Golden Monkey Tracking Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park /Rwanda Primates Safaris; Golden monkeys are renown as active primate with unique characters and are endangered species which are found in the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda. These species are easily recognized due to their yellow patches that can be encountered all over their bodies. They have nostrils that facing upwards.
More so, Golden monkey tracking in Rwanda takes place in the Volcanoes National Park inhabiting in the Virunga Mountains. This activity starts in the morning after a briefing at the headquarters by 7am. Golden monkeys are divided into two habituation troops and the largest group is located in Sabinyo which consists of 80 to 100 individuals. This is the most visited troop in Rwanda.
Golden Monkey Tracking Permits and Costs
Golden monkey permits in Rwanda goes at USD100 each and the activity is not limited to the age of the people to participate in the activity.
The activity allows you to see these active and unique species swinging from the bamboo trees in the forest. Trackers are allowed an hour to view these unique creatures and get to know about their different characteristics from the experienced guides who leads you through the tracking trails.
This Golden Monkey are easily reached and be able to watch them as they swinging from the bamboo trees in the forest. The visitors get to view monkeys and be able to learn about their different characteristics. The easiest way to access them is by following the left over bamboo shoots which are always left by the monkeys after eating. The monkeys also move out in an open and feast on the cones and food in the fields are owned by the farmers near the forest thus making it easy for the visitors to watch them as they swing back and forth.
What to carry while on a golden monkey’s track
There are several things needed to know and to pack
You should carry cameras with clear photograph but flash discs are not allowed as they scare the monkeys.
Carry packed food or snacks and water for the hike.
You need to carry a rain jacket because the weather in the area is unpredictable.
You will need to carry good comfortable hiking boots or shoes that do not slide due to the wet ground. Carry wide brimmed hat to shield you from the sunshine as well as insect repellent.
Other Facts about Golden Monkey Species
Golden monkeys scientifically known as Cercopithecus mitis kandti.
They live in the Virunga areas of Volcanoes National Park Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda.
Golden monkeys have orange patch straight from their long tails to its back and cheeks. Though some species have darker patches on the legs, arms and face giving them a weird but captivating look from the other primate species in the wild.
Female golden monkeys are much lighter than the males.
They are herbivores species which wired feed on plant materials, eating about 20 to 30 types of plants and an occasional insect found on leaves.
Golden monkeys have polygynous relationship. Where the male monkey in the group mates with all the females. Amazingly, the females are the initiator of this mating ritual quite successful.
They have a gestation period that takes five months and the youngling ‘’infant’’ is born with fur and eyes wide open. The mother monkey always takes care of the baby for about two years before it is given any freedom.
Golden monkeys can live up to 19 years. Male golden monkeys range between 48 and 67 centimeters and females can range up to 46 to 53 centimeters thus rendering them slightly smaller.
The male golden monkeys can weigh about 4.5 to 7 kilometers while the females go up to about 3.5 to 4.5 kilograms.
Golden monkeys are endemic species meaning they are confined to a specific area. Where they live, areas are plenty of fruits and bamboo, trekking in between the rainy and sunny seasons.
Among golden monkeys, are like gorillas, for them females are the responsible for ensuring the safety of their territories and their offspring’s till they are old enough.
Golden monkeys are loving species and sleep in a group of four in thick bamboo areas that provide enough shelter to rest during the night.
They are playful species.
When to visit the Volcanoes National Park
The best time to visit Volcanoes National Parks activities, attractions it’s in drier seasons which starts from June to September and December to February. During this period of the year forest trails can be dry and easy to hike in search of primates like Mountain gorillas and golden monkeys with other species.
Where to stay at Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National park boosts with classic accommodation facilities both camps, lodges and hotels and all have good amenities. They range from luxury, Mid-range and Budget. Lodges includes; Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Mountain Gorilla Nest Lodge, Best View Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View lodge, Gorilla Solution Lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Virunga Lodge among others.
