On this first day of your 2-day Golden Monkey Trekking Safari in Rwanda, you will arrive at either Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. On arrival, you will be transferred to your reserved lodge or accommodation, where you will check in and refresh. The drive from Kigali International Airport (Rwanda) or Entebbe International Airport (Uganda) usually takes between 3-4 hours, depending on your arrival location.

If you are driving from Rwanda, you can have a stopover in Musanze town, which is the gateway to Volcanoes National Park. Here, you can enjoy a few hours of resting or tour the local area, visiting attractions such as the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village, which provides a great introduction to Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage.

In the afternoon, you will have a short introduction at the park headquarters. The guide will provide you with key information regarding the trek, safety measures, and what to expect during the hike. You will also be allocated a specific group of trekkers and a local guide and ranger who will accompany you throughout the tour.

During your trekking safari in Rwanda, you will head to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi. If you’re in Uganda, the briefing will take place at the park headquarters in Ntebeko, Mgahinga.

As soon as you finish the briefing, you will have the evening free to rest at your accommodation. This is the best opportunity to prepare for the next day’s trek, either by relaxing or taking in the surrounding scenery. Enjoy a traditional Rwandan or Ugandan dinner and get some rest to be ready for an early start the following morning.

Budget Lodge: Ndanza Escape/Lake Mulehe Lodge

Mid-Range: Davince Gorilla Lodge/Rushaga Gorilla Lodge

Luxury: Le Bambou/ Gorilla Safari Lodge

This 2-day Golden Monkey Trekking Safari in Rwanda will begin with a hearty breakfast before heading out to the park headquarters for your morning briefing. Your guide will provide extra information about the trek and what to expect while trekking through the bamboo forests in search of the golden monkeys.

This golden monkey trek usually begins around 7:00 AM. Depending on where the golden monkeys are assigned, the trek can last anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the distance and terrain. The trail takes you through thick bamboo forests, with the possibility of seeing other wildlife along the way.

The golden monkeys are quite easy to find, as they tend to live in social groups that are often found feeding on bamboo shoots and leaves. You will have the chance to see them from a safe distance as they leap from tree to tree, interact with each other, and even play in the trees. The golden monkeys are known for their energetic and curious behaviour, and it is an exciting experience to watch them in action.

The moment you have reached the golden monkeys, you will have up to 1 hour to see them. This is a special opportunity to take photos and videos of the monkeys in their natural habitat. You may also see them interacting with each other, grooming, and playing – a truly memorable experience.

During the monkey trek, your guide will provide insightful commentary about the golden monkeys, explaining their behaviour, social structure, and the conservation efforts in place to protect them. The golden monkey is listed as an endangered species due to habitat loss and poaching, so the experience also helps raise insight about wildlife conservation.

After the trek, you will be transferred back to the park headquarters, where a delicious lunch will be waiting for you. You will have time to rest, share your experiences with fellow trekkers, and take in the scenery around the park.

In the afternoon, you may have the option of getting involved in other activities, such as visiting the local community or exploring nearby attractions. If you are in Rwanda, you might want to explore the nearby Volcanoes or the Dian Fossey Research Centre, dedicated to the famous conservationist’s work with mountain gorillas. In Uganda, you can choose to tour the village of Kisoro or visit the nearby Lake Mutanda.

If you have time before departure, you can spend a few additional hours enjoying the beauty of the area or shop for souvenirs in the local markets.

After a day of exciting adventure, you will either be transferred to your accommodation for an overnight stay or begin your journey back to the airport for your departure.

This 2-Day Golden Monkey Trekking Safari in Rwanda is an exciting adventure for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It gives a rare opportunity to see the endangered golden monkeys up close in their natural habitat while also enjoying the breathtaking landscapes of the Virunga Mountains. With skilled guides, comfortable accommodations, and unforgettable wildlife experiences, this trip promises to be a highlight of any East African Tour.

Whether you are visiting Rwanda or Uganda, the golden monkey trek allows you to connect with nature, witness wildlife conservation efforts, and experience the rich culture and stunning scenery of the region. The trip is not only about trekking but also about learning and appreciating the delicate balance between preserving wildlife and promoting tourism. The memories made during this trek are sure to last a lifetime, as you become part of the ongoing effort to protect and preserve one of Africa’s most interesting primates. info_list_item list_title=”Inclusions” list_icon=”Defaults-arrow-circle-o-right” title_font_color=”#0a0000″] Golden Monkey Trekking Permit: This is the most important inclusion for the trekking experience. It covers the park entry fees and permits for the golden monkey trek. Permits are required for all visitors to the parks, and they are limited in number to preserve the environment.

Transport: Round-trip transport from the nearest airport (Kigali or Entebbe) to the park. Transport to and from the park’s headquarters is also included.

Accommodation: Accommodation for one night at a mid-range lodge, guesthouse, or safari camp, including meals.

Guides and Rangers: Knowledgeable local guides and rangers who accompany you on the trek and ensure your safety throughout the experience.

Meals: Full board meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your trek. Local dishes will give you a taste of the local cuisine, and special dietary requirements can often be accommodated.

Water and Snacks: Bottled water and light snacks during the trek to keep you energised.