Golden Monkey Tracking in Rwanda
Golden Monkey Tracking in Rwanda takes place in Volcanoes National Park. These rare species are as well listed as endangered. Volcanoes national park currently has 2 habituated golden monkeys’ troops. That are available for tracking by tourists in the park, both of which make about 80 members.
Discover the playful and inquisitive nature of the Golden monkeys. A beautiful little creature found only in the high-altitude forests of the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and also Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. Spend the morning searching through the lush vegetation at the foothills of Mount Sabyinyo for one of the two habituated groups of golden monkey. One of them a troop of more than 80 members. Spend a full hour with them watching their frolics as they leap among the slender shoots of bamboo. Or tumble among the dense foliage on the forest floor.
Golden Monkeys are active and sprightly little creatures which are incredibly entertaining. As they amuse themselves swinging through the bamboo or chasing after one other in circles around. Blending in perfectly with the golden bamboos, these primates are very pretty with shiny reddish-gold backs.
Unique to the Virunga Mountain ranges which covers the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. These captivating golden monkeys are an endangered species. Rwanda and Uganda are the only countries. Where visitors can have the chance of tracking to see them up close.
Hiking to see the golden monkeys is one of the more leisurely activities in Volcanoes National Park. Thus these scurrying primates occupy the bottom of the mountain range in the bamboo forest and the terrain here is relatively flat and easy to hike. The Golden monkey trek worth going for during your stay in Volcanoes National Park. And in case you’re interested in wildlife, this is a rare and delightful experience not to be missed!
Meanwhile, there is only one session in a day for the Golden Monkey Tracking. And it takes place in the morning like all other activities in the Volcanoes National Park. Here, visitors report to Kinigi Park Headquarters at 7am where they will meet the park ranger guides for some briefing. Thereafter drive to the starting point of the trek, which is 15 minutes away at the edge of the park.
These Golden Monkeys easily found since they live at the bottom of the Volcano Mountains in the bamboo forest. Therefore, by following the clues of fresh leftovers from eaten bamboo shoot and leaves. The trackers are able to locate them in less than an hour. On finding them, visitors are allowed to spend a maximum of one hour as they watch closely these incredibly beautiful monkeys. Skillfully picking bamboo shoots and young bamboo leaves. You will also enjoy watching them as they make huge jumps from one bamboo tree to another. Enabled by their extra-long tails that provide great balance. Their long tails can get trapped by the bamboo and cut off as you will see some monkeys with short tails.
Monkeys spend a lot of time at the top of the bamboo, they also climb down along the trees to eye level and even move on ground. Golden Monkeys are wonderful for photography and flash is permitted which is not allowed for other Primate Adventures such as Gorilla Trekking and Chimpanzee Tracking in Rwanda. Sometimes the monkeys will venture out of the park into the open potato fields to eat the Irish potatoes left behind after the harvest. The monkeys’ act of digging and cleaning the potato before eating is amazing to watch!
Best time for Golden Monkey Tracking
Golden Monkey Tracking best done in the dry months between June to September and also December to January.
What to Carry for Golden Monkey Tracking
- Hiking Boots
- Long-sleeved shirt and trouser
- Waterproof rain jacket or poncho
- Insect repellant
- Camera and extra batteries
- Energy Snacks and Warm water