The golden monkey is another endangered species open for tracking in the Volcanoes National Park. The golden monkey is endemic in the high altitude forest of the volcanoes national park area. They are very charming to see since they are playful and often spend there time leaping from one tree to another and have overcome their initial shyness hence enabling their daily visit by researchers and tourists.
Golden monkey live in families with number of member between 80 and above individuals. They have 1 dominant male, females, juveniles and babies. The adult males and adult females are responsible for protecting the territory and resources found in there area including the food. the dominant male leads the group from one to ten years coordinating and directs all the activities in the group, decides where to go, where to stand and what to do.
There are two groups always seen and identified in volcanoes national park one of which has not yet been open for trekking but it shall be open soon and the other is always trekked. These are listed and explained below;
1. Musonga group. The group lives higher on the Karisimbi volcanoes at an altitude of about 2800-3000 metres with more than 100 individuals. This is the group that will be open to visitors shortly they over come their initial shyness. There habituation has been a difficult and slow process as acceptance to humans has not been easy but was finally achieved in 2003. The monkeys now chatter and play quite happily and freely while being observed in there daily activities, climbing the vegetation, feeding on bamboo leaves and shoots.
2. Kabatwa family. They are located in the east of the park on the flanks in Sabyinyo slopes with more than 70 individuals. this is the most visited group and their habituation for trekking started in July 2003
Golden money shouldn’t be missed when going to trek the gorillas they are trekked in the same way as you track mountain gorillas. Trekking to see the golden monkeys take place very early in the morning and visitors are permitted to stay for 1 hour with the monkeys. By 7:00 am, all visitors should be at the parks Kinigi headquarters ready to start off the days trek. The number of visitors is not limited and the fee for a golden monkey permit is currently USD $ 100 per trek for foreigners and for Rwanda visitors it is 4000 RWF. The permits can be arranged in advance or booked at the park headquarters on the morning of the day of trekking
when going for the trekking its best to wear long trousers, long sleeved shirt, hat, light rain jacket, water proof hiking boots, a water proof day pack with enough water, simple snacks not forgetting camera equipment
Porters can be hired at the entry point of the park to assist you with your day pack and just enjoy your trekking taking photographs.
It’s quit difficult to photograph golden monkey since they are very playful, nosy and flitting around in the bamboo forest leaping from tree to tree, so it’s advisable that your camera to fast shutter undergrowth which will better your chances of capturing the film of the monkeys.
In most cases travelers with ample time in Rwanda combine golden monkeys to mountain gorilla trekking and other wildlife safaris in Volcanoes National Park to make a complete Rwanda safari package. Our customized 4 Days Rwanda gorillas & golden monkey trekking safari offers you opportunity to meet the two endangered primates in their natural habitat. Both treks last for an hour but ts worth it!
Other Things to see & do in Rwanda
In addition to golden monkey trekking, travelers to Rwanda have several other interesting things to see and do on a Rwanda safari. Go Rwanda Safaris guides on on these adventures ensuring a safe and enjoyable Rwanda wildlife tour. The other activities and attractions in Rwanda include:
Mountain Gorilla Trekking: Go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The park is home to the highest population of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Conservation Area shared by Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Over 400 mountain gorillas live in this bamboo forest park located in north western province of Rwanda. A permit to see gorillas in Volcanoes National park costs $1500 allowing you to spend an hour with the endangered primates.
Chimpanzee Trekking: This is yet another interesting activity you should not miss out on your Rwanda safaris. Done in Nyungwe Forest National park in the south western part of Rwanda, Chimpanzee trekking offers you chance to meet up with the endangered chimpanzees https://libido-portugal.com/. Each chimpanzee permit in Nyungwe Forest cost $90 inclusive of the park entrance fees and conservation fee.
Volcano Climbing:Take part in hiking any of the distinct Volcanoes in Rwanda for a lifetime adventure experience. The most hiked volcanoes are Mount Karisimbi (2 Days ) and Mount Bisoke (1 day) both located in Volcanoes National park. The lower slopes of these volcanoes are covered by forests which shelter primates, birds and other wild animals.
Game Viewing: Do not miss game viewing experience in Akagera National Park with Go Rwanda Safaris. Located in Eastern Rwanda, Akagera Park is home to the big five game and many other Savannah animals which offer you excellent game viewing experiences. Guided Morning, evening and night game drives are done in the park to allow you see and interact with numerous wild animals feeding and resting in their free times. Some of the animals would will see include Lions, Elephants, Rhinos, Buffalo, Leopards, Giraffes Zebras, Impala, Water bucks, Warthogs and Gazelles among others.
Kigali City tour: Go for Kigali city tour/day excursion to explore the beauty of this small clean city. Kigali is a business center for Rwanda hosting various shopping malls. Some of the places to visit in Kigali city include Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali genocide memorial center, Kimironko market, Inema art gallery and the presidential palace among others. The city is ranked as the top clean in Africa. Various upmarket hotels and lodges have been established in Kigali to give travelers comfortable and safe stay.
Canopy walk: Enjoy the amazing canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National park. The experience offers you great aerial views of Nyungwe Forest, the Virunga volcanoes, local communities and other attractions in the neighborhood.
In conclusion, golden monkey trekking is a lifetime experience. Book with Go Rwanda Safaris, enjoy an encounter with the endangered golden monkeys plus several other attractions such as gorilla trekking, city tour, volcano hiking and game viewing on your Rwanda safari.
