Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park is an amazing experience in search of the critically endangered species according to the IUCN Red List, they are unique primates restricted to the Virunga volcanic region including Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Volcanoes National Park is Rwanda’s most popular conservation area strategically placed approximately 2 hours from the Kigali International Airport, Golden monkeys live along the slopes of the mountains contained within the ecosystem in the bamboo forest region. There Are about 2 troops of habituated golden monkeys in the forest the largest comprising 70-100 members lives at the foot base of mountain Sabyinyo and is mostly visited.
Golden monkeys are a subspecies of the blue monkeys characterized by their unique golden brown color with a dash of black, they have differed from other primates in that if you look at them critically their nostrils tend to be facing upwards, they are herbivores feeding plants, bamboo shoots, leaves, fruits, they are playful spending most of their time jumping from one tree to another in some cases they get stuck hence rangers are forced to team off their tails to release them from the bush.
Golden monkey trekking takes place in only one session beginning in the morning with a briefing from the park headquarters, game rangers will tell you how to conduct yourself while with the primates, and the walk through the forest takes 2-3 hours in search of the golden monkeys, an hour is allowed while with them take pictures, interact, they are super-fast creatures but also give the best pictures moments, it is wise to set your camera ready before you reach them. Drying the hike, it is possible to meet other forest mammals like mountain duikers, forest elephants, giant forest hogs on a lucky day, and several bird species.
Visitors require a permit to participate in the Golden Monkey trekking in the Volcanoes National Park these can be obtained from the Rwanda development board or through your ground handling team in Rwanda, the permits cost $100 per person, other activities of the conservation area include Gorilla trekking experience, it is home to 30% of the worlds remaining population of mountain Gorillas, it is among the few places where these endemics exist together, birding in volcanoes national park, hiking the Dian Fossey trail, guided nature walks, most of these experiences can be conducted on the same Rwanda safari.
Golden monkey trekking is best experienced when you have the correct equipment for the forest, what to pack includes hiking waterproof boots, gaiters, hand gloves, insect repellents, long-sleeved shirts, and trousers, water for highland areas, and any other important items of personal nature. Doing the activity is best during the dry season between June – early September and December -February the trails are much drier and easier to hike through the forest, although it can be fine all year round even during the wet season.
In conclusion, trips to the Volcanoes National Park can be done together with a visit to the Akagera National Park, Kigali city tours, Nyungwe Forest National Park and the Gishwati Mukura National Park.