Golden Monkey Tracking in Volcanoes National Park.
Golden monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park is one of the most interesting activities that allows primate lovers to come up close to these playful monkeys. The park is situated in the far northwestern region of Rwanda, bordering Mgahinga National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in DR Congo. They are a rare endangered species that are Albertine Rift endemics. The botanical name for golden monkeys is (Cercopithecus Mitis Kandti), which is one of the common local subspecies of the Sykes Monkey (commonly known as the Blue Monkey). It has 2 habituated groups of golden monkeys, which are ready to be in human presence, and each group has up to 80 individuals. Volcanoes National Park is not only home to the playful golden monkeys but also hosts the endangered mountain gorillas, various bird species and mammal species like buffaloes, bushbucks, spotted hyenas and more. The park is blessed with unique ecosystems such as montane forests, bamboo zones, and wetlands, which provide habitat for the park’s rich biodiversity. Travellers planning to do this activity should obtain a tracking permit, which costs $100 per person, and they can either book with a licensed travel company or book directly at the park’s headquarters. Meeting these playful monkeys in their natural habitats is one of the most remarkable safari experiences that primate lovers shouldn’t miss on their bucket list.
Golden Monkey Tracking Experience in Volcanoes National Park.
Golden monkey tracking begins at 7 am with a briefing about the rules and regulations of the activity at the park’s headquarters, and later, meet the assigned park guide who leads the group, and he will give visitors more insightful information about the park’s inhabitants that they might encounter. Participants will move through the bamboo zones where the monkeys stay, and along the search, they will encounter various birds and animal species. Golden monkeys are so playful that they keep moving from one place to another in search of food. Once located, participants are given one hour to be with them. They will have an opportunity to see them running from one tree to another, see them feeding, playing, mothers taking care of the young ones, learn more insights about their behaviours, and take as many pictures as possible. This is once in a lifetime safari experience that shouldn’t be missed by nature lovers visiting the park.
Best Time to See Golden Monkeys.
Golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park can be seen at any time of the year, and the best time differs from individual’s preferences. The park experiences two seasons, the wet season and the dry season, both of which provide exceptional safari experiences. The wet season runs from March to May and from October to November. During this season, the park receives moderate rainfall, and the trails are muddy and slippery, making it challenging to penetrate the park. The dry season is commonly referred to as the peak season, which runs from December to February and June to September. During this period, the park receives little to no rainfall, the trails are less muddy and slippery, making it easier to search for these playful monkeys.
