Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda

Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda; Golden monkey trekking is a unique and exciting activity where visitors move into the tropical rainforest in search of the golden monkeys and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes national park which is located in northwestern part of Rwanda in Musanze village. Golden monkey trekking is also done in Mgahinga gorilla national park southwestern part of Uganda.

Golden monkeys are unique primates that live in groups of 60 to 100 individuals which are dominated by a male golden monkey. Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes national park starts very early in the morning with a briefing about the rules, regulations and expectations. After the briefing, you will be allocated an experienced park guide and start trekking in the forest in search of the habituated golden monkey families following trails of left over bamboo leaves and shoots and fruits. Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes national park takes about 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on where the golden monkeys are located because they like to move from one place to another in search of food. During trekking, you will be able to view other primate species, different bird species, plant and tree species among others. Once the golden monkeys are found, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat which gives you an opportunity to learn about their behaviors, watch them play, feed, jump up in tree branches, take photos and record videos.

Cost of a golden monkey trekking permit in Rwanda

A golden monkey trekking permit is a legal card that is issued to visitors above the age of 15 years allowing them to visit habituated golden monkey families and spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. A golden monkey trekking permit in Volcanoes national park costs 100 USD per person for foreign non residents, 65 USD per person for foreign residents and RWF 4,000 for Rwanda citizens.

How to book a golden monkey trekking permit in Rwanda

Golden monkey trekking permits in Volcanoes national park can either be booked directly through Rwanda Development Board (RDB) by contacting the head offices in Kigali via email or telephone calls or booking online at IREMBO official website.

Golden monkey trekking permits in Volcanoes national park can also be booked through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris whereby you will contact us with the date, month and year when you wish to visit the golden monkeys. After contacting us, we will check for permit availability and if there are permits available on your desired dates, you will be asked to make a deposit for your permits. Once we receive the money, we will purchase the permits on your behalf. Booking golden monkey trekking permits through Achieve Global Safaris is the best option to use in that we will not only purchase permits on your behalf but also plan for your entire safari which involves transportation, accommodations, other activities to engage in after golden monkey trekking and other destinations to visit during your safari.

Best time to go for golden monkey trekking in Rwanda

Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda can be done all year round though the best time is during the dry season also known as the peak season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season, there is less rainfall in the national park therefore access roads and golden monkey trekking trails will be dry and passable which makes trekking easy compared to the wet season when the trails are muddy and slippery which make trekking difficult.

Where to stay during your golden monkey trekking in Rwanda

There are a number of accommodation facilities in Volcanoes national park where you can stay during your golden monkey trekking safari. The accommodations range from budget, midrange and luxury including Sabyinyo Silverback lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique, Ruzizi Tented Lodge, One and Only Gorilla’s Nest, Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge, Best View Hotel, Faraja Hotel, Garden Place Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Gorilla Solution Lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, Virunga Lodge, Le Bamboo Gorilla Village, Villa Gorilla, Garr Hotel, Kinigi Guest House, La Palme Hotel among others.

What to pack for your golden monkey trekking safari

There are a number of essentials to pack for your golden monkey trekking safari including hiking boots, long sleeved shirt and trouser, waterproof rain jacket, insect repellent, camera and extra batteries, energy snacks and bottled drinking water, back pack among others.

Other activities in Volcanoes national park

Apart from golden monkey trekking, Volcanoes national park offers other interesting activities like Gorilla trekking where you will be able to spend one hour with the endangered mountain gorillas, mountain climbing where you will be able to hike mount Karisimbi, mount Bisoke and mount Muhabura, cultural tour where you will be able to interact with the local people, visiting the twin lakes of Lake Ruhondo and Burera among others.

How to get to Volcanoes national park

Volcanoes national park is located in northwestern part of Rwanda and can be accessed by road transport means whereby you will drive from Kigali to Kinigi park headquarters which takes about 2 hours’ drive.