Regions: Rwanda,
East Africa

This is mountain gorilla country and one of the few places left on earth to see these magnificent and highly endangered species. Straddling the borders of the DRC and Uganda, dense rainforests cover the sides of volcanoes in the great volcanic massif of the Virunga Mountains, not only creating spectacular natural scenery, but also the ideal habitat for the rare mountain gorilla.

Hailed as the definitive location to track the captivating mountain gorilla, Parc National des Volcans (Volcanoes National Park) is home to around half of the world's mountain gorilla population – some 400 of them – as well as troops of rare golden monkeys.

While the park’s greatest offering is a once-in-lifetime chance to experience an encounter with mountain gorillas and a gorilla-tracking safari is definitely a must-do, the park has a variety of other interesting wildlife and activities to enjoy.

Trek to the awe-inspiring crater-lake on Mount Bisoke, or head into the Virungas for fantastic climbing and hiking trails. Track the rare golden monkeys on the lower slopes of the mountains or learn more about the local culture and way of life with a visit to one of the cultural centres within the park.

Rwanda’s top spot for an inland ‘beach’ holiday, the golden sands, swaying palms, and crystal clear waters of Lake Kivu offer some beautiful spots to kick back, relax, and soak up some sun.

One of the Great Lakes in the Albertine Rift Valley, Lake Kivu’s filigreed coastline dotted with deep-water bays are an ideal place to escape after an unforgettable mountain gorilla tracking safari, and nowhere is its beauty better appreciated than at Gisenyi or Kibuye.

For a few days of pure relaxation, head to the town of Gisenyi, whose laid-back, go with the flow ambience, friendly people, and pleasant climes make it an ideal place to unwind. Stroll along the palm-lined streets with their beautiful colonial buildings or head to the bustling market for a flash of culture.

Even more carefree and relaxed than Gisenyi, Kibuye’s is a gem in Rwanda’s crown with scenery that is simply breathtaking. A fjord-like coastline of inlets and bays tucked between long spiny fingers of land on which hotels and restaurants perch, is lapped by the blue-green waters of the lake, and offers spectacular sundowner-sipping views of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the far distance.

As Parc National des Volcans is home to the mountain gorilla, so Nyungwe Forest National Park is home to the chimpanzee. Protecting one of the oldest rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe Forest National Park (formerly Parc National de Nyungwe) is the best place to track lively human-like troops of chimpanzees in their natural habitat. An unrivalled adventure that is easily on par with gorilla tracking, hiking through the verdant undergrowth of the humid equatorial rainforest in search of these incredible creatures and watching them tumble down from the canopy and race along the forest floor will leave only lasting memories.

While chimps are the stars of the show, the park is also home to the handsome L’Hoest’s monkey and a habituated troop of around 400 Angolan colobus monkeys, the largest group of arboreal primates in all of Africa.

Birders will delight in the hundreds of bird species to be found here, the highlight being the Great Blue Turaco - an outlandish blue, red and green bird that streams from tree to tree in spectacular form. The lush, green valleys of the rainforest also offer outstanding hiking through beautiful and untouched terrain.