Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda, specifically in Volcanoes National Park is an exciting adventure. It offers a unique chance to see the rare and beautiful golden monkeys. These monkeys are special because they have striking golden fur. They are lively and fun to watch making them great for photography.
Many people don’t know about the golden monkey trek because the gorilla trekking adventure in the same park is more popular. Often, visitors who come to see the gorillas add the golden monkey trek to their tour.
Golden monkeys are endangered and can only be found in the Virunga Mountain range which spans the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda.
However, only Rwanda and Uganda offer trekking tours to see these monkeys up close. The golden monkeys live in the bamboo forests at the base of the volcano mountains. They mainly eat bamboo shoots, bamboo branchlets and young bamboo leaves.
How many golden monkey groups are found at Volcanoes
In Volcanoes National Park there are two groups of golden monkeys that are used to seeing people. The larger group with about 80 to 100 members lives in the Sabyinyo volcano area and is the most visited by tourists.
Seeing the golden monkeys is a special experience. They are not just beautiful; they also have a lively and playful nature. This makes the trek both fun and memorable to the visitors. If you’re planning a visit to Volcanoes National Park, adding the golden monkey trek to your itinerary is a great idea. It’s a chance to see an endangered species in their natural habitat, contributing to their conservation while enjoying a unique adventure.
The Cost of Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda
The permit or ticket for golden monkey trekking costs USD 100 for international tourists. The minimum age to trek the golden monkeys in Rwanda is 12 years old.
How is the Trekking is Done?
First, tourists must purchase a golden monkey trekking permit in advance. There is only one session per day which takes place in the morning like all other activities in Volcanoes National Park. Visitors must report to the Kinigi Park Headquarters at 7 AM where they meet the park ranger guides for a briefing. After the briefing, visitors drive to the trek’s starting point at about 15 minutes away at the park’s edge.
The monkeys are easily found at the bottom of the volcano mountains in the bamboo forest. By following clues such as fresh leftovers from eaten bamboo shoots and leaves, trackers can locate them in less than an hour. Visitors spend a maximum of one hour watching these incredibly beautiful monkeys. The monkeys skillfully pick bamboo shoots and young bamboo leaves while making huge jumps from one bamboo tree to another. Their extra-long tails provide great balance but can sometimes get trapped and cut off by the bamboo, so you might see some monkeys with short tails.
Where does golden monkeys spend their time
The monkeys spend a lot of time at the top of the bamboo but also come down to eye level and even move on the ground. They are not very shy so visitors can get as close as within a meter. This makes them wonderful for photography and using a camera flash is allowed unlike during gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda. Interestingly, these monkeys seem to love the camera flash.
Sometimes the monkeys venture out of the park into nearby potato fields to eat leftover potatoes. Watching the monkeys dig up and clean the potatoes before eating them is amazing!
Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda is a unique and memorable experience. It allows visitors to see an endangered species in their natural habitat and contributes to their conservation. If you’re planning a visit to Volcanoes National Park, adding the golden monkey trek to your itinerary is a great idea.
Level of Fitness Required for The Trek
The Golden Monkey trek is one of the least strenuous activities in Volcanoes National Park. The monkeys live at the bottom of the mountain range in the bamboo forest. The terrain here is relatively flat and easy to trek so basic fitness is enough for this adventure. You don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy the trek and see the golden monkeys up close.
What Items Are Needed for the Trek
Hiking Shoes
Comfortable hiking shoes are essential for the trek. They will help you navigate the forest floor easily and keep your feet protected.
Drinking Water
It’s important to stay hydrated during the trek. Bring enough drinking water to last the duration of the hike.
Rain Jacket
Weather in the park can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to bring a rain jacket. This will keep you dry in case of sudden rain.
Camera
Don’t forget your camera! The golden monkeys are wonderful to photograph. Unlike other primate trekking experiences, using a flash is allowed during the golden monkey trek. This makes it easier to capture great pictures of these beautiful animals.
With these items and a basic level of fitness, you’ll be well-prepared for an enjoyable and memorable golden monkey trekking experience in Rwanda.
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