2 Days Golden Monkey Trekking Adventure in Rwanda
per person
Our 2-day golden monkey trekking adventure takes place in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, a key wildlife area in the northwestern part of the country. This park is known for attracting many visitors since it reopened in 1999 after the civil war and genocide. The main draw is the endangered mountain gorillas, but it also features golden monkeys, forest elephants, buffaloes, bush duikers, and spotted hyenas. With 178 recorded bird species and various types of vegetation, including afro-alpine areas and bamboo forests, the park’s biodiversity stems from the presence of five volcanoes: Mount Karisimbi, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Bisoke.
The Volcanoes National Park gained worldwide attention in the late 1960s and early 1970s due to the work of primatologist Dian Fossey. She studied mountain gorillas for twenty years and was killed while fighting against poachers. Fossey developed new gorilla habituation methods and shifted her focus from research to conservation in Africa. Her efforts significantly reduced poaching and raised awareness about the challenges facing mountain gorillas, preventing their potential extinction.
The 2-Day Golden monkey trekking adventure in Rwanda allows hikers to meet the adorable golden monkeys, which are found in the Virunga ranges across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Rwanda, they can be seen in Volcanoes National Park, Gishwati-Mukura National Park, and Nyungwe National Park. These monkeys have golden-orange fur and live in troops that can number up to 80 individuals, primarily eating bamboo and insects while occasionally raiding gardens. Their main threats come from African Eagles, and they are particularly cautious during rain. There are two habituated groups in Volcanoes National Park, with around 85 monkeys present. Golden monkey trekking has no age restrictions, making it suitable for families with children. However, golden monkeys are endangered, and their population has decreased significantly in the last 20 years, raising concerns about their possible extinction.
Tour Highlights
- Day 1: Pickup from Kigali – Kigali City Tour – Transfer to Ruhengeri – Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
- Day 2: Golden Monkey trekking – Departure to Kigali.
Day 1: Pickup from Kigali – Kigali City Tour – Transfer to Ruhengeri – Iby’iwacu Cultural Village
The guide will pick you up from your hotel or the airport in Kigali in the morning. He will explain the tour and take you on a city tour of Kigali, visiting places like the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre, the former presidential palace, city markets, and craft shops. After lunch, you will head to Volcanoes National Park, which is a 2-hour journey through scenic countryside. Upon arrival at your lodge, you can check in and enjoy views of the Virunga volcanoes. Later, the driver will take you to the Iby’iwacu Cultural Centre, where you can learn about Rwanda’s culture and participate in activities, and you will be encouraged to buy local souvenirs.
Accommodation: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (Luxury), Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Kinigi Guest House (Budget)
Meal Plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Golden Monkey trekking – Departure to Kigali.
The adventure begins with an early breakfast before heading to the Kinigi headquarters for a briefing from 7:30 to 8:00 AM. After the briefing, you will join other trackers and go to the starting point at the foot of the volcano. The area is filled with beautiful scenery, including dense forests and five volcanoes. Finding golden monkeys is relatively easy, as they like to eat bamboo on the lower slopes. Once you find them, you can spend one hour with them and follow them as they move. Golden monkeys are friendly and enjoy being photographed, even with flash cameras. Though taking still photos can be tricky due to their movement, capturing videos is easier. They are playful and skilled at climbing trees and foraging for food, sometimes visiting human gardens for potatoes. You will also learn about their behavior and the reasons they are endangered before returning to Kigali after the adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
2 Days Golden Monkey Trekking Adventure in Rwanda Includes and Excludes
Inclusions:
- All ground transportation using a standard 4X4 safari vehicle
- 1 golden monkey trekking permit per person
- All Airport transfers, including pick-ups and drop-offs
- Kigali city tour
- Accommodation for one night
- All meals and bottled drinking water, including en route meals
- An experienced guide/driver with excellent English-speaking skills
- All government taxes
- Park entrance
Excludes:
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Air tickets and Visas
- Accommodation at the beginning and end of the trip
- Tips
- Travel insurance, souvenirs, and other expenses of a personal nature
Full Travel Itinerary
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Included
Rwanda Primate Tours