While most visitors come for mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, there is another species of primates that is just as deserving of your attention: the Golden Monkey. These beautiful monkeys are endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley. They are found exclusively in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Massif – in Volcanoes Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga Park in Uganda. Adding a golden monkey trek to your itinerary is not just a great ‘add-on’—it’s a highlight in its own right that offers a completely different wildlife experience.
A Splash of Gold in the Bamboo
Golden monkeys (Cercopithecus kandti) are easily distinguished from other species by their orange-gold-coloured hair on their backs and flanks, which contrasts beautifully with their black limbs and tails. They are small, agile, and incredibly fast. Unlike the mountain gorillas, who spend much of their time foraging and grooming in a relatively stationary group, golden monkeys are constantly on the move. They leap through the bamboo stalks with amazing speed, making it thrilling to watch and photograph.
The Trekking Experience
One of the biggest advantages of golden monkey trekking is that it is generally less strenuous than gorilla trekking. The monkeys tend to live in the bamboo forests at the base of the volcanoes, rather than high up on the slopes. This means the hike is often gentler and shorter, usually taking between 30 minutes and 2 hours to find them. Like gorilla trekking, you are allowed to stay with the Golden monkeys for up to 1 hour in their presence once they are located. This hour usually passes quickly as you are busy watching them as they play, feed on bamboo shoots, and interact with each other in large groups of up to 100 individuals.
Challenges in Photographing Golden Monkeys and Tips
If you thought gorillas were hard to photograph, golden monkeys take it to the next level. Because they move so quickly and the bamboo forest can be quite dense, you will need a fast shutter speed—at least 1/500th of a second—to freeze their movement. Since you are at the base of the mountains, the light can be a bit better than in the deeper parts of the forest, but you should still be prepared to use a higher ISO. A mid-range zoom lens (like a 70-200mm) is perfect here, as it gives you the flexibility to track their rapid movements through the trees.
Conservation and Why Your Visit Matters
The golden monkey is currently listed as ‘Endangered’ by the IUCN. Their habitat is restricted to a small area that is under constant pressure from human encroachment and agriculture. By purchasing a permit for golden monkey trekking (currently $100 in Rwanda & Uganda), you are directly contributing to their protection. The revenue supports the rangers who monitor the groups and helps fund community projects that reduce the local population’s reliance on the forest’s resources. It’s a wonderful way to see a rare species while making a positive impact on conservation and sustainability.
How to Fit it Into Your Trip
We typically recommend scheduling your golden monkey trek the day before or the day after your gorilla trek. It’s a great way to acclimatize to the altitude of the Volcanoes National Park before the more intense gorilla hike, or a perfect way to wind down after the excitement of meeting the silverbacks. Whether you are a dedicated primatologist or just a lover of beautiful animals, the ‘Golden species’ of the Virungas offer an experience you won’t want to miss.
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