Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda

Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda is an exciting and unique primate adventure that takes place in Volcanoes National Park—a top destination for wildlife lovers and those seeking memorable Rwanda safari experiences. These rare primates are endemic to the Virunga Mountains, which stretch across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The golden monkeys, a colorful subspecies of the blue monkey, thrive in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, and are also found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and parts of Kahuzi-Biega National Park in eastern Congo. They are easily recognized by their vibrant golden-orange fur, particularly along their backs and flanks.

Golden monkeys live in large social groups, typically ranging from 30 to over 100 individuals. They are active and playful, feeding mostly on bamboo shoots, fruits, flowers, and occasionally insects. Unfortunately, they are listed as endangered due to habitat destruction and increasing human activity in their natural range.

For travelers visiting Rwanda, golden monkey trekking offers a fantastic alternative or addition to gorilla trekking in Rwanda. This adventure takes you deep into bamboo-covered slopes where you can witness these energetic primates jumping from tree to tree and foraging on the forest floor. It’s an ideal choice for anyone interested in Rwanda primates safaris or seeking a broader wildlife experience.

As part of your Rwanda wildlife safari, golden monkey trekking supports the Virunga Conservation Area, helping protect this fragile ecosystem and its unique inhabitants. The experience is not only thrilling but also contributes directly to sustainable tourism and conservation efforts in the region.

Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or an adventurous traveler, golden monkey trekking in Rwanda delivers an unforgettable encounter with one of Africa’s most charismatic and endangered primates—set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rwandan highlands.

Golden Monkeys also prefer most habitants with bamboo and fruits and move to different areas depending on seasons. For example, when the bamboo shoots are available, they will stay in that particular area and when the fruits are available in a certain place, these same primates will be encouraged to remain in the same place. It was recently studied that golden monkeys prefer areas with bamboo than any other place so they will always be located in such places.

Universal Ventures Rwanda has made it easy for you to find the perfect lodge in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda during your gorilla Trek tour or golden monkey trekking safari. Next are the accommodations we picked for you; from Luxury to budget.

The luxury accommodation is Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge because it is high up on hill, has great views, cozy rooms with fireplaces and amazing service. We also recommend Virunga Lodge which is a beautiful eco-lodge but an hour’s drive from the trek starting point. When you already have to be up and ready at 6am adding an hour drive to that is not insignificant. For a medium budget the best choice is Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. It does not claim to be more than it is but it is very convenient and the rooms are quite spacious. For the more modest budget Le Bamboo Gorilla Lodge was perfectly comfortable

Volcanoes National park is a home for golden monkeys, a variety of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects among other creatures which together make a complete Rwanda safari package. and that’s where the gorilla and golden monkey trek happens.

Volcanoes national park is a stop center for all Rwanda gorilla safaris sheltering the highest number of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Conservation area. The strategic location is roughly 2 hours drive from Kigali international airport make it the most accessible gorilla national park in the world.

Visit the Rwanda Directorate general of Immigration and Emigration : https://www.migration.gov.rw/index.php?id=28 which takes you to a visa application form which picks your personal information.

Depending on your travel plans, choose the best visa choice available;

• Single entry visa – allows entry in Rwanda alone for 30 days – 50 USD
• Transit Visa for 3 days – only you in the country for only 3 days – 50USD
• East African Tourists Visa – Allows you to cross to all East African countries including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda – 100 USD

The supporting document to attach is your tour Itinerary if traveling to visit rwanda, Invitation letter, other document with respect to your travel intentions or your flight details in PDF format. You MUST ATTACH documentation at this stage or the visa request will not be processed.

How much is a golden monkey trek permit? golden monkey trekking

• Just like in mountain gorillas, Travelers to see golden monkeys are required to buy permits which allow them to access and spend an hour with these amazing creatures. Fortunately, golden monkey permits are quite cheap costing $100 per permit in both Uganda and Rwanda. permits are bought from Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Rwanda.

Other Facts About trekking Golden Monkey Trek Rwanda

• Have a small backpack as it is useful to carry your water, packed lunch, camera and binoculars.
• You need light weight hiking boots for this activity/strong waterproof walking boots due to nature and altitude of the forest. So get shoes that have good ankle support (the ones that come above the ankle bone).
• Take a light jumper and lightweight breathable waterproof jacket/trousers as temperature is variable and weather conditions can change
• Lightweight long wool socks which are comfortable for a mountain tropical forest