Rwanda Golden Monkey Trekking Permit: The Rwanda Golden Monkey trekking permit is a legal document offered by the Rwanda Development Board through the tour operators. The permit is a key requirement for travelers to see the monkeys. These monkeys are tracked in their natural habitat and they live with the mountain gorillas at the same time in Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes National Park is located in northwestern Rwanda at the border of Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda. This park is bamboo forested throughout with several swamp vegetation, grasslands, and heath. This park holds a history of the conservation efforts that were geared by Dian Fossey. She had researched the conservations of conservation of large primates.
Later on, the government of Rwanda started up the conservation of the golden monkeys which were believed to be other endemic primates that were soon to extinct. The habituation process was done to these small primates so that they could get used to the human presence.
How much is a Golden Monkey trekking permit in Rwanda?
Travelers planning to track golden monkeys in the Volcanoes National Park are supposed to have a trekking permit to ensure availability during the safaris. The Golden Monkey trekking costs 100 USD for foreign nonresidents, 65 USD for foreign residents in Rwanda, RWF 4000 for Rwandese residents, 65 USD for East African residents, and 80 USD for East African foreign residents.
What does a golden monkey trekking permit in Rwanda include?
On a Rwanda safari to track golden monkeys, travelers are supposed to know the inclusions and exclusions of a golden monkey trekking permit. This permit includes a ranger guide, armed security, park entrance fee, conservation fees, revenues, and community fees. This permit excludes accommodation, transport, meals, tips, and donations.
How to book a Golden Monkey trekking permit in Rwanda?
A Golden Monkey trekking permit is needed during the Golden Monkey safaris to the Volcanos National Park within northwestern Rwanda. Travelers are supposed to use reliable tour operators to book the permit to ensure availability on the tracking dates. The booking of the permit should be done in 2 to 3 months towards the tracking dates.
Golden monkey trekking rules and regulations in Rwanda
While planning a golden monkey trekking safari, travelers are supposed to know the dos and don’ts of the activity and they include;
- No littering in the park during the safaris
- Travelers are supposed to keep a distance of 7 meters away from the golden monkeys
- Feeding golden monkeys is prohibited
- Spitting on the leaves in the park is not allowed because the saliva might have a virus that affects the monkeys.
- Travelers are not allowed to wear the shouting-colored clothing.
Other tourist attractions in Rwanda
While on the golden monkey trekking safari, there are other attractions that travelers see and they include;
Mountain gorillas
These are large and powerful primates living in the park with the golden monkeys. They are considered to be the closest cousins of man sharing over 98% of DNA. These large primates can be seen by travelers during the golden monkey tracking safaris.
Bird species
In the Volcanoes National Park, there are several bird species that travelers on their Uganda safaris usually encounter. The bird species in the park are over 300 bird species and 17 endemic species. Travelers during their golden monkey safaris usually encounter these species in the park. Some of these species include the Rwenzori turaco, African ground hornbill, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, Archer ground robin, and many others.
How long does Rwanda golden monkey trek last?
In Rwanda to track the golden monkeys, travelers are usually assigned to several families. The trekking lasts about 2 to 5 hours of the day for travelers to see the golden monkeys. The tracking involves the walk through the different tracks of the park to see the golden monkeys.
Where to stay on a golden monkey safari to Rwanda
While on the golden monkey safaris, travelers usually have a variety of accommodation facilities where they can stay. The facilities are rated midrange, luxury, and budget facilities. The accommodation facilities in the park include; a Volcanoes Lodge, Only Nest Lodge, Sabyinyo Silver Back Lodge, Garden Place Hotel, Davinci Gorilla Lodge, Virunga Lodge, and many others.
What to pack for a golden monkey trekking safari to Rwanda
While on a golden monkey safari, there are several pieces of equipment that travelers should have for the safari and they include;
- Insect repellents that are used to protect their skins from tropical insects.
- Long-sleeved shirts and trousers.
- Backpack for the carrying of the cameras, binoculars, and many others.
- Sturdy hiking shoes to be stable while hiking.
- Packed lunch, water, and energy foods.
- Waterproof jackets in case the weather changes.
What is the best time to visit Volcanoes National Park for golden monkey trekking?
The Volcanoes National Park is open for travelers to see the golden monkeys throughout the year. The best time is usually the dry season when the park is more dry and clear for the viewing of the wildlife. In the wet season, the park can also be visited to see the golden monkeys where travelers can see the golden monkeys grazing near due to the plenty of food in the park.
