What Is The Difference Between Golden Monkey Trekking And Gorilla Trekking In Rwanda

What is the difference between gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking in Rwanda?

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Gorilla vs. Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda: You should choose Rwanda as the ideal location to view the critically endangered primates, such as the golden monkeys and mountain gorillas, that are endemic to the Albertine Rift. Golden monkeys can be viewed in different locations, such as Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Virunga National Park, and Volcanoes National Park. If you're interested in participating in either of the two Rwandan primate safaris or one of them, we'll help you explore the two activities in this article so you can learn how they differ from one another and make plans for an amazing experience. Tourists can see mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Click here to view mountain gorilla trekking safaris.

 

Tourists can reserve a gorilla trekking permit or a golden monkey trekking permit in Rwanda through the Rwanda Development Board or a reputable tour company there. It should be noted that the cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda is 1500 USD per person, while a permit for golden monkey trekking costs only 100 USD, making golden monkey trekking in Rwanda more affordable than gorilla trekking in Rwanda. For travelers on a budget, golden monkey trekking is the ideal primate safari to join to see the endangered primates in the wild. Click here to see our recommended mountain gorilla trekking tour.

 

When comparing the accessibility of habituated gorilla families and troops in Rwanda with that of habituated golden monkey troops, it is important to keep in mind that the golden monkeys are more accessible to tourists because they can be found in lowland areas of the mountains, whereas gorillas must be found at higher elevations of between 8000 and 13000 feet. Golden Monkey Vs. Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda: Gorilla Trekking is much more hectic than golden monkey trekking.

 

You can decide whether to track gorillas or golden monkeys based on the different numbers of people who participate in gorilla and golden monkey trekking. Only 8 people are allowed to go gorilla trekking, in contrast to golden monkey trekking, where many people can participate in locating the habituated golden monkey troops.

 

Golden monkeys are quite active, swinging from one tree branch to another, and tracking them while traveling along the various trails in Rwanda is quite active. This is not the case with tracking gorillas, which can be done in the same area but are a gentler species when not provoked.

 

It should be noted that because golden monkey trekking is an active activity, the golden monkeys will also aid in your discovery of additional park attractions such as bird species like the long-crested eagle handsome Francolin, paradise flycatcher, Rwenzori Batis Dusky turtle love, African Ruwenzori, archer’s ground robin, double collared sunbird, Ruwenzori turaco, the marsh harrier, Ruwenzori night jar, the common moorhen, grey throated tit, and dusky crimson wing.

What can I do in Rwanda in 2026/2027?

On game drives in Rwanda's Akagera National Park, you can spot the Big Five animals and see a variety of rewarding sights, including herbivores like eland, gazelles, rhinos grazing on the plains, impalas, and many others. You can also take part in a boat tour on Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park, where you'll have the chance to see the critically endangered shoe-billed stork and other water birds like kingfishers catching their prey in the water.

 

Take part in Rwanda’s Nyungwe National Park chimpanzee trekking experience to observe the behavior of the playful primates in the wild. In Nyungwe Forest National Park, you can also engage in the canopy walk in Rwanda for the ultimate rewarding experience.

 

There are so many reasons why tourists should explore Gishwati Mukura National Park. Rwanda is ranked as the fifth safest and most secure country to travel to in the world. Gishwati-Mukura National Park offers tourists several activities to participate in, such as spotting primates, birdwatching, and guided nature walks.

 

Primates watching in Gishwati-Mukura National Park allow tourists to see golden monkeys, chimpanzees, blue monkeys, baboons, and L’Hoest’s monkeys. The chimpanzee habituation process ensures that chimpanzees are no longer afraid of human presence. Gishwati-Mukura National Park is almost becoming a leading hub for tourists interested in chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda. Chimpanzee tracking starts with a morning briefing from the park rangers and guides. During chimpanzee tracking, expect to see other animals, wild cats, duikers, and many forest birds.

 

Gishwati-Mukura National Park is considered to be one of the best birdwatching spots in Rwanda. Gishwati-Mukura National Park protects over 83 species recorded. Gishwati-Mukura National Park bird species include the 15 species that can only be seen in the Albertine Rift, such as Grey Crowned Crane, Weaver birds, Martial Eagle, Purple-breasted sunbird, Wood hoopoes, Mountain Yellow Warblers, Ruwenzori Turaco, Regal Sunbird, Red-throated Alethe, Ruwenzori Batis, Strange weavers, and the Stripe-breasted Tit.

 

Cultural encounters in Gishwati-Mukura National Park involve tourists visiting local communities or individual homesteads. While exploring the community, tourists can learn to make local crafts and prepare traditional foods.

When to visit Rwanda in 2026/2027?

The best time to go to Rwanda is between June and September, which is the dry season when wildlife spotting is at its finest. A primate walk in the African jungle is a big part of any tour in Rwanda. Walking in the forest is much easier in the dry season than in the wet season; the recommended time is the best prime time for walks, such as mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, and golden monkey trekking.