Golden Monkey Trekking Safari in Volcanoes National Park: You can do golden monkey trekking, one of the unique safari activities, in Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park, part of the Virunga region, is Rwanda’s only golden monkey trekking destination; Mgahinga National Park in southwest Uganda offers the only other golden monkey trekking experience. Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s top safari destination, and the government offers discounts on permits if you book visits to two more destinations within the country, such as Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park, to promote tourism.
Golden monkeys are a bit larger than normal ones; they live in groups of about 60 to 100, and a dominant male leads them. The yellow-golden color of their fur also makes them unique and easily identifiable. Golden monkeys feed mainly on bamboo shoots and wild fruits, although sometimes they raid gardens in the communities for food.
What to Expect on the Trek Day
You begin golden monkey trekking early morning at the park headquarters, where staff briefs you about the rules and regulations to follow while golden monkey trekking. After the briefing, park staff allocate groups a golden monkey family to trek, and then the trek officially starts. You can most easily trek with golden monkeys by following the bamboo shoots and leaves trails the monkeys leave behind.
Golden monkeys are very playful creatures, moving from place to place, so you need patience when trekking. It can take one hour to 3 hours, depending on the family allocated to you. During the trek, you also see various wildlife species that live in Volcanoes National Park, like endemic and international bird species, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, Mountain gorillas, baboons, and tree and plant species.
After your experienced tour guide helps you locate the golden monkeys, you spend an hour with them, learning about their behavioral patterns, recording videos and taking photos, watching them feed, jump from one tree to the next, and care for their young ones.
Golden Monkey Trek Permit
When you purchase Golden Monkey Trek permits, note a few things: You must book the permit in advance with full payment, as a deposit is unacceptable. Tourists must show their permits at the Visitor Centre for validation, and the process includes showing a reference number from your booking or a copy of the trek permit.
What does the trek permit include? The Golden Monkey trek permit includes two armed rangers who provide security, an experienced guide, and an hour with the golden monkeys. However, it does not include tips, snacks, accommodation, or any personal purchases.
Cost of a Golden Monkey trek permit:
The Golden Monkey trekking permit is less expensive than the gorilla permit, but it also depends on your tourist category. Rwandan citizens pay 4000 RWF, foreign non-residents pay $100, foreign residents pay $80, and East African citizens pay $65 per person per trek. You can more easily obtain Golden Monkey permits than gorilla trekking permits, even during peak season, because they are more abundant. However, this does not mean that you should take your time when booking. We always advise our clients to book earlier in advance and combine the golden monkey safari with other adventures into one big trip, plus purchasing your permits in advance.
Can You Get Last-Minute Golden Monkey Permits?
Yes, you can get last-minute Golden Monkey trek permits because a few tourists are interested in the activity. However, we advise tourists to always book in advance, especially if you plan to add gorilla trekking as one of the activities you intend to participate in. Booking early means you can get both the Golden Monkey and gorilla trekking permits on your desired travel dates.
How to Book a Golden Monkey Trek Safari Permit in Rwanda
You can book Golden Monkey trekking permits in Rwanda directly from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) through their official website (IREMBO website), via telephone calls, or email. You can also contact us to help you book the permit and organize your Golden Monkey Trekking Safari in Volcanoes National Park.
The booking process is easy, and the first thing to do is contact us with all the necessary information, including names (as they appear on the passport), the date, month, and year you wish to visit the country for a Golden Monkey trek safari. We then check for permit availability, and if they are available on your desired date, we will request a deposit. Upon receiving the money, we will book the permits. Booking with us is the best option because we help book the permit and organize your safari, including activities, transport, safaris to other destinations, and accommodation.
Is Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda Worth It?
Golden monkey trekking is worth all the money you pay because you get to see the endangered species and other wildlife within the national park, and help conserve the natural habitat that locals had once destroyed through poaching and encroachment.
The money you pay for golden monkey trekking helps protect the bamboo trees that golden monkeys usually feed on. The money you pay at the national park entrance benefits the local community through the government.
Golden Monkey Trek Rules and Regulations in Volcanoes National Park
Golden monkeys are an endangered species, so the Rwanda Development Board created trekking rules for all hikers to follow to help protect them and prevent their extinction. Some of the regulations include:
- You must be at least 15 years old to trek with the golden monkeys. Before entering the park, bring a copy of your permit.
