Rwanda’s Rare Golden Monkeys: Where to Find Them
Rwanda is one of the few places in the world where you can encounter the endangered golden monkey (Cercopithecus mitis kandti), a vibrant and agile primate known for its striking golden-orange fur and playful demeanor. These monkeys are endemic to the high-altitude bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains, which span Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.(Follow Alice, Wikipedia)
The premier destination for golden monkey trekking in Rwanda is Volcanoes National Park, located in the country’s northwest. This park hosts two habituated troops of golden monkeys, with the larger group, comprising approximately 80 to 100 individuals, residing at the base of Mount Sabyinyo. These monkeys are often observed leaping through bamboo canopies and foraging on the forest floor, providing visitors with dynamic and entertaining wildlife encounters.(Inside Volcanoes National Park)
Trekking to see golden monkeys is generally considered less strenuous than gorilla trekking, as the monkeys inhabit lower elevations and the hikes are shorter. The treks typically commence at 7:00 AM from the Kinigi Park Headquarters, following a briefing by park rangers. Participants are then guided into the forest to locate the monkeys, with the entire experience, including the trek and observation time, lasting between 2 to 4 hours.
A permit is required for golden monkey trekking, priced at $100 per person. This fee includes the services of a park guide and contributes to conservation efforts within the park.
For those interested in a more immersive experience, a golden monkey habituation trek is available. This option allows visitors to spend up to four hours observing a troop that is in the process of becoming accustomed to human presence, offering deeper insights into their behaviors and social structures.(Follow Alice)
While golden monkeys are also found in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers a particularly accessible and well-organized trekking experience. The park’s established infrastructure and commitment to conservation make it an ideal location for observing these rare primates in their natural habitat.(kideponationalpark.com)