Golden Monkey trekking is one of the most popular activities for tourists who visit Rwanda for a safari. Golden Monkey trekking is done in Volcanoes National Park, which is famously known as the park where silver meets gold because it is home to many mountain gorillas that tourists can encounter on a gorilla trekking safari. Volcanoes National Park is located in Rwanda.
About Golden Monkeys
Golden monkeys are a rare and threatened species of primate with distinctive behaviors. They have patches on their bodies that resemble gold and are covered in other colors like white and brown. Golden monkeys can be distinguished from other species of monkeys by having their noses pointed upward. Golden monkeys do communicate with one another through vocalization, facial expressions, and hand gestures.
Rwanda protects about 3500 golden monkeys, and each group can contain up to 100 individuals. Golden monkeys typically construct sleeping or living areas out of bamboo plants. Travelers can only track the habituated golden monkeys. There are only two habituated golden monkey groups, each with between 80 and 100 monkeys, which are open to visitors in Volcanoes National Park.
Golden Monkey trekking is available due to the presence of habituated golden monkey groups that tourists can visit while on their golden monkey trekking safari in Volcanoes National Park. Golden Monkey trekking is feasible. In contrast to mountain gorillas, which are found in the higher elevations of Volcanoes National Park, golden monkeys in Rwanda survive in bamboo vegetation near the base of the volcanoes. The only difference between golden monkey and gorilla trekking is that golden monkeys are much easier to locate than gorillas.
Travelers engage in the amazing activity of golden monkey trekking, which involves hiking to encounter primates in their natural environment and spending hours with them. Although they are a shy species of primate, golden monkeys are very active species. Because of this, it can be challenging to get good photos of them because they move so quickly from one tree to another. Depending on how quickly the golden monkeys move, golden monkey trekking in Rwanda can take as little as 30 minutes or as long as several hours to reach the golden monkeys.
A golden monkey trekking permit must be purchased in order to participate in golden monkey trekking in Rwanda. Permits for Golden Monkey can cost just $100 per person per trek. The Rwanda Development Board is responsible for issuing permits, or you can have a reputable tour operator buy them for you. With only two habituated golden monkey troops and a maximum of 8 travelers per group allowed for golden monkey trekking in Rwanda, it is advised to reserve golden monkey permits in advance to ensure a positive experience.
What to bring on the Golden Monkey trek?
What to carry for golden monkey trekking is the same as what they bring on a gorilla trekking safari. For a successful golden monkey trekking experience in Rwanda, one should pack items such as rain jackets, preferably waterproof ones, a hat, good hiking shoes, insect repellent creams, water, and energy-boosting snacks. Make sure you have a hiking stick, which you can rent from your lodging or at the trailhead.
There are numerous lodging options available for visitors on a golden monkey trekking safari. There are many different types of lodging options available to accommodate all types of travelers. There are many different places to stay, some of which include Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Bisate Lodge, and Ingagi Park View Lodge.
Travelers can combine golden monkey trekking with other fantastic activities in Volcanoes National Park, including mountain gorilla trekking, nature walks, musanze caves walk, and many more. The majority of visitors to Rwanda who come for gorilla trekking also go on a full primate safari that includes trekking with golden monkeys and chimpanzees. Through a reputable tour operator, arrange a Rwanda primate safari for the chance to see golden monkeys and take part in golden monkey trekking.