- Once you locate your assigned monkey family, keep a distance of 7 meters from them. Also, turn off your camera flash, since it can scare them. Similarly, turn off your phone or switch it to flight mode to avoid sudden noises.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke near the monkeys. However, if you must smoke, move at least 300 feet away first.
- If you feel sick, especially with a cough or flu, please stay behind. This protects the monkeys from disease.
- You will spend one hour with the monkeys after finding them. During this time, keep the park clean and hold onto your rubbish. Finally, if you need a toilet, dig a 30 cm hole, then cover it completely afterward.
How Many Days Do You Need for the Golden Monkey Trek in Rwanda?
The number of days depends on your travel budget and other activities on your itinerary, but we recommend 3 days. You can go for a 3-day golden monkey safari or a 4-day golden monkey and gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park.
Packing List for a Golden Monkey Safari in Rwanda
Safari packing lists are always essential for a fun-filled experience because you want to avoid packing unnecessary items. That is why we have come up with a list to help with your packing:
- Strong, ankle-length hiking boots for the terrain within the national park.
- Neutral-colored clothes (long-sleeved shirts, undershirts, and trousers are best).
- A waterproof rain jacket (for both the dry and rainy seasons).
- A warm sweater for the cold weather.
- Thick socks to keep warm and to stop insects from crawling on your body by tucking your trousers into the socks.
- A sun hat and sunglasses.
- A good camera with extra lenses and batteries. If this is your first time, the point-and-shoot camera is best.
- Binoculars.
- Snacks, a packed lunch, and drinking water.
- Insect repellent for protection from insect bites and sunscreen.
- A day backpack to help carry all the necessary items during the trek, like water, snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and camera equipment.
- We can provide you with a walking stick, especially when the terrain is muddy and slippery.
- A first-aid kit.
- Refillable water bottles, wet wipes, biodegradable toilet paper, toiletries, and sandals to be used after the trek.
Best Time for Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda
You can merge the Golden Monkey Trekking with other safari activities in the country, allowing you to do the activity all year round. The dry season, however, offers the best time for Golden Monkey trekking because you can easily use the trek routes and spot monkeys during this season. The rainy season, on the other hand, offers a good time to travel for golden monkey trekking; however, you need to brave the rains and muddy and slippery terrains, although it is considered a good time for tourists who prefer fewer crowds.
Accommodation Options During a Golden Monkey Trek in Rwanda
You can use a variety of accommodation facilities during a Golden Monkey trek safari, ranging from budget/basic to mid-range and luxury options. Some of the facilities around Volcanoes National Park include Kingi Guest House, One and Only Gorilla’s Nest, Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Garden Place Hotel, Hotel Muhabura, Five Volcanoes Boutique, Virunga Lodge, Garr Hotel, Le Bamboo Gorilla Village, Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge, La Palme Hotel, Gorilla Solution Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique, Faraja Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, and Ruzizi Tented Lodge, among others.
Other Activities You Can Do in Volcanoes National Park
Besides golden monkey trekking, you can participate in other activities while in Volcanoes National Park, such as:
- Gorilla trekking: You can do this as the main activity in Volcanoes National Park, which has about 10 habituated gorilla families. Tourists get to spend an hour with the endangered Mountain gorillas after locating their assigned gorilla family.
- Mountain climbing: Volcanoes National Park is home to three volcanic mountains that are part of the Virunga region, and each gives tourists beautiful and unique scenery. You can hike along Mount Muhabura, Mount Karisimbi (the highest mountain in the Virunga region), and Mount Bisoke.
- Cultural trips: Get a chance to visit the local communities and learn more about Rwanda’s unique culture. You also get an opportunity to participate in the Kwita Izina, which we carry out annually, and where we name baby gorillas.
Getting to Volcanoes National Park
Located in the northwestern part of Rwanda, you can easily access Volcanoes National Park by road from Kigali in a two-hour drive. When you get to Kigali International Airport, a safari vehicle with a driver’s guide will wait for you (in case you booked with us) and drive you to the Park headquarters for your golden monkey safari.
