Volcanoes National Park

The lush slopes of the volcanoes provide an appropriately dramatic natural setting for what is perhaps the most poignant and thrilling wildlife experience to be had anywhere – trekking to see the famous mountain gorillas. There is a reason seeing the mountain gorillas is on so many bucket lists: it is both grounding, humbling and exhilarating to experience these humanlike primates in the flesh. It is the subtle nuances of human behaviour, their knowing eyes and sheer power which makes the mountain gorilla so captivating.

Aside from the gorillas, other mammals that call the park home include golden monkey, black-fronted duiker, buffalo, elephant, tree hyrax and bushbuck. Some 178 bird species are found here too, including at least 13 endemic to the Virunga area such as the Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori batis, Archer’s robin-chat, red-faced woodland-warbler and Rwenzori Apalis.