This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines now closed

User menu
Golden Monkey Trekking

Golden Monkey Trekking

Overview: Golden Monkey Trekking

These little-known primates, Cercopithecus kandti, are a subspecies of the blue monkey. You might not get as close to the golden monkeys as you may to the gorillas, but their antics are fun to watch and the bamboo forests, which they inhabit, are an interesting environment.

These fast-moving little creatures live in social groups of up to 100 individuals and they are very entertaining as they constantly swing through the bamboo or chase each other in circles all around you. They’re also very pretty, with shiny reddish-gold backs that blend in perfectly with the golden bamboo.

Planning & organising your golden monkey trek

Golden monkeys live in the “bamboo zone”, below the altitude at which the permanent forest starts. Because trekking to them is easier and less strenuous than going to the gorillas, this excursion makes a very good introductory trek as you acclimatise to the altitude of the Volcanoes National Park on your first day here.

This trek is usually a precursor to a trek to see the gorillas, so the most popular times to come in search of golden monkeys mirror the seasonality of the gorilla treks – which are best during the drier months, between December and February, and from about June to mid-September.

During the rainy seasons, April–May and in November, the terrain can be a bit more slippery. For more details, see Rwanda’s climate.

Permits for golden monkey trekking

Even in peak season, there are generally plenty of golden monkey permits available, though we always recommend booking them before your trip, to be on the safe side. We will make all of the necessary arrangements any buy your permits prior to your trip.

Kit to take trekking

Paths on the treks can be slippery and muddy, so sturdy walking boots are essential. You might also find a walking pole helpful – though you will be offered a wooden walking stick on arrival. A waterproof jacket is a good idea, as even in the dry season you'll find there may be occasional downpours. We’d recommend wearing long trousers versus shorts.

Age limit: You need to be at least 15 years old for this trek. This is strictly enforced and there is no flexibility.

How fit do I need to be to go trekking?

You don’t have to be super fit for a golden monkey trek, but it does help if you have a good general level of fitness, if only to enhance your overall enjoyment. The monkeys can move fast when they’re searching for food, and so at times the pace of the trek can move fairly swiftly, though the guides will stop regularly for breaks.

Some travellers can find the treks particularly strenuous; though you’re not climbing up into the volcanoes, and the terrain near the bamboo forests is relatively flat, you’re still going to be at an altitude of around 2,000–3,000m. Don’t be surprised if you feel a bit breathless at this altitude; that is perfectly normal. We'd advise keeping well hydrated, paying attention to the directions given by your guide, and letting your guide know if you feel unwell at any point during the trek.

The golden monkeys are a great stand-alone experience for primate lovers, but we also do suggest that anyone trekking to see the mountain gorillas takes part in a trek to see the golden monkeys on the previous day, to help acclimatise to the altitude and surrounding terrain.

What's it like on the golden monkey trek?

You'll usually start early; these treks only take place in the morning. Your dedicated private guide, who will be with you for the duration of your trip in Rwanda, will drive you from your lodge to the park headquarters to introduce you to your trekking guide. There you’ll join a small group, with a maximum of eight guests, who will be led by the trekking guide and an armed park ranger.

For a small fee, you’ll also have the choice to hire a porter to accompany you on the trek, to help carry your backpack and offer a hand during tricky parts of the hike. Even if you don’t really need one, hiring a porter is a helpful way to contribute directly to the local economy

After a safety briefing, you’ll be driven to the start of the trail you’ll take to reach the golden monkeys. Your trekking guide will be in radio communication with the trackers locating the golden monkeys, and will lead you along generally clear paths to the edge of the forest, at which time you’ll then be moving through more dense vegetation,

The duration of your trek depends on the location of “your” golden monkey group. The monkeys can cover a fair amount of distance daily, so it can sometimes take a while for the trackers to locate them. Once you’re with the golden monkeys, you’re allowed an hour, maximum, with them before heading back.

The two groups of habituated monkeys are getting more used to their human visitors, so don't be surprised if they jump quite close, and be aware of standing directly underneath a group in the trees, as little “presents” can drop down at times!

No meals are included with the trek, but you’ll be served a light breakfast at your lodge prior to trekking. If you wish, your lodge will provide a packed breakfast to take with you – ask the day before. Do remember to take plenty of water with you for the trek – your guide will provide extra for you – as it’s easy to become dehydrated. You may also want to take a snack, for extra energy.

Photographing the monkeys

Taking photographs of golden monkeys can be rewarding but it does present some challenges. Not only do they move quite fast, but the light can also be poor and use of flash is not permitted.

That said, this isn’t an environment for a massive, tripod-mounted lens – better to work with something that can be hand-held, or perhaps steadied with a monopod. We’ve found a zoom lens (80–200mmm f2.8) is very good, coupled with a high ISO setting.

Do also note that conditions will almost certainly be damp and, additionally, you might need to protect your camera against heavy rain.

