Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park
Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park, Golden monkeys also known as “celebes black macaques” are part of the Sykes monkey species (blue monkeys). Golden monkeys are some of the endangered primate species that are found in the mountainous forests of East and Central Africa particularly the Virunga ranges that are shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They were listed as endangered species along with the mountain gorillas on the International Union of Conservation of Nature(IUCN) and there are estimated to be 5000 individuals remaining in the world and these exist in the Virunga ranges.
Golden monkeys are characterized by striking golden-orange fur, the legs and face have black fur with short tails. The only way that you can differentiate the males from the females is that the males have dark gold and black while the females are slightly pale and lighter.
Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park, They are social animals and live in groups called troops. Each troop consists of the dominant male, the females, and their offspring. Golden monkeys are primarily herbivores and love feeding on bamboo shoots, leaves, fruits, seeds, and flowers and this is why they are easily spotted in bamboo forest vegetation. At times they are seen feeding on termites, snails, and other small insects.
Unlike gorillas that change nests daily, golden monkeys sleep in the same nest the full day, even if they move long distances as they search for food, they come back to the same place where they spent the night.
Golden monkeys are particularly found in Mgahinga National Park in uganda, Kahuzi Biega National Park in DRC, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. So, as you visit these parks for gorilla expeditions, do not miss out on seeing the attractive beauty of the golden monkeys in these parks
Golden monkey trekking activity
This is a full-day activity that begins with an early morning briefing from the park guides and rangers at the park headquarters. Participants are addressed on what they expect to find in the park jungles and how to conduct themselves in the presence of these charming apes. After briefing, you are given a walking stick as the activity involves hiking through different terrain and altitudinal zones. You are free to hire a porter to help carry your luggage.
Golden monkey trekking is a bit easier than gorilla trekking as they can be spotted in a shorter time. this doesn’t mean that you will find them in the shortest distance possible. However, you must move steadily and quietly so that you don’t scare them. Set your cameras in the fastest shuttering shot because they usually jump from one tree to another.
On interaction with the golden monkeys, you will be allowed to spend one hour then return to the park center.
There are many golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park but only 2 families are inhabited, the largest family which comprises 100 members is mostly visited and most of them are found on Mount Sabinyo which is shared by the three countries.
A golden monkey permit in the Volcanoes National Park costs $100 per person and is sold to persons of 12 years and above and one is advised to book in advance to avoid last-minute disappointments.
The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey trekking should be the dry season in June to August and December to February. This is because the tracking trails are always dry and passable. The vegetation is not fully grown which enables quick sight of the monkeys and photography of the apes is easier.
Other places where to find golden monkeys in Rwanda
In Gishwati Mukura National Park, a newly established park that comprises two forests, Gishwati and Mukura. Golden monkeys have been discovered in this park but haven’t been opened for trekking
In Nyungwe Forest National Park, which is popularly known as a habitat for chimpanzees, golden monkeys have been spotted there but the golden monkey trekking activity has not yet started. You can only spot golden monkeys in this park while on nature walks or other primate trekking.
Other activities in Volcanoes National Park other than golden monkey trekking
Gorilla tracking: mountain gorillas are the biggest attraction of the volcanoes National park. coming close to these gentle giant apes while in their habitat is a lifetime experience sought after by many adventure lovers who visit Rwanda. Gorillas are considered endangered creatures though a lot of effort has been put to protect them and their natural habitat. Rwanda has 12 habituated gorilla families ready for daily tracking and only 8 people are allowed to visit a gorilla family in a day with the guidance of park guides and rangers after an early morning briefing at the park headquarters. A gorilla tracking permit costs $1500 and is only sold out to persons of 15 years and above. A gorilla trek lasts from 1 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorillas. Once you find them, you are allowed to spend one hour observing them, taking photos and short videos to remember your expedition.
Volcano hiking:Volcanoes National Park comprises five of the eight Virunga volcanos all standing at different heights. The park offers hiking experiences on all these volcanos. mount Bisoke (3911m), Mount Gahinga (3474m), and Mount Muhabura (4127m)can be hiked on a single day at $75 per person, mount Karisimbi (4507m) is a day hike with an overnight on the mountain at $400, and Mount Sabinyo(3634m) though partially in Rwanda, can only be hiked starting in Uganda. With different altitudinal levels explore the vegetation zones, plants, animals, birds, and the breathtaking crater lakes.
Besides hiking volcanos, one can hike to the Dian Fossey grave site which is often great for nature lovers interested in birding activities.
Cultural tours: While in Volcanoes National Park, after strenuous activities like trekking and hiking, consider relaxing with Rwandan cultural exhibitions in the gorilla guardians village, commonly known as Ib’yiwachu cultural center. This is a place where you will enjoy traditional performances like story telling, cultural history of Rwanda, marriage ceremonies, kingship , food, medicine and the best dance entertainment by the Instore troupe dancers.
Another cultural visit can be in Musanze caves which was a former coronation place for Rwandan Kings. Take chance to walk through the caves and enjoy their natural wonders like the bats and the vegetation on the walls of the cave as you listen to stories narrated by the local guides in the area.
Guided nature walks and bike riding: This popular activity in Volcanoes National Park is carried out in Musanze town. It allows visitors to interact with the locals and learn more about the areas surrounding the park.
The twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera :A boat cruise on the twin lakes
