Rwanda is a small country in the great lakes region of central Africa, surrounded by Uganda, Burundi, the DRC and Tanzania. Known as the Land of a Thousand Hills, this is the most densely populated country on the continent, with its fertile, hilly terrain intensively cultivated. Bordering Uganda is Rwanda’s premier tourist attraction, the Parc National des Volcans, with its dense forests offering the finest viewing of mountain gorillas in the world.

Apart from the attraction of its gorillas, Rwanda is sadly most well known for the 1994 genocide that tore this beautiful country apart. Fortunately Rwanda has cast off the shackles of this horrific episode and its modern capital, Kigali, is well worth a stopover with its lively markets as well as the moving Kigali Genocide Museum.

Located on the border of Rwanda, DRC and Uganda, this is one of the most stunning national parks in East Africa with its impressive chain of seven volcanoes blanketed in rainforest. Much of the Virunga Mountain massif is protected here, as are more than half of the world’s last mountain gorillas - and this is probably the best place in Africa to view them. An encounter with these giant and gentle apes is a magical, many say life-changing, experience.

Hikes to see the gorillas last from 30 minutes to a few hours, and are well-structured with numbers limited to eight people per group. You will be taken to a group of gorillas which are used to human visitors and have the opportunity to observe them feeding and interacting at close quarters. Looking into the eyes of a large silverback male gorilla is sure to transcend any wildlife experience you have ever had.

Even without the gorillas, the Parc National des Volcans is fascinating, with its extensive bamboo and afro-montane forests. Many other primates, such as endemic golden monkeys, can be sighted here, as well as forest elephants, buffalo, giant forest hogs, small antelope and buck.

Rwanda has 7 habituated gorilla families.  There is a limit of 8 visitors to any one Gorilla Family.  There is an age limit of minimum 15 years of age.

Hikes to see the gorillas last from two to six hours, and are well-structured with numbers limited to eight people per group. You will be taken to a gorilla family which are used to human visitors and have the opportunity to observe them feeding and interacting at close quarters. Looking into the eyes of a large silverback male gorilla is sure to transcend any wildlife experience you have ever had.

Even without the gorillas, the Parc National des Volcans is fascinating, with its extensive bamboo and afro-montane forests. Many other primates, such as endemic golden monkeys, can be sighted here, as well as forest elephants, buffalo, giant forest hogs, small antelope and buck.

Clients need to be fit and in good health.  It is not recommended for anyone who may suffer from a condition triggered by high altitude or strenuous exercise.

 

The newly opened, exclusive Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is located at the foot of the Sabyinyo Volcano adjacent to the Parc National des Volcans, a 30 minute drive to the park offices. Built in partnership with the local gorilla conservation programme, this is the ideal base for mountain gorilla trekking. Mountain Gorillas Nest is located minutes away from the park offices, with its simple thatched rooms in traditional Rwandan style looking out to Eucalyptus forests and farms beyond. From here daily morning treks are undertaken in search of gorillas.