Volcanoes National Park | Where Are the Golden Monkeys in Rwanda? | Where Is Golden Monkey Trekking Done in Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) is the only premier destination for golden monkey treks in Rwanda to see the famous endangered species of the golden monkeys, worth engaging in for a remarkable safari in Rwanda.
This Parc National des Volcans is part of the larger Virunga Mountains range, shared with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It is here, particularly on the lower slopes of Mount Sabyinyo in Parc National des Volcans and in the bamboo shoots, that two habituated troops of the golden monkeys live, worth seeing during Rwanda safari excursions.
The Rare Golden Monkeys Found in Rwanda—Key Highlight of a Golden Monkey Tracking Experience in Rwanda
Golden monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis kandti) are a subspecies of the Sykes monkey (blue monkey), easily recognized by their striking golden-orange fur, long tails, and striking facial features which make them an attractive and unique species.
These social animals inhabit the forested slopes of volcanos at elevations of up to 3,000 meters above sea level and are highly social, often seen leaping between trees in search of food or evading predators.
These rare species weigh around 7–12 kg and live in large troops/groups of 30 to 100 individuals.
Golden monkeys feed mostly on bamboo shoots, fruits, fresh leftovers, and insects.
They mate all year round, and their active nature and tree-top movements make for a fascinating tracking experience in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
Golden monkeys are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), much like the mountain gorillas, whose global population is now just around 1,063, for they face the same serious threats, like poaching and habitat loss due to human encroachment and agricultural expansion, as humans attack them for raiding their gardens and crops near their habitats, etc.
These Cercopithecus mitis kandti species are estimated to be around 2,500 to 5,000 golden monkeys remaining in the wild; they are found exclusively (endemic) in the Virunga Mountain Range/Virunga Massif—a chain of eight volcanic peaks characterized by valleys and mountainous forests that span the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo
These mountains—Karisimbi, Mikeno, Muhabura, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Gahinga, Nyiragongo, and Nyamuragira—are the last strongholds for both golden monkeys and mountain gorillas seen on a golden monkey or gorilla trek.
It is worth noting that besides Volcanoes NP, they are found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda), Kahuzi Biega NP, and Virunga NP (DR Congo). They are often spotted by travelers on golden monkey tracking tours in Uganda or wildlife tours in Congo.
The trekking experiences are only done in two countries in the world—Uganda and Rwanda—with the Uganda Wildlife Authority issuing permits and managing the Uganda experience, and the Rwanda Development Board issuing permits and managing the Rwanda experience.
While they also live in Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National Parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo, trekking experiences there are not yet fully developed.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Besides golden monkeys, Parc National des Volcans is home to other incredible attractions that can be seen by tourists who are out and about tracking the golden monkeys.
These include bird species such as sunbirds, various wildlife species (e.g., forest antelopes, butterflies), and perhaps even a glimpse of famous mountain gorillas if you’re lucky.
The lush bamboo forests, Dian Fossey’s grave, the Batwa people, the Musanze Caves, and the towering Virungas with their breathtaking volcano views add to the magic.
The Golden Monkey Trekking Experience in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park
Tracking the Cercopithecus mitis kandti species in Rwanda is organized by the RDB and is open to participants of all ages, with no age restrictions in place.
The golden monkey tracking day begins with an early morning (7:30 am) briefing at the Kinigi Park headquarters.
Here, rangers explain rules and give an overview of the trek, including what the golden monkeys are, their habits, traits, facts, etc., to tourists who already have the golden monkey trekking permits from RDB.
Afterward, tourists enter the forest led by trained guides. The golden monkey trek typically lasts 2–3 hours, depending on the movement of the golden monkey troops. These primates can be located by following tracking signs such as fresh bamboo remnants to help locate the troop.
Once found, visitors are allowed to spend about an hour observing and photographing the monkeys as they swing in the bamboo trees, or eating a bamboo shoot.
Unlike gorillas, flash photography is allowed, and a fast shutter shot speed is recommended due to their constant movement.
It is worth noting that, much as they have long tails, some may be seen with short tails because, as they swing from the tree-tops, their long tails may get stuck in a bamboo shoot, which most times cuts their long tails, leaving them with the short tails.
