A day spent observing golden monkeys in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is an unforgettable wildlife experience. These playful and endangered primates are native to the Albertine Rift and thrive in the bamboo forests of the park. Here’s what a typical day might look like:
1. Early Morning Start
•Time: Around 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
•Activity: Your day begins early at the park headquarters in Kinigi, where you’ll meet your guide and fellow trekkers. This is the same starting point for the more famous gorilla treks.
•Briefing: A guide provides an overview of golden monkeys, their habitat, and the trekking process. You’ll also be briefed on conservation efforts and the importance of responsible tourism.
2. The Trek Begins
•Time: Around 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM
•Hiking through the Forest: After the briefing, you’ll drive to the trailhead and start trekking through the bamboo forests in search of golden monkeys. The hike can take 1-2 hours, depending on the location of the monkey troops, but it’s generally easier than gorilla trekking since golden monkeys live at lower altitudes.
•Scenery: As you hike, you’ll pass through dense bamboo groves, stunning forest clearings, and enjoy the cool, misty atmosphere of the Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, you might also spot other wildlife like birds, duikers, and even signs of gorillas.
3. Encountering the Golden Monkeys
•Time: Around 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
•Observation: Once you find the golden monkeys, you’ll spend about one hour with them. The guides help position you for the best views while ensuring the safety and comfort of the animals. These monkeys are curious and playful, often swinging from bamboo stalks or foraging for food on the forest floor.
•Behavior to Watch:
Feeding: Golden monkeys mainly eat bamboo shoots, fruits, and leaves. You’ll likely see them chewing on bamboo stalks or stripping leaves off plants.
Playful Interactions: The monkeys are highly social and often seen jumping between branches, chasing one another, and engaging in playful behavior, which makes for fantastic photo opportunities.
Family Dynamics: Troops typically consist of 30-100 individuals, so you’ll see multiple monkeys interacting, from mothers carrying their young to dominant males overseeing the troop.
4. Photography and Enjoying the Moment
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
The golden monkeys are fast movers, so a good camera with quick shutter speed is helpful.
Try to capture the vibrant colors of the monkeys, especially their bright golden-orange fur, which contrasts beautifully with the green bamboo.
•Enjoying the Experience: This is a magical opportunity to simply observe these rare creatures in their natural habitat. The golden monkeys are more habituated to humans than some other wildlife, allowing you to get reasonably close without disturbing them.
5. Return from the Trek
•Time: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
•Hike Back: After spending about an hour with the monkeys, you’ll hike back to the trailhead. The return journey is usually quicker, as you’re retracing your steps.
•Light Snacks/Break: Once back at the starting point, you can take a short break and enjoy snacks or refreshments before heading back to your lodge or hotel.
6. Afternoon Relaxation or Exploration
•Lunch: You’ll likely return to your lodge for lunch, where you can relax and reflect on the morning’s adventure
•Other Activities: If you have energy left, the afternoon can be spent exploring other parts of the Volcanoes National Park or visiting local communities. Popular options include:
- Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village: A cultural experience to learn about Rwandan traditions, dances, and crafts.
- Dian Fossey Hike: If you’re up for more trekking, you could visit the Karisoke Research Center where Dian Fossey conducted her groundbreaking research on gorillas.
7. Evening Unwind
• Dinner: End the day with a relaxing meal at your lodge, perhaps enjoying traditional Rwandan dishes like “Isombe” (cassava leaves) or grilled fish from Lake Kivu.
• Reflection: After an exciting day spent in the presence of Rwanda’s golden monkeys, you can relax around a campfire or lounge area, share stories with other travelers, or simply enjoy the peace of the surrounding wilderness.
Travel Tips:
• Permits: Make sure to secure your golden monkey trekking permit in advance through the Rwanda Development Board or your tour operator.
• What to Wear: Dress in layers (as the mornings can be chilly), wear long sleeves and pants to protect from insects and forest plants, and bring sturdy hiking boots.
• What to Bring: A small backpack with water, snacks, a rain jacket, sunscreen, and a camera.
Golden monkey trekking offers a lighter, fun alternative to gorilla trekking and is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, families, or anyone looking to experience Rwanda’s diverse primate species.
