2 Days Rwanda Golden Monkeys Tracking Safari
This 2 Days Rwanda Golden Monkeys Tracking Safari leads to the country’s top visited destination on Rwanda Safaris ‘’Volcanoes National Park ’one of Africa’s oldest wildlife conservation areas. The Volcanoes National Park lies in the northwestern part of Rwanda and its main attractions are the endangered mountain gorillas and second sought species here are the golden monkeys, forest elephants, buffaloes, bush duikers, and spotted hyenas.
Volcanoes National Park is also home to a variety of bird species. It is also comprised of diverse vegetation including afro-alpine types, bamboo forests on the lower mountain slopes, hygienic rainforests, savanna grasslands and swamps. The park is remarkable with five volcanoes within its promises; Mount Karisimbi, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Bisoke, Mount Gahinga and Mount Muhabura.
Volcanoes National Park went internationally during the late 1960s and early 1970s as a result of the great work of the primatologist Dian Fossey. Dian Fossey studied mountain gorillas in the area for two decades and died as a result of her stand against poachers.
She took a lot of time studying mountain gorillas in detail and introduced new methods of Gorilla Habituation and she had focused on research only on gorilla conservation in Africa.
Take note; Without her efforts in attracting funding and bringing to the attention of the world the critical challenges faced by mountain gorillas, they would probably be extinct by now.
The 2 Day Golden Monkey trekking Rwanda will involve in hiking through diverse vegetation to view one of the most active primates’’ golden monkey’’ on earth. Golden monkeys are a sub-species of the blue monkey.
In fact, golden monkeys are found in a few places in Africa like the Virunga ranges in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Uganda, golden monkeys are found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park while in Congo they are found in Virunga and Kahuzi –Biega National Park.
Facts about golden monkeys;
They are characterized by fur coats that are golden orange in color.
They live in troops that can have 80 individuals.
They feed on bamboo, and insects and will raid gardens for potatoes.
Their chief enemy is the African Eagle.
They are always on the lookout for Eagles especially when it is raining.
The golden monkeys in Nyungwe and Gishwati-Mukura are not habituated.
There are two habituated groups of golden monkeys in the park with over 90 individuals. They live on the slopes of Mount Sabinyo.
Detailed Itinerary of the 2 Days Golden Monkey Trekking Safari
Day 1: Pick up from Kigali and transfer to Ruhengeri – Ibyiwacu Cultural Village
Depending on your location in Kigali, you will be picked up by our safari driver guide after your breakfast. Be briefed about the tour and take you for a city tour in Kigali.
The Kigali city tour involves visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, the former presidential palace, city local markets, and craft shops. Have lunch and then proceed to the Volcanoes National Park. The driving journey covers about 2 hours through beautiful rolling hills and sights of people working in their gardens.
Upon arrival, check into the lodge, refresh, and briefly enjoy the impressive views of the Virunga volcanoes.
After resting, you will be driven to tour the Iby’iwacu Cultural Center. The Iby’wacu cultural village is Rwanda’s most visited cultural place. On a visit to Ibyawacu, you will enjoy Rwanda’s tribe and learn more about them. You will be requested to participate and buy one of the local souvenirs. Dinner and overnight stay.
Meal plan: Half-Board
Day 2: Golden Monkey Trekking – Departure to Kigali
After morning breakfast, you will be transferred to the headquarters in Kinigi. The briefing starts at 7:30 and ends at 8: 00 am. Thereafter, you will be taken along other trackers to the starting point which is at the foot of the Volcano. The park is beautiful with dense green forest and the five volcanoes standing in all directions. Golden monkey trekking is easy because they love eating bamboo which is found on the lower slopes of the volcanoes.
Once you find them, you will be allowed one hour with them, during that one hour expect to have close encounters allowing you to have memorable photos of them. But flash cameral are not permitted.
Golden monkeys are very playful primates and you will be amazed as you watch them demonstrate their natural skills in climbing trees. They love eating potatoes and will not hesitate to go out into the human garden to get a few.
You will return to the starting point after our amazing experience with the golden and then continue the journey back to Kigali.
End of the 2 Days Rwanda Golden Monkeys Tracking Safari.
Tour includes;
- Park fees
- Permits for golden monkeys
- Ground transportation and meals
- Excellent English speaking skills
- One-night full-board accommodation
- Bottled water throughout the tour
- All activities listed in the itinerary
- Government taxes
Tour Excludes;
- Air tickets and visas
- Fees for porters
- Tips to porters, guides, rangers
- Travel Insurance
- Laundry services, telephone bills
