Left at 6:15am for our golden monkey trek. All equipped with gaiters, gloves and rain suits – needed for the cold and slightly damp morning. Did mean an early start as getting ready is a bit of a process… Good news the lodge provides all of these items and we did not need another Covid test!!! Navigated that dreadful road from the lodge again, I think it makes the experience more authentic!!! If you plan to do any trekking be warned there is a bit of standing around while you wait for paperwork to be sorted and guides to be allocated but good news Bloomberg’s development foundation has sponsored a coffee bistro at the park headquarters – I enjoyed a delicious cappuccino while we waited. Also, there is the last official bathroom which is very handy.

The park is called Volcanoes National Park as it encompasses 5 volcanoes – Bisoke, Karisimbi, Muhabura, Gahinga and Sabyinyo and is 160 square kilometers and the area where Diane Fossey carried out her research.

A rather large group set off to do the Golden Monkey trek. More of a casual walk to the edge of the park where the golden monkeys live and they can do their daily foraging on the local farmers potato fields. Fun to see them interact and a nice introduction to the area. Managed to capture us meandering through the fields and a bit of village life. Given it was a short “trek” we opted to stop at Ellen DeGeneres Research Centre. Recommend this before you do your first gorilla trek as it provides some good education and insight into the gorilla troops.

I would say this trek is “a walk in the park” all levels can manage. Given all the rain it was muddy and we were very happy to have the rain jackets to keep us warm. Glenn took advantage of Benjamin and his personalized service – boots and gaitors removed for him, spoilt!!! Spent the rest of the day relaxing and hanging out at the lodge. 6pm we met for sundowners ad to chat to Alli. Aimable was there and made sure we were well looked after. The fireside chats and dinner conversations so enjoyable… and of course the cold beer and wine by the glass…