. They are very active primates and there golden orange hairs distinguishes them from other monkeys.

They live in troupes of about 100 members under the leadership of the alpha male. They act like the forest masters that perform acrobatics.

Watch out for other monkeys too like the olive baboons, grey cheeked mangabey, red tailed monkeys to mention but afew.

Day 4 Enjoy an optional City tour or Head To Kigali airport

If you have time on you, visit the Kigali city for an optional tour. Kigali is one of the cleanest cities in Africa with amazing views. Head to the genocide memorial where remains of the Victims of the 100 day of terror are preserved. Listen to the agony that befell the Rwandese.

Drive to Kigali airport later to catch up with you home return flight.