Golden Monkey Half-Day

Wildlife
Half Day
Rwanda

Into the Volcanoes — Golden Monkey Half-Day

THE EXPERIENCE

The Albertine Rift endemic that most visitors never know to look for — until they find it, an immediately understand why regulars call it the unexpected highlight of Rwanda. The golden monkey (Cercopithecus kandti) is found only in the Virunga volcanoes and a handful of adjacent forest patches. With brilliant gold and black colouring and habituated groups of up to eighty individuals, they are fast, playful, and far more physically accessible than gorillas. The permit is significantly more affordable, the trek shorter and less strenuous. A perfect morning for those who have already done gorillas, or those who want an extraordinary wildlife experience without the full gorilla commitment.

Itinerary

5:00am — Departure from Kigali
Alternatively, depart from Musanze at 6:00am.

Arrive at Volcanoes National Park headquarters between 6:30am and 7:00am for a short ranger briefing and orientation.

Morning: Trek through the bamboo forest in search of a habituated troop of 30–80 golden monkeys.

Spend one hour observing the golden monkeys in their natural habitat.

Return to the trailhead by approximately midday.

Return to Kigali by approximately 2:00pm.

Included

  • Golden monkey trekking permit
  • Private licensed guide
  • Door-to-door transport from Kigali or Musanze
  • Volcanoes National Park entry fee

Excluded

  • Meals
  • Breakfast before departure is recommended
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal spending

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