Golden monkey trek rules

When you’re with your group, you should try not to make sudden movements and to keep your voices low so that the group remains relaxed. Although these monkeys are now used to seeing people, do bear in mind that they are still wild animals and can sometimes react unexpectedly, so always heed your guide’s and trackers’ instructions.

You won’t be allowed to eat or drink when you’re with the golden monkeys, and smoking is not allowed during the trek.

Please note: Expert Africa can only arrange this excursion as a part of a full, Expert Africa itinerary; for examples, see our ideas for trips that visit Volcanoes National Park.
Start location
Any of Expert Africa's camps or lodges around the Volcanoes National Park
End location
Back at your safari camp
Meals included
No meals are included
Duration
Half day; one hour with the monkeys
Maximum group size
Eight people

Photo gallery

What to look forward to.


1 of 1

Golden Monkey Trekking reviews

24 independent first-hand comments from our travellers.


92%
45 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
31
Good
11
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Mr N & Mrs SfromUK

16 Aug 2024

"Golden Monkey Trekking review"

"beautiful and delightfully entertaining animals …" Read Mr N & Mrs S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs StonefromDorset

21 Sep 2024

"Golden Monkey Trekking review"

Overall rating: Excellent

G & L fromWashington DC

6 Jul 2024

"Fun Time….Well Worth Doing"

"Golden monkeys were fun and entertaining. Well worth the hike. …" Read G & L ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Overall rating: Average

The D FamilyfromFrance

30 Jan 2024

"Golden Monkey Trekking review"

"This is a good warm-up trek... …" Read The D Family’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Gina DaifromNYC

15 Oct 2023

"Golden Monkey Trekking review"

"It was amazing to see so many golden monkeys! …" Read Gina Dai’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

KrisfromArizona

16 Oct 2023

"Golden Monkey Trekking review"

"The golden monkey trek was great …" Read Kris’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mrs L.fromAustin

28 Aug 2023

"Golden Monkey Trekking review"

"We had a chance to take great pictures and the experience was just delightful. …" Read Mrs L.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

The RileysfromCincinnati

20 Jul 2023

"Golden Monkey Trekking review"

"I was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable the Golden Monkey Trekking was …" Read The Rileys’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Overall rating: Good

See all Golden Monkey Trekking reviews

Ideas for holidays which can include Golden Monkey Trekking

Add this experience to these trip ideas or contact us to start planning your own tailor-made safari to Rwanda.


Itinerary image

Mountain Gorilla Safari

5 days • 2 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

Staying in great-value lodges, with a private driver-guide and 4WD, this adventure includes two treks to get up close with groups of mountain gorillas.

US$5,830 - US$6,120 per person

Itinerary image

Golden Monkey Safari

12 days • 5 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

Combine four key areas of Rwanda on this excellent-value trip, for a true wildlife and cultural experience. The perfect itinerary for those who want to see all the highlights of Rwanda.

US$10,190 - US$12,170 per person

Itinerary image

L'Hoest's Monkey Safari

7 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

Meet three iconic primates – gorillas, chimps and golden monkeys – and explore Rwanda's fascinating culture on this excellent value privately guided adventure.

US$5,850 - US$6,830 per person

Itinerary image

Gorillas and Serengeti Safari

11 days • 4 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Combine three iconic experiences – mountain gorillas in Rwanda, and the Serengeti plains and awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.

US$13,350 - US$15,540 per person

Itinerary image

Mona Monkey Safari

9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

This example of a luxury holiday explores the wildlife of Nyungwe Forest, the scenic shores of Lake Kivu and the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, all accompanied by a private guide and vehicle.

US$12,770 - US$19,000 per person

Itinerary image

Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari

9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

This trip combines two of Africa's most unforgettable wildlife experiences – Rwanda's mountain gorillas and Kenya's Maasai Mara.

US$10,840 - US$13,500 per person

Itinerary image

Silverback Gorilla Safari

4 days • 1 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

Fly into Rwanda and you can be trekking to meet a family of mountain gorillas the next morning. An itinerary like this could easily be combined with a safari in Kenya or Tanzania.

US$10,680 - US$14,080 per person

Itinerary image

Gorillas and Migration Safari

9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

This luxury safari combines two iconic wildlife experiences: trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, then flying to the northern Serengeti in search of the wildebeest migration and spectacular river crossings.

US$17,930 - US$25,280 per person

Itinerary image

The Highlights of Africa

17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

An epic adventure taking in some of Africa’s most incredible sights and wildlife experiences, from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Maasai Mara and an encounter with mountain gorillas.

US$15,310 - US$19,700 per person

Inspire me

Need inspiration?

Let our trip chooser narrow down the options for you

Inspire me

Other excursions in Rwanda

Inspiration and great ideas for other experiences in Rwanda to include in your safari.