What To Expect on The Golden Monkey Trek
Trekking with golden monkeys is less demanding than Rwanda gorilla trekking done in Volcanoes NP or chimpanzee trekking done in Nyungwe Forest NP, though the experiences are similar.
Trekkers are encouraged to arrive early for a pre-trek briefing before entering the forest. The terrain is mostly flat bamboo forest, though some areas can be muddy and slippery, especially during the rainy season.
A reasonable fitness level is recommended, just like in the case of mountain gorilla trekking and chimpanzee tracking tours.
A porter can be hired to carry additional luggage and provide support on challenging parts of the trail.
Travelers can expect playful monkeys leaping through the bamboo, digging for potatoes, and curiously approaching visitors, among other attractions, especially wildlife species and other primates found in the park.
For a successful trek, it’s important to pack insect repellent and follow photography guidelines—use a fast shutter speed for capturing monkeys, and avoid flash as it can startle them.
Rules And Regulations for Golden Monkey Tracking in Rwanda
- Minimum age limit: 15 years
- Only one session per day with an unlimited number of trekkers or a small group of travellers
- Only one hour is the ample time spent or allowed with the monkeys
- Do not feed the monkeys during the trek
- Maintain a distance of 7 meters
- Follow the ranger’s instructions
- Do not track when sick to avoid infecting the monkeys
It is worth noting that these rules are applicable in both Uganda and Rwanda, the only two countries with golden monkey treks in the world.
Where to Stay During Golden Monkey Tracking Tours in Volcanoes National Park?
| Luxury Lodges One&Only Gorilla’s Nest Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge Bisate Lodge Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel | Midrange Lodges Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge | Budget Options Kinigi Guest House La Palme Hotel |
Book any of these accommodation options in advance for remarkable Rwanda safaris in Volcanoes NP!
Golden Monkey Trekking Costs in Rwanda | How Much Does It Cost to Trek the Golden Monkey in Rwanda?
The main safari price incurred on a golden monkey trek is for the golden monkey trekking permit obtained from RDB, which costs
- Foreign Non-Residents: $100 for golden monkey permits per person
- Foreign Residents: $65 for a golden monkey permit
- East African Residents: An RWF 4000 golden monkey trekking permit can be acquired through licensed tour operators or the Rwanda Development Board.
It is recommended to book these golden monkey permits in advance to avoid disappointment.
Other costs incurred when trekking golden monkeys include costs of accommodation, transport, meals, etc., besides the golden monkey permit costs.
Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park for Golden Monkey Tracking Tours
The best time to track golden monkeys is during the dry season: June to September and December to February. Trails are drier and more manageable. However, the wet season offers discounted accommodation and fewer crowds, ideal for budget travelers on Rwanda trips/Rwanda wildlife safaris.
Combining Golden Monkey Treks with Other Rwanda Safari Activities
For the most outstanding Rwanda safari excursions, travelers can combine their golden monkey watching tours easily with:
Golden Monkey Habituation Experience
The golden monkey habituation experience offers visitors a rare chance to spend four hours observing a golden monkey troop habituated to human presence, which means they are less frightened and more curious around people in the bamboo forest of Volcanoes National Park, where these golden monkeys live.
Unlike regular golden monkey treks, this activity lets travelers join researchers to learn how these endangered species are gradually accustomed to human presence.
Because golden monkeys are naturally shy, habituation is needed before safe visits.
This extended interaction offers deeper insight into the behavior of these unique primates with bright orange fur and long tails from researchers and guides.
Gorilla Trekking in the Volcanoes National Park
Trek endangered mountain gorillas in the same park as golden monkeys. These unforgettable treks allow visitors to spend time observing habituated gorilla families (~12) up close in their natural bamboo forest habitat during Rwanda gorilla tours.
Wildlife Viewing and Game Drives in Akagera National Park
Head to Akagera National Park, the only savanna park in the nation, for traditional safari experiences, including sightings of the Big Five—lions, elephants, giraffes, and hippos—during game drives and boat safaris on Lake Ihema.
Rwanda is home to over 700 bird species, which can be spotted alongside these playful primates. The bamboo forests, wetlands, and high-altitude zones of national parks are ideal for spotting endemic and migratory birds during Rwanda birding tours.
Experience the forest from above on East Africa’s only canopy walkway. The 160 m suspension bridge above the Nyungwe Forest floor offers breathtaking views of the forest and a chance to see birds and monkeys during Rwanda trips.
