Golden monkey tracking in Rwanda is another interesting highlight of the verdant Volcanoes National Park and therefore a must-do adventure during Rwanda safaris. Also referred as Cercopithecus Mitis Kandti, Golden monkeys are sub-species of the numerous Sykes monkeys that are endemic to the Bamboo Zone of Virunga Mountains. These primates are frisky and curious, usually spending the largest part of the day jumping from one tree branch to another or jumping on the forest floor. The visited golden monkeys are habituated to overcome shyness and freely go about their daily activities even after sighting the presence of visitors.
Habituated troops of Golden Monkeys in Volcanoes National Park
Presently, two habituated golden monkey troops are found in Volcanoes National Park, each comprising of 80 to 100 individuals. One of these troops has its home range at the foothills of Sabyinyo Volcano.
How Golden Monkey tracking is done in Rwanda
Like mountain gorilla treks, golden monkey tracking adventures usually begin in the morning and travellers are allowed to spend one hour with the frisky primates, although there is no limit to number of participants. Departure point for this activity is Kinigi Park Headquarters at 8:00am after 30-5 minutes’ registration and briefing.
The total time spent in the jungle searching for the golden monkeys is unpredictable but ranges from half an hour to four hours, depending the location/movement of these primates as well as visitors’ pace of movement. The beauty about trekking these monkeys is that they don’t move to higher elevations as it is with mountain gorillas thus less strenuous and faster.
Golden monkey tracking fee for Rwanda
The current Golden monkey tracking fee for Rwanda is 100 per person per trek that includes the trek, Park entrance fees and Ranger guide. Unlike gorilla permits that have to be booked some months before the trekking date, golden monkey permits can even be purchased on the morning of the actual trek. A walking stick has to be acquired and porter hired to offer the required support during tracking.
Age limit and fitness levels for Golden Monkey tracking in Rwanda
Travellers have to be 15 years old for golden monkey tracking in Rwanda and basic fitness levels are required for the adventure. These primates occupy areas between 2000 and 3000 meters above sea level which are likely to make participants abit breathless thus to keep up with other visitors, make sure that you are fit.
Best season for golden monkey tracking in Rwanda
When it comes to seasonality, golden monkey tracking in Rwanda is best during the dry season-between June and mid-September or from December to February when it is less strenuous to walk through the jungles to search for the golden monkeys. This is attributed to the fact that rains are least expected and therefore trails are also drier. The rainy months from March to May and October to November are marked by heavy downpours, making terrains slippery thus becoming challenging. Because there is no limit to the number of people trekking golden monkeys, permits are readily available even during peak seasons.
These permits are issued by Rwanda Development Board and have to be booked at least 3 months before the tracking date to avoid last minute rush. However, it can also be purchased a day before or on the trekking date as long as you arrive the Park Headquarters before the briefing time.
Where to sleep during Golden Monkey trekking tours in Rwanda
There are remarkable sleeping options for travellers planning to undertake golden monkey tracking tours in Rwanda and these include Kinigi Guesthouse, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Villa Gorilla, Muhabura Hotel, Five Boutique Volcanoes Hotel and many others.
Essentials for golden monkey tracking in Rwanda
The first essential for golden monkey tracking in Rwanda is the tracking permits, followed by travel documents (visa if required, passport, e-ticket and vaccination certificate), sturdy walking boots handy for the slippery and muddy paths, rain jacket to cater for the occasional downpours, long trousers instead of shorts, long-sleeved shirts versus short sleeved or t-shirts, waterproof backpack, walking stick provided at the start of the trek, drinking water, camera, energy giving snacks, pair of binoculars, to mention but a few.
