When I first arrived in Rwanda, I had heard all about the spectacular wildlife — the lush landscapes, the towering volcanoes, and the famous gorillas.

But nothing could have prepared me for the magic of golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park. If you're seeking an unforgettable wildlife experience on your Rwanda safari, I can’t recommend this activity enough.

Here’s the story of my own journey and why I believe it should be at the top of your travel bucket list.

Experience a special Rwanda Safari: A Fleeting Flash of Gold

As we ventured deeper into the forest, the sounds of the forest enveloped us — the rustle of leaves, the chirping of birds, and, of course, the distant calls of the monkeys.

I found myself completely immersed in the moment. Our guide led us through the forest until, after about an hour, we arrived at a small clearing.

I’ll never forget the moment I first caught a glimpse of the golden monkeys. As our guide led us through the lush forest, the air was thick with the earthy scent of moss and pine. Suddenly, there was a flash of gold in the distance.

My heart raced as I followed the guide’s gaze, and there they were — a troop of golden monkeys, with their vibrant orange fur shining brightly against the greenery of the forest.

That’s when we saw them — a group of golden monkeys, frolicking through the trees, their golden fur gleaming in the sunlight. They were just as playful as I had imagined, leaping effortlessly from branch to branch.

It was an awe-inspiring moment. I had come to Rwanda expecting to see beautiful sights, but nothing could have prepared me for the joy of watching these playful, curious primates in their natural habitat. I had read about them before, but seeing them up close was a completely different experience.

I couldn’t believe how close we got to these wonderful creatures. The golden monkeys seemed almost as intrigued by us as we were by them. I stood still, watching as one of the monkeys, a young one, swung from a tree and landed only a few feet away.

The excitement was palpable. There’s something magical about being so close to a wild animal, especially one as beautiful and rare as the golden monkey.

I spent the next hour simply observing, occasionally snapping a photo, but mostly just soaking in the experience. There’s something about the way these monkeys interact — their social bonds, their playfulness, and their sheer beauty — that makes the trek feel so special.

And as I stood there, with a monkey just a few feet away, I was reminded of how incredibly lucky I was to be in this part of the world, experiencing something so rare and incredible.

Golden monkey trekking is unlike any other wildlife experience I’ve had. While many people come to Rwanda for gorilla trekking, I can tell you that the golden monkey trekking Rwanda offers a unique and equally magical experience.

The monkeys are very social and approachable, which makes the trek feel even more intimate and personal. If you’re someone who loves nature, wildlife, or just seeks a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this is an adventure you won’t want to miss.

Here are a few reasons why I think you should include golden monkey trekking Rwanda on your Rwanda safari:

• A Unique Encounter: The golden monkeys are so much fun to watch. Their social nature and curious personalities make them a joy to observe. Plus, their beautiful golden-orange fur is absolutely striking — a photographer’s dream!

• Accessible Adventure: The trek itself is relatively short and doesn’t require strenuous hiking, making it a great option for all types of travelers. Whether you're an avid hiker or just want to enjoy a laid-back experience in nature, this trek is the perfect balance of adventure and accessibility.

• Conservation Impact: Golden monkeys are an endangered species, and the funds from the golden monkey trekking Rwanda help support their conservation. By participating in this experience, you’re directly contributing to the protection of these fascinating primates.

The best time for golden monkey trekking is during the dry season, from June to September and December to February. The trails are less muddy, and the weather is more favorable. However, golden monkey trekking Rwanda is a year-round activity, and the monkeys can be spotted at any time of the year. The lush, green forest is beautiful all year long, and there’s never a bad time to experience this wildlife adventure.

During my time in Rwanda, I had the pleasure of staying at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, which was the perfect base for my golden monkey trekking adventure.

Located just a short distance from Volcanoes National Park in Musanze, the hotel is ideally situated for a seamless trekking experience.

One of the best things about staying at Five Volcanoes is their personal touch. Not only do they offer luxurious accommodations and a welcoming atmosphere, but they also help connect you with trusted local tour operators who can arrange your golden monkey trekking permits. They made the entire process so easy — all I had to do was relax and enjoy the adventure, knowing I was in good hands.

Rwanda’s golden monkeys are endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. But thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, their numbers have been slowly increasing. The funds raised from golden monkey trekking Rwanda go directly into conservation initiatives, including protecting their habitat and supporting local communities.

By choosing to go on a golden monkey trekking tour, you’re not only getting the chance to witness an incredible wildlife experience but also contributing to these vital conservation efforts.

I can honestly say that my golden monkey trekking experience in Rwanda was one of the highlights of my entire trip. Watching these playful primates in their natural habitat was a humbling experience, and I’ll never forget the joy of seeing that flash of golden fur in the forest.

If you're planning a Rwanda safari, I highly recommend adding golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park to your itinerary. Whether you're an animal lover, a nature enthusiast, or someone seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, this unique experience will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

And when you stay at Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, you’ll be just moments away from the park, with all the help you need to make your golden monkey trekking Rwanda adventure as smooth and unforgettable as mine was.