2 Days Rwanda Golden Monkeys tour

The golden monkey trekking tour in Volcanoes National Park is one of the top wildlife adventures to do in Rwanda. The activity involves a relatively easy trek through the bamboo jungles in the lower zones of the Virunga Volcanoes to find and spend an hour with the striking Golden Monkeys. The golden monkeys have bright golden-orange fur coats which contrast with the lush green scenery to make great photos, moreover flush is allowed! And their sprightly nature makes them such a delight to watch.

Although the golden monkey trek is usually sought as a last minute add-on to the popular Gorilla trekking , it is an excellent wildlife adventure to pursue as a single activity. And unlike the Rwanda gorillas tour which requires an age limit of 15 years, the age limit to do the Golden Monkey tour is lowered to 12 years which makes it a little more accommodating to families with children.

Golden Monkeys are found in only three countries in the world and these are neighbors Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic, which share the Virunga Volcanoes – the only home of these rare and endangered primates. In Rwanda, there are two groups that have been habituated for this adventure and these live in Sabinyo Volcano.

Rwanda 2 day golden monkeys trip itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Volcanoes National Park and afternoon River Mukungwa canoe trip

The driver guide shall pick you from the hotel or residence at 8am for your golden monkeys trip to Volcanoes National Park which is situated in the northern province of Rwanda. After the 2 hour scenic drive through the rolling hills, check in at your accommodation. You can visit the Gorilla Museum at the Karisoke Research Center in Ruhengeri town, Musanze, to learn about the history of gorilla conservation Rwanda.

After lunch you shall go for a half day canoe adventure on River Mukungwa with Kingfisher Journeys. The canoe ride offers an excellent way to tour the beautiful countryside, enjoy the magnificent scenery and chat up the locals down the river and see way of life in the countryside.

Day 2: Golden Monkey Trekking and return to Kigali

Wake up for early breakfast and transfer to the park head offices in Kinigi by 7.00am. Join up with the other Golden Monkeys trekkers, meet the ranger guide for a few minutes talk about the activity and the park, and by 8.00am you get into the cars and transfer to the trail head just outside the park. Enjoy great views of the mountain scenery as you start your trek into the park to find the golden monkeys. The golden monkeys live near the edge of the park in the bamboo forests where the ground is relatively flat and easy to trek. Find the monkeys and follow them as they feed, notice how they skillfully pick the young bamboo leaves from the tip of the bamboo tree. They may also move out of the park into the potato fields and how they love the potatoes!

After an amazing one hour with the golden monkeys you will return to the trail head drive back to the lodge for lunch and thereafter leave for Kigali for the end of the golden monkeys trip in Rwanda.