Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda; Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda is only done in Volcanoes national park which is located in northwestern region in Musanze village. Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes national park is an interesting activity that involves travelers moving into the tropical rainforest in search of the unique golden monkeys and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. Golden monkey trekking is the second best activity in Volcanoes national park that attracts big numbers of tourists after gorilla trekking. Apart from Volcanoes national park, golden monkeys are also found Mgahinga gorilla national park in the southwestern part of Uganda and Virunga national park in Democratic republic of Congo.
Golden monkeys are endangered primates in Volcanoes national park that live in large social groups of about 30 members to 100 members dominated by a male and they feed on bamboo shoots, leaves, fruits, shrubs, wild insects among others. Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes national park is an active activity that starts very early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow during trekking.
After the briefing, you will start trekking in the forest with an experienced park guide following trails of leftover bamboo shoots or leaves in search of the habituated golden monkeys. 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 primates, view different birds, tree species among others and once the golden monkeys are found you will be able to spend one hour with them in their environment which gives you an opportunity to 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 by Rwanda Development Board a government body in charge of tourism in Rwanda to any visitor above the age of 15 years allowing him or her to visit a habituated golden monkey family in volcanoes national park. A golden monkey trekking permit in Rwanda costs 100 USD per person for foreign non residents and the price includes park entrance fees to Volcanoes national park, an English speaking driver guide and one hour in the presence of the golden monkeys.
How to book a golden monkey trekking permit in Rwanda
A golden monkey trekking permit 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 online at the IREMBO official website.
A golden monkey trekking permit in Volcanoes national park can also be booked through a tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris where 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 preferred dates, you will be asked to make a deposit for the permit. Once we receive the payment, we will purchase the golden monkey permit on your behalf.
Best time to go for golden monkey trekking in Rwanda
Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes national park can be done anytime throughout the year 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 because during this period there is less rainfall in the park therefore golden monkey trekking trails will be passable compared to the wet or rainy season when the trails are muddy and slippery which make trekking difficult.
Where to stay during your golden monkey trekking safari 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 Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Le Bamboo Gorilla Lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Kinigi Guest House, Karenge Bush Camp, Ruzizi Tented Camp, Gorilla’s Nest Lodge, Le Palme hotel, villa gorilla, gorillas volcanoes hotel, garr hotel, da vinci gorilla lodge, best view hotel, Virunga lodge, sabyinyo silverback lodge, five volcanoes boutique hotel, faraja hotel, garden place hotel, gorilla solution lodge among others.
Golden monkey trekking is an extraordinary activity that shouldn’t be missed during your Rwanda Safari. For more information, do not hesitate to contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website for affordable safari packages.
