The best time for golden monkey trekking in Rwanda is during the dry seasons: June to September and December to February.
In these months the bamboo forest trails in Volcanoes National Park are drier and the views are clearer. A golden monkey trek is a half-day activity that costs US$100 per international visitor, starts with a 7:00 AM check-in at Kinigi headquarters, and gives you up to an hour with these endangered monkeys. It is easier than gorilla trekking, so it suits almost every fitness level, and you can trek all year because permits are sold every month. Vazquez Tours & Travel, a licensed Rwanda tour operator, can arrange your permit, transport and lodging.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda at a Glance
Golden monkeys live only in the Virunga Mountains, and Rwanda is one of just two countries where you can trek to see them. Here are the essentials in one look.
Why golden monkeys are worth the trek
Golden monkeys are playful, fast-moving primates with a golden-orange coat, and seeing them leap through the bamboo is one of Rwanda's most photogenic wildlife encounters. They are found only in the Virunga Mountains, which Rwanda shares with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda and Uganda are the only two countries where visitors can trek to see them.
A rare species
The golden monkey is endangered, and its small range makes every visit part of its protection.
Two habituated troops
Volcanoes National Park has two troops used to human visitors. The larger one, on the slopes of Sabyinyo volcano, has 80 to 100 members and is the one most visitors see.
A bamboo forest setting
The monkeys spend their days feeding on young bamboo shoots, fruit and leaves, so you walk among tall, swaying bamboo instead of dense rainforest.
A gentler trek
The terrain is easier than the gorilla hike, which makes this a good first trek, a family activity for ages 12 and over, or a warm-up before gorillas.
Best time for golden monkey trekking in Rwanda
The best months are June to September and December to February, when the trails are drier and the views are clearer. You can trek in the rainy months too, since there is no closed season, but expect mud and cloud.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Long dry season | June to September | Driest trails, clear views, busiest period, especially July and August |
| Short dry season | December to February | Mostly dry, fewer crowds than mid-year, festive crowds around Christmas |
| Long rains | March to May | Muddy, slippery ground and cloud; April is the wettest month |
| Short rains | October and November | Showers return, quieter park, softer trails |
Most visitors choose their month around the gorilla trek, which follows the same seasons. If you are combining the two, see our guide to the best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Golden monkeys are active in the morning and move through the bamboo as they feed, so an early start gives you the best light for photos.
What to expect on a golden monkey trek
A golden monkey trek is a morning activity that takes roughly half a day from check-in to return. The hike is gentler than gorilla trekking, but the park sits at high altitude, so a steady pace and some basic fitness help.
Check in at 7:00 AM
Meet your guides at Kinigi park headquarters for registration and a briefing on the rules.
Drive to the trailhead
The start of the trek is about 15 minutes away by vehicle.
Hike into the bamboo forest
Rangers and trackers lead the group and locate the troop, which is often found within an hour but can take longer as the monkeys move while they feed.
Up to one hour with the monkeys
Watch them feed, play and leap between the bamboo stems, often within a few metres of you.
Walk back to your lodge
Most travellers are back by late morning or early afternoon, which leaves time for lunch or a cultural visit.
The terrain is fairly flat compared with the gorilla treks, so this is one of the least strenuous activities in the park. Wear good boots anyway, because the ground can be muddy and uneven after rain.
Golden monkey permit cost and how to book
A golden monkey permit costs US$100 per international visitor. Permits are sold through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), on a first come, first served basis, and the price is lower for residents and citizens.
| Visitor category | Adult | Child or student |
|---|---|---|
| International visitor | US$100 | Not offered |
| Foreign resident in Rwanda | US$65 | US$45 |
| East African citizen | US$65 | US$45 |
| East African foreign resident | US$80 | US$45 |
| Rwandan citizen | RWF 4,000 | RWF 2,000 |
How to book
Choose your dates
Pick your trek day first, and book your gorilla permit at the same time if you are doing both, because gorilla permits sell out months ahead.
Book early in peak months
Golden monkey permits are usually easier to get than gorilla permits, but availability is not guaranteed in July, August and December.
Give exact passport details
The booking needs full names, passport number, email and phone, and the name must match your travel document, because documents are checked at the park entrance.
Plan transport and lodging
The permit covers the trek only, so you also need a vehicle to Kinigi and a stay near Volcanoes National Park.
