What to expect on a Golden Monkey trekking in Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park in 2024-2025
Volcanoes National Park golden monkey hiking safari 2024–2025 predictions. Volcanoes National Park in northeastern Rwanda offers unique safari activities like golden monkey trekking. The only other areas to go golden monkey trekking are Mgahinga National Park in southwest Uganda and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, part of the Virunga region.
As a way to promote tourism, the government offers discounts on permits if you visit Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park in addition to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s top safari destination.
Golden monkeys are bigger than typical ones and live in groups of 60–100 under a dominant male. They are also readily identified because of their yellow-golden fur. Golden monkeys mostly eat bamboo shoots and natural fruits, although they occasionally invade community gardens.
Trek Day expectations | Golden Monkey trekking in Rwanda
Golden monkey trekking begins early morning at the park headquarters with training on laws and regulations. The expedition will begin after the briefing when groups will be assigned a golden monkey family. Trailing golden monkey bamboo stems and leaves is the simplest method to trek them.
Trekking with golden monkeys requires patience since they are lively and move about. Depending on your family, it might take 30 minutes to 5 hours. You may also view indigenous and international bird species, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, mountain gorillas, baboons, and tree and plant species at Volcanoes National Park throughout the journey.
The professional tour guide helps you find the golden monkeys and spend an hour with them, learning about their habits, taking photographs and films, watching them eat, hop from tree to tree, and care for their young.
Gold Monkey Trek permits
A few things to remember before buying Golden Monkey Trek permits: The permit must be booked in advance with full payment since a deposit is unacceptable, visitors are expected to show up with their permits at the Visitor Centre for validation, and the procedure involves displaying a reference number provided to you when booking or a copy of the trek permission.
The trek permit includes what? Two armed rangers, an experienced guide, and an hour with the golden monkeys are included in the Golden Monkey trek permit. It does not cover gratuities, refreshments, lodging, or personal expenditures.
The cost of a Golden Monkey trek permit is lower than the gorilla ticket, however it varies by visitor type. Rwandans pay 4000 RWF, foreigners $100, locals $80, and East Africans $65 every trek. Golden Monkey permits are simpler and more plentiful than gorilla trekking permits, even in high season. This does not imply you should book slowly. We urge our guests to book early, combine the golden monkey safari with other excursions, and get permits in advance.
Please note that last-minute Golden Monkey trek permits are available due to the limited amount of people interested in the activity. Tourists should book in advance, particularly if they want to go gorilla trekking. Early booking ensures Golden Monkey and gorilla trekking permits on your selected dates.
How to book Rwandan Golden Monkey Trek safari permits
Golden Monkey hiking permits in Rwanda may be booked via the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) website, phone, or email. We can assist you book the permit and plan your Golden Monkey safari.
The Golden Monkey Trek safari booking method is simple: email us with your passport name, day, month, and year. If the permit is available on your selected date, we will collect a deposit and book it. Booking with us is better since we book the permit and organize your safari, including extra activities, transport, safaris to other sites, and lodging.
Is Rwandan Golden Monkey hiking worthwhile?
Golden monkey trekking is worth it since you get to observe endangered animals and other wildlife in the national park and help preserve the natural ecosystem that residents devastated via poaching and invading.
The bamboo trees golden monkeys eat are protected by golden monkey hiking fees. Through the government, national park entry fees support the local community.
Volcanoes National Park Golden Monkey Trek Rules
Hikers must observe Rwanda Development Board trek standards to save golden monkeys, an endangered species. Regulations include:
Tourists must be 15 to hike the golden monkeys.
A copy of the permission is required for all visitors to enter the national park.
To preserve the golden monkeys, you must stay 7 meters away after finding your family.
Golden monkeys cannot be fed by tourists.
Eating and drinking with monkeys is forbidden.
Tourists spend an hour with the monkeys after finding them.
Avoid loud sounds that will interrupt golden monkey activity by turning off your phone or putting it in flight mode.
Volunteer to remain off hiking if you’re unwell, particularly with cough and flu. The biggest reason is that it might kill hundreds more monkeys.
The national park must always remain clean, therefore bring all trash till you locate a trashcan.
No restrooms are available, so dig a 30 cm hole (guides typically have tools) and cover it to prevent diseases.
Turn off your flash before photographing golden monkeys. The illumination may startle golden monkeys, who are unfamiliar with it.
Avoid smoking around golden monkeys. Only those above 300 feet from the golden monkeys may do this.
The Rwanda golden monkey hike takes how many days?
The ideal number of days is 3, but your budget and schedule determine the number. Volcanoes National Park offers 3-day and 4-day golden monkey safaris and gorilla treks.
Rwanda golden monkey safari packing list
We created a safari packing list to assist you avoid carrying needless goods and having a great trip.
Strong ankle-length hiking boots for national park terrain.
Long-sleeved shirts, undershirts, and trousers are preferable in neutral colors.
One waterproof rain jacket for dry and wet seasons
Cold-weather sweater
To remain warm and keep mosquitoes off your body, tuck pants into thick socks.
The sun hat and glasses
An excellent camera with additional lenses and batteries. The point-and-shoot camera is great for beginners.
Binoculars
A packed lunch, snacks, and water
Sunscreen and insect repellant
A day bag to carry water, food, sunscreen, bug repellent, and photographic gear on the hike.
When the ground is muddy and slippery, you may get a walking stick.
First aid kit
Reusable water bottles, wet wipes, biodegradable toilet paper, toiletries, and sandals for after the trip.
Rwanda’s best golden monkey hiking season
Golden monkey trekking may be combined with other safari activities in the nation, making it year-round.
The dry season is the greatest time for Golden Monkey trekking since hike routes are straightforward and they are easy to locate. The rainy season is an excellent time for golden monkey trekking, but you must be prepared for rain, mud, and treacherous terrain. It is also a good time for travelers who like less people.
Rwandan Golden Monkey Hike accommodations
Golden Monkey trek safaris may be done in budget, mid-range, or luxury accommodations. Volcanoes National Park has 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, Faraja Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, and Ruzizi Tented Lodge.
Other Volcanoes National Park activities
Volcanoes National Park offers more activities than golden monkey trekking.
Volcanoes National Park’s principal activity is gorilla trekking with 10 habituated gorilla families. After finding the gorilla family, tourists spend an hour with endangered mountain gorillas.
Mountain climbing: Volcanoes National Park has three Virunga volcanic summits that provide stunning views. Hiking is possible on Mount Muhabura, Mount Karisimbi, and Mount Bisoke.
Cultural trips: Explore Rwanda’s distinct culture by visiting rural villages. The yearly Kwita Izina names young gorillas, and anyone may participate.
Reaching Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is a two-hour journey from Kigali in northwest Rwanda. If you booked with us, a safari vehicle with a driver’s guide will meet you at Kigali International Airport to take you to the Park headquarters for your golden monkey safari.
For any questions about Golden Monkey trekking in Rwanda please contact us.
