Golden monkeys are the other primate stars of Volcanoes National Park: golden-orange, fast-moving and found almost nowhere else on Earth. This private day trip takes you from Kigali to the bamboo forest to spend an hour with a troop — the perfect primate experience on its own, for families with children too young for gorillas, or as a second day after gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Price: $690 per person
| RDB golden monkey permit | $100 |
|---|---|
| Private 4x4 with driver-guide, lunch, water, park logistics | $590 |
| Total per person | $690 |
Already near the park or trekking gorillas with us? Add golden monkeys for $250 per person, permit included — no separate trip from Kigali needed. It's already included in our 3-day gorillas & golden monkeys trip.
Itinerary
4:30 AM
Pickup in Kigali
Your driver-guide collects you from your hotel for the scenic drive north to Volcanoes National Park.
7:00 AM
Briefing at Kinigi
Registration and briefing at the park headquarters, then a short drive to the trailhead.
Morning
Into the bamboo
A generally gentle walk through farmland and into the bamboo forest, where the troop feeds on young bamboo leaves and shoots. One hour with the monkeys as they leap, feed and chatter around you.
Afternoon
Lunch and back to Kigali
Lunch in Musanze or Kinigi — with time for a short stop at the Twin Lakes viewpoints if you like — then the drive back to Kigali.
Included and not included
Included
- $100 golden monkey permit
- Private 4x4 with driver-guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Kigali
- Lunch and drinking water
- RDB ranger guide
Not included
- Tips for guide and porter
- Porter (optional)
- Drinks other than water
- Accommodation
Combine with gorillas
Most visitors pair golden monkeys with a gorilla trek. Trek gorillas one day and add golden monkeys the next for $250 per person, or take the 3-day gorillas & golden monkeys package. Learn more in our golden monkey trekking guide.
Golden monkey trip questions
How much is golden monkey trekking in Rwanda?
Our private golden monkey day trip from Kigali is $690 per person, including the $100 RDB golden monkey permit, a private 4x4 with driver-guide, lunch and water. If you are already staying near Volcanoes National Park or trekking gorillas with us, golden monkeys can be added for $250 per person, permit included.
How long is golden monkey trekking?
The trek itself usually takes 2–4 hours including one hour with the troop. From Kigali the whole day runs from an early pickup to an afternoon return.
Is golden monkey trekking easier than gorilla trekking?
Usually, yes. Golden monkeys live in the lower bamboo zone, so the walk is generally shorter and less steep.
Can children do golden monkey trekking?
Yes, from age 12, the official RDB minimum (gorillas require 15+), which makes golden monkeys a great primate experience for families.
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