Golden monkey trekking is possible only in the Virunga volcanoes, in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda. In Rwanda the permit costs US$100 per person for international visitors, the minimum age is 12 and each group is limited to 16 visitors (Rwanda Development Board, checked in October 2026). The walk goes through bamboo forest, usually takes less out of you than a gorilla trek, and the monkeys are small, quick and playful.
This guide compares the two countries and explains how to add golden monkeys to a gorilla trip. It supports our complete guide to gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Fees change, so confirm them before you book.
What Is a Golden Monkey?
The golden monkey (Cercopithecus kandti) is an endangered monkey with a gold-orange back and a black tail, found only in the bamboo forests of the Virunga mountains. It feeds on bamboo shoots, fruit and leaves, travels in large troops and moves fast through the stalks. Watching them is a different experience from watching gorillas: the animals are small and active, so you spend more time turning your head and less time sitting still.
How Does Golden Monkey Trekking Work in Rwanda?
You report at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi at 7:00 a.m. for a briefing, meet your guide and walk into the bamboo zone on the lower slopes. The tracking takes two to four hours in our itineraries, depending on where the troop is, and you watch them for about an hour. The permit costs US$100 for international visitors. The minimum age is 12, so it is a good activity for younger teens who cannot trek gorillas, which requires 15. RDB limits groups to 16 people. Read about the park in our Volcanoes National Park guide.
How Does Golden Monkey Trekking Work in Uganda?
In Uganda, golden monkeys are tracked in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, in the south-west near Kisoro. The park is smaller, the terrain is steeper and the bamboo forest is wilder, and trails can be more demanding. UWA sets the permit price and the age limit, so check the current figures with UWA or your operator. Mgahinga also offers a gorilla trek, volcano hikes and a Batwa cultural trail. See the 6-day Mgahinga gorilla trek tour, which includes golden monkey tracking.
Rwanda or Uganda for Golden Monkeys?
| Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) | Uganda (Mgahinga) | |
|---|---|---|
| Permit, international visitors | US$100 (RDB) | Set by UWA; check the current tariff |
| Minimum age | 12 | Check with UWA |
| Access | About 110 km and 2 to 3 hours from Kigali | Long transfer from Entebbe, or from Kigali via the border |
| Terrain | Bamboo zone on the lower slopes | Steeper and wilder |
| Easy to add | Gorillas, Bisoke, Dian Fossey hike, Lake Kivu | Gorillas, Batwa trail, volcano hikes, Lake Mutanda |
Rwanda is simpler to reach and to combine with gorillas on a short trip. Uganda suits travellers who already plan a southern Uganda route.
How Hard Is Golden Monkey Trekking?
It is usually less demanding than gorilla trekking, but it is not easy. The ground can be muddy and slippery, and the monkeys move constantly. Wear boots, long trousers and a rain jacket, and carry water. Our gorilla trekking packing list works for this too. Photographers need a fast shutter speed because the monkeys leap between stalks, and flash is not allowed. See our photography guide.
When Is the Best Time for Golden Monkey Trekking?
The monkeys are in the park all year. The drier months, June to September and December to February, give easier ground. Book early in those months, because permits are limited.
How Do You Add Golden Monkeys to a Gorilla Trip?
The usual order is gorillas on one day and golden monkeys on another, with a rest or a different activity between. Our 4-day golden monkey tracking tour, the 5-day golden monkey, Musanze caves and Lake Kivu tour and the 4-day cycling and golden monkeys trip focus on golden monkeys. To add them to a gorilla trek, see the 7-day Signature Journey.
Best for
- Travellers who want a primate experience at a lower cost than gorillas
- Families with teenagers aged 12 to 14, who cannot trek gorillas
- Photographers who enjoy quick, lively subjects
May not be ideal for
- Travellers who want a calm, close encounter like the gorilla hour
- Anyone who dislikes mud and steep ground
What Mistakes Do Visitors Make?
- Expecting the same pace as gorillas.
- Forgetting to book the permit separately.
- Carrying heavy camera gear up the slope.
- Not using a fast shutter speed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golden Monkey Trekking
Is there an age limit for golden monkey trekking?
In Rwanda the minimum age is 12 (RDB).
How much is the golden monkey permit in Rwanda?
US$100 for international visitors, checked in October 2026.
Can I combine golden monkeys with gorilla trekking?
Yes, in the same park in Rwanda, on different days. See the gorilla permit guide.
Planning Your Trip?
Tell us your dates and whether you want golden monkeys alone or with gorillas, and our tour specialist can design the days. Talk to Our Tour Specialist.
