Golden monkey tracking is also a thrilling experience that gives an impressive with these beautiful species of monkeys known as the Golden Monkeys. These have also got a prominent golden fur coat and this also adds to their unique attractiveness and they are so lovely to look at and give an exceptional photography. The golden monkey expedition is also dominated by the famous gorilla trek and therefore mostly done as an additional activity to gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Golden monkeys are also endangered species and are so exclusive to the Virunga mountain ranges that cover the whole Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Rwanda, these are the only countries where the tourists get the chance to trek and see them at up close. These species mostly live in the bamboo forests as well as vegetation at the far base of Volcanoes Mountains. These also mostly eat the bamboo shoot.
These have got two habituated troops with in volcanoes national park and the larger troop found in Sabyinyo has between 80 to 100 members and this one is the most visited troop. The permits for trekking the golden monkeys only cost $100 and there is always no limit to how many people can do this trek. There is also no age limit.
There is always one session for golden monkey tracking in the whole day and this one takes place early in the morning like many other tourist activities within Volcanoes National Park. Here the visitors have to report at the headquarters by 7am where they will meet the ranger guides for the briefing and then will drive to the starting point of the trek and this takes only 15 minutes way from the edge of the park.
These monkeys will easily be found as they mostly live at the bottom of the Volcano Mountains within the bamboo forest and by just following the traces of fresh leftovers from the bamboo shoots eaten the trackers are then able to locate them with in less than an hour. The guests also spend 1 hour watching these beautiful creatures as they try picking the bamboo shoots and also make vast leaps from tree to tree and this is possible with their long tails that provide balance. These long tails can also get stuck by the bamboo and then these are cut off as you will view some monkeys with short tails.
These monkeys always spend most of their time at the top of the bamboo and also climb trees to the eye level and also on the ground. These are also some of the shyest monkeys you can come close to within a meter. They are also very delightful for photography and the flash is allowed which is not allowed for the other primate species, that’s to say; the gorillas and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda. These monkey species also love camera flashes and also love moving out of the park into the open potato fields in order to eat the Irish potatoes that are left behind after the harvest. The monkeys also dig and clean the potatoes before eating and this is so amazing to watch!
The physical ability required for golden monkey trek
This trek is also one of the less active with in volcanoes National park. These monkeys also live at the floor of the mountain within the bamboo forest and the terrain is also slightly flat and so easy to hike. It only needs basic fitness to hike to see these great creatures.
What to carry for the Golden Monkey trek in Rwanda
The Hiking shoes
A rain jacket
Drinking water
A camera with a flash
The Accommodation Facilities
The accommodation facilities that are near and close to Volcanoes National Park are so many and these include lodges, Hotels as well as camps. Some of these facilities are so near and they are 5 minutes’ walk from the real starting point of most of the activities in volcanoes National Park. And the far lodges are only 1 hour away from the real starting point.
The guests can also want to stay in Kigali and then leave so early at 4:40 am to arrive at the park headquarters for a briefing. Though is stressing and we advise this to those who have got only one day for gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking as well as the volcanic hike .
This is because this is stressing and it is not often advisable. Therefore it is recommendable for the 2 or 3 days gorilla safaris. This will allow one stay in Kinigi or Musanze which is close to Volcanoes National Park and also be able to adventure volcanoes National park without being in a rush.
The Types of Accommodation
These lodges are collected into three categories including; high class luxury accommodations, the standard luxury accommodations, the mid-range and the basic accommodations.
The High class Luxury Facilities:
These are mainly the 5 star lodges or hotels whose prices include all the drinks as well as services at an extra ordinary model and you will not regret your decision of choosing. These lodges are also usefully located with attractive views of the volcanoes and their rooms have got an African hint. These rooms also cost between USD 500 to 900 per person per night.
The standard Luxury facilities:
These are between 3.5 to 4 stars lodges with good facilities than those of mid-range accommodations. Some of these have got internet services as well as mini-bars and the fantastic structures. Many of these facilities give continental cuisines and a swimming pool. The room prices range from $300 to 500 per person per night.
The Mid-Range Facilities:
These are also moderate facilities with 2-3 star services. These rooms are also self-contained and have got a dining room that is attached to them and are only used by the lodge residents. The price ranges from $100 to 290 per person per night.
The Budget Accommodation
These are also modest styles with humble beddings. These budget accommodations also don’t have services like television, mini bars and sometimes don’t have hot water. This means that you will be required to order room service with hot water. Even though they are budget accommodations, they have got restaurants that give nice meals to clients.
All the stages of accommodation are there in close vicinity to the headquarters of the park. These also allow you to participate in many activities. Some of the activities include; golden monkey tracking, gorilla trekking, and the volcano hike. Information is also given out about some of the accommodation facilities that are to be used.