Overview

Join an unforgettable Golden Monkey trekking tour Rwanda adventure in the spectacular Volcanoes National Park. Travel from Kigali through the Land of a Thousand Hills before following experienced ranger guides into the park’s lush high-altitude forest. Watch energetic golden monkeys leap between bamboo, feed among the vegetation and interact in their natural habitat while surrounded by the dramatic scenery of the Virunga Mountains.

Bamboo Forest Monkey Trek in Volcanoes National Park

Experience an exciting bamboo forest monkey trek on the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, where one of the park’s habituated golden monkey groups can be tracked. This Golden Monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park experience is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and travellers looking to add another memorable primate encounter to their Rwanda itinerary.

What to Expect on a Golden Monkey Trek 

A Golden monkey trek begins early in the morning with a drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park. At the Kinigi park office, you will receive a briefing before travelling to the trailhead with your guide.

The trek takes you through the bamboo and high-altitude forest around Mount Sabyinyo. Golden monkeys are active and constantly moving, so you may follow them as they jump between trees and move through the vegetation. The walking conditions can be uneven, muddy or wet, depending on the weather.

Once the monkeys are located, you can spend up to one hour observing their behaviour and taking photographs while following the guidance of your ranger. After the trek, return for lunch before travelling back to Kigali.

Golden Monkey Trekking vs Gorilla Trekking 

Golden monkey and Gorilla trekking offer different wildlife experiences in Volcanoes National Park. Golden monkey trekking focuses on active, playful primates that move quickly through the bamboo forest, making the experience particularly engaging for wildlife watchers and photographers.

Gorilla trekking focuses on mountain gorillas and generally involves longer and more physically demanding hikes depending on where the gorilla family is located. Both Golden monkey trekking and Gorilla trekking include up to one hour with a habituated group, but Gorilla trekking follows separate permit requirements and trekking guidelines.

Both experiences involve guided forest trekking and opportunities to observe primates in their natural habitat. Travellers can also combine golden monkey and gorilla trekking into a multi-day Rwanda itinerary.