| Duration: | 8 Hour(s) - 0 Minute(s) |
| Tour Category: | Eco Experience |
Volcanoes National Park - Golden Monkey
Guided walks to observe a fully habituated group of rare Golden Monkeys. This is a completely different experience from gorilla tracking, as the monkeys are smaller, nimbler, and may be harder to locate and follow.
Beyond the famous mountain gorillas, the park is home to these playful, charismatic primates, which are an absolute delight to watch. You'll trek through lush bamboo forests at the base of the Virunga volcanoes to find one of the park's habituated golden monkey troops.
However, this is still an opportunity for a superb quality sighting of a rare and brightly colored monkey. Although there may be another group somewhere in the Nyungwe Forest, this is believed to be the only viable population.
Experience the vibrant beauty of Rwanda on a golden monkey trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park!
Why You'll Love a Golden Monkey Tour:
Playful antics: Watch these curious creatures swing and leap from branch to branch with incredible energy and agility.
A photographer's dream: Their striking golden-orange fur against the vibrant green forest provides a spectacular sight for nature lovers and photographers.
More relaxed pace: Golden monkey trekking is typically less strenuous and quicker than gorilla trekking, making it a great add-on to your Rwanda safari.
Unique to the region: The golden monkey is an endangered subspecies found only in the high-altitude forests of the Virunga Mountains.
What to Expect on a Golden Monkey Trek
Morning briefing: The experience begins at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters around 7:00 a.m. for a briefing on the trek and park regulations.
Habituated troops: The park has two habituated troops of golden monkeys that visitors can track. The largest, with up to 100 individuals, is found at the base of Mount Sabyinyo.
One-hour encounter: Once you locate the monkeys, you are allowed to spend one hour with them. During this time, you can watch them feed, interact, and play.
Photography tips: Since these primates are constantly on the move, a fast shutter speed on your camera is recommended to capture clear photos.
What to wear: Pack sturdy hiking shoes, long pants, and a rain jacket, as the weather in the forest is unpredictable and the ground can be muddy.
Start your morning at the park headquarters for a briefing, then head into the forest for a truly unforgettable encounter with these stunning and rare animals.