Gorilla Trekking Safari

Gorilla Trekking Safari

Half day: one hour with the gorillas

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a magical experience, transcending any other wildlife encounter we know. Meeting a gorilla family in their forest home, led by a dominant male silverback and a cluster of females and young, is a natural adventure that fully repays the cost in unforgettable memories and images. Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers to the park headquarters and introduce you to your trekking group and parks guide.

More about Gorilla Trekking
99% (83 reviews)
Kigali Tour and Genocide Memorial Visit

Kigali Tour and Genocide Memorial Visit

Half day

You'll be driven around Kigali to see the highlights of the city, with a main stop at the Genocide Memorial and museum. This will give you a fascinating, though sobering, insight into Rwanda's modern history. It is remarkable to learn just how far Rwanda has come in such a short period of time and it certainly adds a deeper understanding about the Rwandan people.

More about Kigali Tour & Genocide Memorial Visit
95% (44 reviews)
Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Chimpanzee Trekking in Nyungwe Forest

Half day - one hour with the chimpanzees

Trekking to see the chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park can be exhilarating. While sighting them in dense forest can be challenging, to watch them cavorting in the tree tops, their all-too-human characteristics to the fore, makes this an exceptionally rewarding half-day excursion.

More about Chimpanzee Trekking
89% (18 reviews)
King’s Palace & Museum Visit

King’s Palace & Museum Visit

Half day

If your trip in Rwanda incorporates travelling south from Kigali, a visit to the King’s Palace and Museum gives an interesting insight into Rwanda’s cultural history and monarchy. It's also ideally placed to break up the long journey to Nyungwe Forest.

More about King’s Palace
91% (13 reviews)
Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest

Two - three hours

The Canopy Walk in Nyungwe Forest opened in 2010 and was one of the first high-level bridges of this kind to cross a forest canopy on the African continent. You'll be amazed by this easy walk high above the forest canopy.

More about Canopy Walk
88% (13 reviews)
Canoeing in Rwanda

Canoeing in Rwanda

Half day - approx. 3 hours on the water

This half-day adventure takes place through lush farmland, on the meandering Mukungwa River near Musanze town. Discovering Rwanda’s countryside in a canoe is great fun: the launch spot is just half an hour from Volcanoes National Park and you'll be guided along the shallow waterway by an expert local canoeist. Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers and introduce you to your canoe group and guide.

More about Canoeing
96% (9 reviews)
Colobus Trekking in Nyungwe

Colobus Trekking in Nyungwe

Two hours approx, morning or afternoon

Visiting the black-and-white colobus monkeys of Nyungwe Forest is a highly enjoyable excursion. A gentler walk than trekking in search of chimpanzees, it takes you through lush green tea plantations surrounding an isolated patch of rainforest, where these striking primates can be spotted jumping around the trees.

More about Colobus Monkey Trekking
90% (12 reviews)
Mount Bisoke Trek

Mount Bisoke Trek

Full day

For something a little different, set out on a one-day hike to the summit of Mt Bisoke in the Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas. Discover the beautiful scenery of the Virunga Mountains, spot birds and wildlife, and enjoy spectacular views from the crater lake.

More about Mount Bisoke Trek
95% (4 reviews)
Bird Walk in Nyungwe Forest

Bird Walk in Nyungwe Forest

Two–four hours

For many, the wealth of birds that inhabit Nyungwe Forest is the park’s greatest attraction. Spend a morning or afternoon exploring in the company of a birding specialist, following forest trails as you watch out for the colourful, the secretive and sometimes the extremely rare birds of this ancient tropical rainforest.

More about Bird Walk
100% (2 reviews)
Akagera Sunset Boat Safari

Akagera Sunset Boat Safari

Half day - one hour on the water

Akagera’s Lake Ihema is a beautiful contrast to the rolling hills of the east of Rwanda, and the flatter plains to the north. Relax and enjoy the peace and quiet on your cruise, while watching the sunset over the lake and the national park beyond.

More about Sunset Boat Safari
80% (1 reviews)
Trek to Dian Fossey’s Grave

Trek to Dian Fossey’s Grave

Half day, usually five hours

Dian Fossey is best known for her research and conservation work with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. She dedicated her life to researching and protecting these ‘gentle giants’ from harm, however she was tragically found murdered at her research camp in 1985. Today visitors can join a local guide to trek through the tropical forest to visit her grave, and learn about the impact of her work.

More about Dian Fossey Trek
100% (2 reviews)
Mount Karisimbi Trek - 2 day trek

Mount Karisimbi Trek - 2 day trek

Two days - overnight on Mt Karisimbi

Set out on a two-day hike to the summit of Mount Karisimbi, which at over 4,507m is one of the highest in Africa. This is a challenge for the adventurous! With a local guide, you’ll traverse bamboo forests and rugged terrain, then camp on the slopes of this dormant volcano before enjoying sunrise from the summit.

More about Mount Karisimbi Trek
100% (1 reviews)

Rwanda fact file

Useful information to help you prepare for your trip in Rwanda


Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team