Golden monkeys are the other primate celebrity of Volcanoes National Park — and after a gorilla trek, many visitors say they were the surprise of the trip. They're agile, noisy, endearingly curious and gloriously coloured: a golden-orange body against a black head and limbs.
About golden monkeys
The golden monkey (Cercopithecus kandti, sometimes treated as a subspecies of the blue monkey) is endemic to the Albertine Rift, and its stronghold is the bamboo forest of the Virunga volcanoes. They live in troops that can number in the dozens, feeding mainly on young bamboo leaves and shoots, plus fruit, flowers and insects. They're listed as Endangered, threatened by the loss of bamboo habitat around the parks.
The trek
Like gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking starts with a morning briefing at Kinigi. Groups are then driven to a trailhead, usually on the lower slopes of Sabyinyo or Muhabura, and walk into the bamboo with a ranger. Because the monkeys live lower down than many gorilla families, the walk is usually shorter and easier — often under an hour each way. You then have one hour with the troop.
The experience is very different from gorillas. Golden monkeys move fast, leaping between bamboo stems above and around you; the forest is bright and full of rustling and calls. It's lively rather than intimate.
Official golden monkey permit fees
| Visitor category | Official RDB fee (adult) |
|---|---|
| Foreigner | $100 |
| East African foreign resident | $80 |
| Foreign resident in Rwanda | $65 |
| East African citizen | $65 |
| Rwandan citizen | RWF 4,000 |
Source: Rwanda Development Board official booking portal, checked 18 October 2026. Promotional rates (*) are not valid from June to October 2026. Foreign residents need at least four consecutive months of residency or a work permit.
The minimum age is 12 years.
Golden monkey trekking prices
| Option | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Private golden monkey day trip from Kigali — permit, 4x4, guide, lunch | $690 |
| Add-on near the park or with a gorilla trek — permit included | $250 |
| 3-day gorillas & golden monkeys — both permits, 2 lodge nights | $3,348 |
| RDB golden monkey permit only (government fee) | $100 |
Photography tips
- Use a fast shutter speed — 1/500s or faster. These monkeys rarely sit still.
- Bamboo forest is brighter than gorilla habitat, but still dappled: shoot in burst mode and expect many misses.
- Wait for them to come down to feed — that's when you get faces.
- A 70–200 mm or 100–400 mm zoom is ideal.
Who it suits
Everyone who's in the park for more than one day, families with children too young for gorillas, photographers, and anyone who wants a gentler, shorter trek.
Golden monkey questions
How much is a golden monkey permit in Rwanda?
The RDB permit is $100 per person. Our private golden monkey day trip from Kigali is $690 per person with the permit, transport, guide and lunch included, or $250 as an add-on near the park.
How long is golden monkey trekking?
Usually 2–4 hours in total, including one hour with the troop. Golden monkeys live in the lower bamboo zone, so treks are typically shorter and easier than gorilla treks.
Is there an age limit for golden monkey trekking?
Yes. RDB sets the minimum age for golden monkey trekking at 12 years, compared with 15 for gorillas, which makes it a great primate experience for families.
Can I do golden monkeys and gorillas on the same day?
Both treks start with morning briefings at Kinigi, so most people do them on separate days. Our 3-day tour includes both.