Track Rwanda’s lively chimpanzees in the dense forests of Nyungwe. This Rwanda chimpanzee trekking experience gives insight into primate behavior and is perfect for combining with golden monkey treks.
OTHER RWANDA SAFARI ACTIVITIES
- Dian Fossey Grave Hikes in Volcanoes NP
Pay homage to the famous American primatologist on a guided hike to her tomb and former Karisoke research center located between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke in Parc National des Volcans.
- Musanze Cave Explorations in Parc National des Volcans
Explore these historical lava tunnels formed by volcanic activity during Rwanda vacations. The caves stretch over 2 kilometers and house hundreds of bats worth seeing during combined trips in Rwanda.
- Genocide Memorial Site Visits
Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and other regional sites for deep historical insight into Rwanda’s past and its journey to peace and reconciliation.
- Boat Cruises on Rwandan Lakes
Enjoy scenic boat rides on Lake Kivu or Lake Ihema. Lake Kivu offers views of the Virunga Mountains, while Lake Ihema is great for birding and hippo sightings during Rwanda safari holidays.
- Virunga Volcanoes Hiking (Karisimbi and Bisoke)
Hike the stunning Virunga Mountains, including Mount Bisoke (with a crater lake) and Mount Karisimbi, Rwanda’s highest peak at 4,507 m above sea level, for unforgettable Rwanda hiking safaris and golden monkey treks.
- Kigali City Tours
Discover Rwanda’s capital through guided tours covering cultural centers, local markets, museums, and cafes. Kigali is clean, safe, and vibrant.
- Coffee And Tea Plantation Visits in Nyungwe NP
Learn about Rwanda’s rich coffee and tea heritage through immersive plantation tours, tastings, and interactions with local farmers in the Virunga region, especially in Gisakura and Gisovu, during a Rwanda safari holiday.
Safari Packing List for Rwanda Golden Monkey Tracking Tours in Volcanoes National Park
- Waterproof rain jacket for the weather in the area, which is unpredictable
- Hiking boots
- Long-sleeved clothing
- Backpack (waterproof)
- Drinking water
- Food or Snacks and water (no stops on the way)
- Insect repellent to avoid insect bites
- Camera (with fast shutter speed)
- Walking stick (optional)
- Sunglasses and sunhat
Consult with a reputable Rwanda tour operator on the most recommended items to pack for the safari excursion to avoid carrying extra luggage and incurring excess costs!
FAQs About Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda
- Where to See Golden Monkeys in Rwanda?
Golden monkeys can only be tracked in Volcanoes National Park, mainly around the bamboo forests on the lower slopes of Mount Sabyinyo.
- Is It Safe to Track Golden Monkeys in Rwanda?
Yes, golden monkey treks in Rwanda are very safe. Rangers and guides accompany all groups (a big or small group), ensuring tourist safety and adherence to park rules.
- How Long Does Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda Take?
Typically, the trek, which starts early morning with a briefing at 7:00 am, takes 2–3 hours. Once the monkeys are found, tourists spend one hour observing and photographing them.
- Where Is the Best Place to See Golden Monkeys in Africa?
Golden monkeys are found only in the Virunga Mountains, specifically in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda), and Virunga National Park (DR Congo). The best places to see habituated troops are Rwanda and Uganda, the only two countries in the world with trekking opportunities.
The trekking experiences and permits in Rwanda are authorized and issued by the Rwanda Development Board, while in Uganda, by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
- Is Golden Monkeys Trekking Worth It?
Absolutely. Golden monkey treks are a rare opportunity to see these endangered, playful primates, the golden monkeys, in a beautiful, natural environment. The trekking experience, which lasts for one hour after locating these golden monkeys, also supports conservation and local communities.
- How Difficult Is Golden Monkey Walking?
It is moderately easy. Unlike gorilla trekking, golden monkeys trekking is done at lower altitudes with relatively gentle terrain. Visitors of average fitness can complete the trek.
- What to Expect on a Golden Monkey Trek?
Expect muddy trails, energetic primates leaping through bamboo trees/bamboo shoots where they live, great photo moments, and incredible views of the Virunga Mountains. Each trek offers a unique experience influenced by weather and monkey movement.
For bookings and customized safari packages for your Rwanda golden monkey trek, contact our expert team today!
