Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda
A spellbinding activity you should incorporate on your African safari, specifically while in Rwanda, is golden monkey trekking. Only the Virunga Mountain ranges in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are suitable for the experience. This is in the national parks of the Volcanoes in Rwanda, Virunga in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, there are only around 5000 golden monkeys left in the Virunga Mountain ranges, and they have primarily been impacted by the loss of habitat to cultivation.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda
Two golden monkey tribes that have been habituated live in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and are accessible by hiking. The largest group, which resides on the slopes of Mt. Sabinyo, has between 80 and 100 members. It receives the most visitors as well. More golden monkey troops can also be discovered in the Gishwati Forest Reserve and Nyungwe National Park, but they have not been habituated and are not accessible to tourists. A single session is needed to complete the Volcanoes National Park’s golden monkey trekking trip.
Golden Monkey Habituation Experience in Rwanda
OThe golden monkey habituation experience is an option for those who want to spend more time with the golden monkeys. The experience allows visitors to spend up to 4 hours with the primates. Golden monkey habituation is the process of preparing wild older monkeys for human presence before they are available for trekking. To achieve this, permit frequent visits. Every day, visitors get the opportunity to tag along with a team of scientists and park rangers to observe, study, and learn about these stunning monkeys. They frequently need to be followed until they calm down so that people can watch and monitor them.
Best time to Trek Golden Monkeys in Rwanda
A golden monkey safari in Rwanda can be added on to a gorilla trek, but it also works well on its own for those on a limited budget or who prefer these animals. You can go see the golden monkeys at any time of the year. However, the dry months of December to February and June to September are the optimum times to hike through them. It can be a little challenging to trek the golden monkeys during the wet season because the ground is slick, and the pathways are challenging. However, for those visitors who want less crowding in the park, the wet season is an excellent time to trek the primates. Typically, the rainy months are March through May and October through November.
What to Pack for Golden Monkey Trekking Safari in Rwanda
- Good hiking boots for the rough terrain in the forest.
- Plenty of drinking water and packed lunch or snacks in case of thirst and hunger.
- A good camera to capture the best photos of the monkeys.
- A rain poncho or rain jacket since weather in the tropical rainforest is unpredictable.
- Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts for protection against sharp branches and thorny plants.
- Insect repellent for protection against insect bites.
- A hat and sunglasses.
- A walking stick for support during the trek.