Golden Monkey Tracking in Rwanda: Rwanda Primate Safaris

Golden Monkey Tracking in Rwanda is another unique exciting primate adventure in Volcanoes National Park on top of Gorilla trekking. This exciting adventure just like mountain gorilla trekking involves trekking in the Volcanoes National Park to search for the Golden Monkeys. The Golden monkeys are an endangered primate species and a few individuals are left in the wild, especially in the Virunga Masiff (Volcanoes National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park). These primates are easily recognized by their striking golden-orange fur, expressive faces, and playful behavior. For those that wish to go for a more active alternative primate experience contrary to gorilla trekking, Golden Monkey Tracking  offers a memorable wildlife encounters.

Unlike gorillas, golden monkeys are constantly on the move, leaping between bamboo stalks and forest canopies, which makes the experience lively and engaging. Their social nature and curiosity often bring them close to visitors, creating excellent opportunities for photography and observation. Golden Monkey Tracking in Rwanda is suitable for a wide range of travelers, including families and first-time safari visitors, thanks to its relatively moderate trekking difficulty – contrary to the famous gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

Although both Gorilla trekking and Golden Monkey Tracking experience can be stand alone safari experiences, they can also be combine on a singe Rwanda safari Tour. Experience a memorable primate trekking experience in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, book both gorilla trekking and Golden Monkey Tracking with us today!

 

How Golden Monkey Tracking Is Done, Costs, and What to Expect

 

Just like Gorilla trekking, the Golden Monkey Tracking begins early in the morning with a briefing at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi. After the briefing, you’ll be assigned an experienced ranger guides who leads you into the bamboo forest to search for a habituated golden monkey troop. The trek usually lasts between one and three hours, depending on the location of these animals. They are more active, expect to keep following them while you observe them.

Once the monkeys are found, visitors are allowed one full hour to observe and photograph them as they feed, play, and interact. The Golden Monkey Tracking permit in Rwanda costs USD 100 per person, making it one of the most affordable primate experiences in the region.

 What makes Golden Monkeys Unique

Golden monkey gets its name for its striking bright, vibrant, golden orange cheeks.

The golden monkey is currently recognized as its own genetically unique species.

The Golden monkey is estimated to have a population of only 2,500-3,500 and the population is gradually diminishing.

The Golden monkeys often live in social groups of about 30 to 80 individuals.

The golden monkey munch on up to 30 species of plants, however, they love to eat bamboo.

The mating rituals of the golden monkeys are known as “polygynous” where one male in the pack nearly mate with all the females of the pack.

The gestation periods of golden monkeys are 5 months.

Golden monkeys use facial expressions to communicate with each other more than vocalization.