Rwanda
Parc National des Volcans:
This park, with its
densely forested Virunga volcanoes, is the
definitive place to track the rare and captivating
mountain gorillas. The area is one of the most
beautiful in all of Africa. It is here that Dian Fossey
spent a lot of her time working to protect the
endangered gorilla, as chronicled in her book
‘Gorillas in the Mist’.
Nyungwe National Park:
Situated in southeast
Rwanda, this is East Africa’s largest protected high
altitude rainforest, with a diverse range of trees
and flowering plants. Nyungwe is home to 13
primate species, including the chimpanzee. The
park also has almost 300 bird species, many of
which are only found in the montane forests on
the Albertine Rift.
Lake Kivu
is the largest of numerous freshwater
lakes in Rwanda. The lake’s sandy shores are
bordered by steep sided hills, making for stunning
scenery and perfect for relaxation after gorilla
trekking. Also, it is only two hours by road from
the Parc National des Volcans. Three towns lie
along the lakeshore – Gisenyi to the north, Kibuye
in the middle and Cyangugu to the south.
Described as 'the land of a thousand hills' Rwanda is a land of great diversity and beauty
and enjoys six volcanoes, 23 lakes and numerous rivers, some forming the source of the
great River Nile.
Rwanda boasts a variety of wildlife; the Parc National de Volcans, in the north is home to
one third of the world's population of endangered mountain gorillas. The gorillas can be
seen in their natural habitat at very close range.
A gorilla visit can be anything from a one to four hour trek through the forest, led by
experienced trackers who have spent their lives in or close to the forest. The enchanting trek
will have you weaving through overhanging vines, moss-covered hagenia trees and giant lobelias.
You may even spot golden monkeys or see buffalo, bush duiker and a wide variety of bird life. However, nothing can prepare you for one of
the greatest wildlife experiences on earth, that of spending some time with the gentle giant gorillas, as they go about their daily life, feeding,
playing, resting and raising their young.
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• Kigali
Lake
Kivu
Parc National
Nyungwe Forest
Parc National
des Volcans