Incomplete or incorrect applications can be refused entry even after payment, which is a good reason to book through a licensed operator who handles the details for you.
Golden monkey trekking rules and what to pack
The rules are simple and protect both you and the monkeys. Your guide will go through them at the 7:00 AM briefing.
Etiquette with the monkeys
- Keep your distance. Stay about 7 metres from the monkeys, and do not try to touch them.
- Stay calm and quiet. Keep your voice low and avoid sudden movements.
- Follow your guide. Rangers and trackers decide where the group stands and when to move.
- No eating or drinking while you are with the monkeys, and no smoking on the trek.
Look after them, and yourself
- Do not stand directly under them. The monkeys feed above you and may drop food or twigs.
- Keep your flash off. Sources differ on whether flash is allowed, so ask your guide at the briefing and default to natural light.
- Do not trek if you are ill. Primates can catch human illnesses, so stay back if you have a cold or flu.
Packing checklist
- Waterproof hiking boots with good grip
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Lightweight long trousers
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm fleece for the cool morning
- Daypack
- 1 to 2 litre water bottle
- Snack for after the trek
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Binoculars
- Camera with a zoom lens
- Passport, checked against your permit
Combining golden monkeys with gorillas
Golden monkey trekking pairs well with a gorilla trek, because both start from the same park and the golden monkey trek is shorter and easier. Most travellers do the monkeys on a separate day, either before the gorillas as a warm-up or after them as a relaxed finish.
Golden monkey trekking
Mountain gorilla trekking
Other things to add in the same area include a cultural visit to the Gorilla Guardians Village, which is part of our 5-day safari below. If you want to go further, you can extend to Akagera National Park for Big Five game drives or to Nyungwe Forest for chimpanzee trekking.
Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda: common questions
What is the best time to go golden monkey trekking in Rwanda?
June to September and December to February, when the trails are driest. You can trek in the rainy months too, because permits are sold all year.
How much does golden monkey trekking cost in Rwanda?
The permit costs US$100 per international visitor. Residents, East African citizens and Rwandans pay less, and you also need to budget for transport and lodging.
What is the minimum age for golden monkey trekking?
The Rwanda Development Board lists 12 years. Gorilla trekking has a higher minimum age of 15, so check the age rule for each activity when you book.
How long do you spend with the golden monkeys?
Up to one hour once the troop is found. The whole activity takes about half a day.
Is golden monkey trekking hard?
No. It is one of the easier treks in Volcanoes National Park, with fairly flat terrain, though the altitude can leave you a little breathless.
Can I see golden monkeys and gorillas on the same trip?
Yes. They need separate permits and are usually done on different days, so plan at least two days in the park area.
Do I need to book golden monkey trekking in advance?
Yes. Permits are first come, first served, and popular dates can sell out, so book as soon as your dates are fixed.
Do I need a tour operator?
It is not required, but a licensed operator handles your permit, passport details, transport and lodging, which avoids mistakes that can lead to refused entry.
Safaris that include golden monkeys
Every journey is privately tailored around your dates, pace, accommodation and budget.
Ultimate Rwanda Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking Safari
Gorillas, golden monkeys and a cultural visit to the Gorilla Guardians Village
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari
Gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda Big Five Safari & Gorilla Trekking
Big Five in Akagera and gorillas in Volcanoes
Prices are starting rates from our Rwanda itineraries page, checked November 3, 2026, and can change with your dates and travel style. Want golden monkeys on another itinerary? Ask us and we will add them.
Book your golden monkey trek with Vazquez Tours & Travel
Vazquez Tours & Travel is a licensed Rwanda-based tour operator, and we are ready to help you book your golden monkey trek. Tell us your dates and we will handle your permit, transfers and lodging, and build the trek into a trip that suits your pace and budget. We offer gorilla trekking, golden monkey and chimpanzee trekking, canopy walks and Big Five safaris across Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
Sources and further reading
Prices and rules checked November 3, 2026. Permit fees and rules can change, so confirm with the Rwanda Development Board or your operator before you pay.
- Golden Monkeys permits and rules, Rwanda Development Board
- Golden Monkey Trekking, Expert Africa
- Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park), East African Trails
- Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda: A Complete Guide, Arcadia Safaris
- Rwanda National Park Fees & Availability 2026, Safarifind