Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda: Essential Guide 2025

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Rwanda's lush tropical rainforest in pursuit of the elusive golden monkeys. This thrilling experience, known as "golden monkey trekking," allows you to spend an hour observing these playful creatures in their natural habitat. Located in the stunning northwest of Rwanda, near Musanze, the Volcanoes National Park offers the perfect backdrop for this extraordinary wildlife encounter. For those seeking a similar adventure, Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, nestled in the southwest, also offers golden monkey trekking.

In this guide, we'll dive into everything you need to know about golden monkey trekking in Rwanda— from essential planning tips to what awaits you on the trek itself.

About The Golden Monkeys In Rwanda

Found only in Rwanda's Virunga Mountains, golden monkeys are a rare species with distinctive personalities that are currently under threat of extinction. Their body is covered with yellow patches, which make them very easy to identify.

Golden monkeys are also known as 'Old World monkeys' and the only way to distinguish this primate from others is by their nose. The noses of the majority of monkeys point to the sides, but if you look closely, the nostrils of golden monkeys face upwards, giving them a distinctive characteristic.

There is just one golden monkey trekking session per day that begins in the morning in Rwanda, and it usually occurs in the Volcanoes located in the Virunga Mountains. It is only fifteen minutes from the Park, therefore those who are willing to participate in the golden monkey trekking are urged to report to the headquarters by 7:00 am for a briefing on the journey before it begins.

There are two troops of golden monkeys in Rwanda; the larger colony, home to 80–100 monkeys, is the most often visited group in the country. It is situated near Sabinyo. The other troop is a little smaller and can be found among the volcanoes.

About the golden monkeys in Rwanda

Planning Your Golden Monkey Trek Rwanda

Where to go

The Golden Monkey Trek Rwanda done at Volcanoes National Park is an exciting adventure that offers an epic encounter with the rare and beautiful golden monkeys.

The famous gorilla trekking adventure often overshadows the golden monkey trek in Volcanoes National Park, but you certainly won't be disappointed when you encounter this animal with their striking yellow fur. They are quite adorable to watch and make for great photos.

The golden monkey trek Rwanda done at Volcanoes National Park

Cost of Golden Monkey trekking permit in Rwanda

Just like mountain gorillas, visitors wishing to see golden monkeys must purchase a permit in order to access and spend an hour with these incredible animals.

Fortunately, Golden Monkey permits are extremely affordable in Rwanda, costing just $100 each. In Rwanda, licenses are purchased from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).To get permits and ensure timely planning, travelers are encouraged to book permits at least three months before the date of the expedition. Government taxes, park entrance fees, and ranger fees are included in the price of a Golden Monkey permit.

How is the Golden Monkey trekking organized?

The visitor must first have obtained a golden monkey trekking permit in advance.

The Golden Monkey Trek Rwanda is a one-time event that happens in the morning, much like all the other activities in Volcanoes National Park. The start of the hike is 15 minutes away at the park's boundary, therefore, visitors must go to the Kinigi Park Headquarters (at 7 am) where they will meet the park ranger guides for a briefing.

The hike takes you through dense bamboo forests and rugged terrain. While the trek can be physically demanding, it is generally considered easier than gorilla trekking, as the altitude is lower and the hikes are shorter. You might come across more species on the way, like birds (birds watching tours), small mammals, and occasionally even gorillas.

Planning your golden monkey trek Rwanda

Accommodation

There are various accommodation options available near Volcanoes National Park, from luxury lodges to budget-friendly guesthouses.

• Bisate Lodge: A luxury eco-lodge offering stunning views of the Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes.
• Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge: Another high-end option, known for its excellent service and beautiful surroundings.
• Kinigi Guest House: A budget-friendly option located close to the park headquarters.

What To Carry While On A Golden Monkey Trekking In Rwanda

To enjoy trekking with the Golden Monkey Rwanda, there are a few things you should know, some of them are as follows:

• Flashes on cameras are not permitted when taking pictures since they frighten the monkeys away.
• For the hike, you need to bring water and food or snacks. It is advisable to bring breakfast from the hotel or a few snacks to munch on along the journey as there are no other stations where you can obtain food.
• Because of the changeable weather in the area, you will also need a rain jacket. This will protect you from the heavy rains, particularly early in the day.
• You'll need a wide-brimmed hat for when it gets hot so you can protect yourself from the sun, good hiking shoes that won't slide on the damp ground, and insect repellant to prevent bug bites.

Since the yellow-patched primates were placed on the endangered species list, a lot of people have visited them. Here are some questions about golden monkeys to better understand these animals:

How do Golden Monkeys in Rwanda communicate with each other?

Monkeys converse with one another just like any other animal species on Earth, and scientists have discovered how golden monkeys interact. Typically, they use their hands, voices, and facial expressions to communicate. Most of them communicate with a purpose, and they wave their hands to let others know what they require.

Where do the Golden Monkeys in Rwanda sleep?

The majority of people mistakenly think that these golden monkeys live in the open, among trees, but they actually weave several bamboo plants together to create a nest, which serves as their home. After a hard day, they rest in these beds made of interwoven bamboo trees.

What is the overall population of the Golden Monkeys in Rwanda?

Some of the reasons for the declining population of golden monkeys are thought to stem from their restricted environment. Although the population is thought to be between 2500 and 3500, it is declining dramatically. All of them are found in the Albertine Rift Zone's Virunga woods, but they are in danger due to the increasing number of people who are felling trees for more space for farming and habitation.

What do the Golden Monkeys in Rwanda feed on?

To make it easier for them to obtain food, the golden monkeys' feeding locations are typically located in places where they sleep. After that, the monkeys travel to feeding areas or through foliage, returning with food for the group, particularly the young ones.

The golden monkeys feed on a wide variety of fruits, but bamboo is their major food. Because they are able to adjust to the varying seasons in the forests, they can consume anything that grows as long as it is edible, including shrubs, tree-dwelling insects, flowers, branches, shoots, and many other things.

The golden monkeys fed on a wide variety of fruits, but bamboo is their major food

Conclusion

Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda is an unforgettable experience that offers a unique glimpse into the biodiversity of the region. This experience is a must for any wildlife enthusiast, from the mischievous antics of the golden monkeys to the beautiful landscape of Volcanoes National Park.

To make your travel experience smooth and hassle-free, we recommend applying for your Rwanda eVisa through Rwanda Immigration Services. Our platform offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies the application process, ensuring you can obtain your visa quickly and efficiently. By using our service, you can avoid long queues at the embassy or consulate.

Applying for your eVisa through our website guarantees a secure and reliable process. Our consultant is available to assist you with any questions or issues you might encounter, providing personalized support to ensure your application is completed correctly and promptly. 

So pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in Rwanda.