Visiting the Golden Monkeys
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Visiting the golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park is one of the fascinating tourist activities undertaken by tourists visiting remarkable Rwanda also known as the land of a thousand hills. Golden Monkey visiting in Rwanda is conducted within the pristine Volcanoes National Park on the north-western side of Rwanda and usually moving through the jungles like it is done with Mountain gorilla trekking.
Golden Monkeys are golden-brown colored primates categorized as endangered under IUCN Red List and occupy the Bamboo forests at the base of the Virunga Volcanoes. These primates are swift and playful creatures capable of captivating and capturing the attention of tourists with their interesting behavior and beauty. There are presently two habituated communities that make tracking the golden monkeys of Rwanda possible and memorable.
How tracking the golden monkeys of Rwanda is done
Tracking the golden monkeys of Rwanda is conducted in the same way as the popular mountain gorilla trekking. At 7:00 am converge at the Park headquarters and in a group of not more than 8 individuals start the trek into the jungles of Volcanoes National Park which culminates into a one-hour encounter with one of the golden monkey communities. After less than 3 hours, trekkers are ushered into a playful and active community of golden monkeys jumping from one tree branch to another, creating a perfect photogenic moment.
Golden Monkey tracking permits
Golden Monkey tracking permits for Rwanda cost about $100 per person and include ranger as well as Park entrance fees but exclude porter fees. The Permit guarantees to spot and spend one hour with one of the Golden monkey communities. The activity is not as competitive and highly demanded as Mountain gorilla trekking you can book permits even the previous day.
What to pack for tracking the Golden Monkeys of Rwanda
Golden Monkey tracking is not as physically demanding as Gorilla trekking but still involves hiking through the jungles thus requiring appropriate dressing and packing right. Therefore, the following are some of the must-have items on your packing list. 2-3 Long-sleeved shirts depending on how long you will be staying in the Park, lightweight safari pants of neutral colors, a warm sweater to keep you warm, gardening gloves that you will need during hiking, waterproof hiking boots, a rainproof backpack, Rain jacket or poncho, hat, insect repellant, camera, pair of binoculars, toiletries (lotion, hair gel, toothbrush, toothpaste, nail cutter, hair clips, and deodorant), first aid kit, cotton socks, and your golden monkey permit.
Best Time for tracking the Golden Monkeys of Rwanda
Golden monkey tracking just like Gorilla trekking is an all-year-round activity meaning at any time you wish you visit the primates you are welcome. However, the dry months-January, February, June, July, September, and December are preferred because they present relatively favorable hiking conditions such as less muddy and slippery hiking trails. These months are also peak while the wet months-March, April, May, October, and November are avoided because hiking conditions are less favorable and rains become too much but this doesn’t stop the activities from being conducted.
Where to stay when tracking the Golden Monkeys of Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park, where golden monkey tracking is conducted in Rwanda has a wide range of accommodation facilities from the budget, mid-range to luxury. These facilities are Kinigi Guesthouse, Muhabura Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Le Bambou Lodge, and La Palme Lodge among others.