The wildlife junkies have a strong connection with Rwanda and the primary reason for this is the stunning primates residing in the dense forest and volcanic mountain of the country. Though Rwanda is the iconic land for spotting Mountain Gorillas, there are a number of other primates also available who are equally entertaining.
Other primates than Gorilla that can be spotted in Rwanda:
Chimpanzee Tracking: Considered as the cousins of human sharing 98% of Human DNA Chimpanzees tracking is one of the adventurous activities throughout the year. Nyungwe Forest National Park is the prime spot for chimpanzee tracking.
Golden Monkey Tracking:
Golden Monkeys are the stunning primates with their bright orange fur contrasting the green rainforests of the Virunga Mountains and Gishwati Forest provides stunning experience to the wildlife lovers. Spot these unique Golden Monkeys with your guides that are a treat for the eyes.
Colobus monkeys: Colobus Monkeys are from a unique supergroup spotted in Nyungwe are recognized with their black and white coloring and long hair.
L’Hoest’s monkeys: Spotted at Nyungwe and Gishwati Forest L’Hoest monkeys are endemic to Albertine Rift and live in small groups dominated by females, with a single male.
Olive baboons and vervet monkeys: The stunning Olive baboons and Vervet monkeys are found in Akagera National Park, which is a dream to wildlife photographers.
Primate Tracking in Rwanda
Rwanda also sometimes referred to as “the land of a thousand hills,” is one of the best destination to visit for Primate tracking in Africa. Primate Tracking in Rwanda involves adventuring into the think jungles of Rwanda to search for different primate species. One of the most popular primate tracking experience in Rwanda is mountain gorilla trekking, however, the country also offers other primate tracking experiences like chimpanzee tracking in Rwanda and Golden Monkey Tracking among others. Although Rwanda has only a few National Parks (4 National Parks) Volcanoes National Park and Nyungwe National Park in Rwanda offer memorable primate adventure to primate lovers visiting the country.
In this article, we discuss about different primate experiences in Rwanda and where you can experience them from. Discover all the primate adventures on offer in Rwanda today and get inspired on your next Rwanda Safari Holiday.
Best Primate Experiences in Rwanda
Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda – Primate Tracking in Rwanda
Gorilla Tracking Rwanda is the main draw of visitors to Rwanda, one of Africa’s most unforgettable wildlife experiences, that allows travelers to encounter the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The mountain gorillas are an endangered primate species with only about 1,063 individuals left in the wild (the Virunga Massif & Bwindi Impenetrable National Park). The Virunga Massif extend in three countries of Uganda, Rwanda and D.R Congo. This region host three of the Four Gorilla trekking National Park; Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Gorilla Tracking Rwanda/Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done at Volcanoes National Park located in the northwestern Rwanda.
Volcanoes National Park spans an areas about 160 km2 (62 sq mi) of rainforest and encompasses five of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains (Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo). This National Park borders Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that any nature lover should include in their Rwanda Safari Package. Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is home to several habituated gorilla families that visitors can track on guided hikes through lush bamboo forests.
Golden Monkey Tracking in Rwanda
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.
Chimpanzee Tracking in Rwanda
Besides Mountain gorilla trekking in Golden Monkey Tracking, Rwanda is also a remarkable chimpanzee trekking destination in Africa. Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda is done at Nyungwe Forest National Park.
The National Park encompasses varying habitats, including the rainforest, bamboo, grassland, swamps, and bogs, all of which offer refuge to plenty of birdlife and wildlife. The nearest town to Nyungwe is Kamembe, about 54 km (34 mi) to the west. In October 2020, the Rwanda Development Board signed an agreement with African Parks to assume management for an initial 20 years. For its incredible biodiversity, the Nyungwe Forest was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in September 2023.
The major highlights of safaris to this National Park include chimpanzee trekking, bird watching, canopy walking safaris, and guided nature walks. This National Park is also the best place for Chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda, thanks to its incredible population with about 400 individuals registered in the park.