A golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park is a rewarding way to enjoy the rich biodiversity provided by Rwanda. Expect to be presented a unique opportunity of locating a habituated golden monkey troop to witness their behavior in the wild. Volcanoes National Park is an Afromontane rainforest in northwestern Rwanda that shelters golden monkeys in the bamboo forest habitat. You can only track the habituated golden monkey troop once a day.
How is golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park done?
Arrival time at the Visitors Center for registration is 7:00 a.m. It is mandatory to attend the briefing conducted by a park representative. During this moment, you will learn about the habituated golden monkey troop to locate. You will also be informed about the dos and don’ts to follow during the golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park. An experienced tracker from the park along with armed rangers will lead you into the bamboo forest.
The energetic golden monkeys will be found, and you will be allocated an hour to see them. Keep a distance of at least 7 m to avoid contact with the animals. You may as well take photos. After you are done, you will walk back to where you started. This marks the completion of your once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing the golden monkeys in the wild, first hand. Along the trails, you might get a chance encounter with a mountain gorilla, duiker or an elephant.
How much does it cost to go to golden monkey trek in Volcanoes NP?
Only $100 is the cost of a golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park for a foreigner. Meanwhile, foreign residents and East African citizens can go for a golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park for only $65. An East African foreign resident can enjoy a golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park for only $80. A Rwandan citizen will have to pay only RWF 4,000 to go for a golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park.
Some considerations for a golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park?
Firstly, you should be at least 12 years old to be allowed to go for a golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park. The park authorities are mandated to allow only 16 visitors to trek golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park. Therefore, buying a permit for a golden monkey trek is on first come first served basis. A golden monkey trek involves walking in the jungle, hence need for physical fitness. Also ensure that you are not ill to avoid further complications.
How difficult is golden monkey trekking in Rwanda?
In Volcanoes National Park, if you compare a golden monkey trek to a mountain gorilla trek, the former is less difficult. Though both primates live in the same ecosystem, golden monkeys generally live in the less steep parts of the forest. This makes the golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park less strenuous than the mountain gorilla trek. You will therefore locate the golden monkey troop much quicker and with less difficulty.
How can I travel for a golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park?
Traveling for a golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park is by either air transport or road transport. On the road from Kigali city, your journey takes between 2 to 3 hours on a safari Landcruiser. The approximate distance you will cover on the scenic drive is 106 km. You can also connect to Volcanoes National Park from other destinations including Nyungwe NP, Akagera NP and Bwindi Impenetrable NP.
But, depending on your needs or convenience, you could choose air transport. Traveling like this makes the travel time much shorter and convenient for visitors on brief excursions. With helicopters operated by Akagera Aviation, you will enjoy a luxury travel experience which lasts only half an hour. The helicopter flight starts from Kigali International Airport to Musanze Airstrip. Prior booking is important for the chartered flight to Volcanoes National Park.
What is the best time to go to Volcanoes National Park for a golden monkey trek?
You can go on a golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park any day of the year. The destination welcomes visitors everyday. But Volcanoes National Park being generally wet and cold throughout the year, the wettest periods of the year might not favor some visitors. March to May and September to December are the wet seasons in the forest. Therefore, travel during the drier months of the year. June to August and January to February are ideal periods.
However, you should expect showers even during a golden monkey trek during a dry season. Therefore, travel with a light jacket and warm sweater for protection against rain water. Traveling during the dry season has its advantages. You do not get challenges while walking on the golden monkey trails. This is because they are drier thus less slippery and less muddy. The atmospheric temperatures are also quite warmer to ensure that you feel more comfortable.