Super User 11 July 2023

Best Travel Guide To Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

The Golden Monkey Trekking Safari in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is one of the best safaris for primates lovers to enable them to get in close reach of these primates. The golden monkey is a species of Old World Monkey found in the Virunga volcanic ranges shared by 3 countries, Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including four national parks: Mgahinga, in south-west Uganda; Volcanoes, in north-west Rwanda; and Virunga and Kahuzi-Biéga, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. It is restricted to highland forests, especially near bamboo.

This species was previously thought to be a subspecies of the blue monkey and the two are similar overall, but the golden monkey has a golden-orange patch on the upper flanks and back. It lives in social groups of up to 30 individuals roaming around. However groups may vary from the small size of 3 monkeys to the large of about 62 monkeys and often return to their bamboo sleeping locations after a day of feeding, their diet consists mainly of bamboo branchlets, bamboo shoots, leaves, fruit, flowers, and shrubs though it is also thought to feed on insects as well. Due to the gradual destruction of their habitat and recent wars in their limited habitat, the golden monkey is listed as an endangered species.

The Golden Monkey trek is one of the least strenuous activities in Volcanoes National Park. The monkeys live at the bottom of the mountain range in the bamboo forest and the terrain here is relatively flat and easy to trek.

How long the trekking journey takes;

Golden monkey trekking is quite rewarding and takes about 3 to 4 hours half day or you can opt to do a full-day activity. Once you find them, one hour will be allowed to follow them as you enjoy the stunning movements of these unique shy monkeys to observe them as they eat, thus worth the monkey.

Golden monkey trekking is a very spectacular tour to enjoy as compared to Chimpanzee and Gorilla trekking as the same is done in mountainous places and they require one to make follow-up as they are small and fast in movement through the thick bamboo forests while feeding.

The Golden Monkeys in Rwanda are divided into two troops the largest is located in the Sabinyo which has 80 to 100 monkeys and it is the most visited troop in Rwanda. The other troop is located in the Volcanoes and it is slightly smaller in number. The easiest way to track them down is by following the leftover bamboo shoots, which are always left by the monkeys after eating. The monkeys also move out in the open and feast on the cones and food in the fields owned by the farmers near the forest making it easy for the tourists to see them as they swing back and forth.

Golden Monkey Trekking has only one session per day, which starts in the morning. Those who are willing to take part in the Golden Monkey trekking are advised to report at the headquarters by 7:00 am for a mini briefing about the trek before it starts and it is only fifteen minutes away from the Park. There you will join a small group, with a maximum of 8 guests, who will be led by the trekking guide and an armed park ranger Trekkers must be of 15 years and above.

Golden Monkey Trekking journey;

After a safety briefing, you’ll be driven to the start of the trail which you’ll take to reach the golden monkeys. Your trekking guide will be in radio communication with the trackers locating the golden monkeys and will lead you along generally clear paths to the edge of the forest, at which time you’ll then be moving through more dense vegetation. The duration of your trek depends on the location of “your” golden monkey group.

The monkeys can cover a fair amount of distance daily, so it can sometimes take a while for the trackers to locate them. Once you’re with the golden monkeys, you’re allowed an hour, maximum, with them before heading back. The two groups of habituated monkeys are getting more used to their human visitors, so don't be surprised if they jump quite close, and be aware of standing directly underneath a group in the trees, as little “presents” can drop down at times!

You will be required to obtain a Golden Monkey trekking permit in advance from your tour agency specifying the date and details of your preferred trekking. The trekking tour usually starts early morning and takes about 3-4 hours and one spends an hour’s view of the golden monkeys upon their spot.

Just like Gorilla and Chimpanzee trekking, a porter is highly recommended to provide extra support with the daypack and muddy places

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