Africa

Parc National des Volcans

The rainforests of the Virunga Volcanoes are the last refuge of the Mountain Gorilla. 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 - to see the Mountain Gorilla in its natural habitat. 

It is this beautiful mountain habitat that leapt to fame as the adopted home of the famous primatologist Dian Fossey, immortalised in the film ‘Gorillas in the Mist’. It was here that she carried out her most important and pioneering studies into the behaviour of the rare mountain gorilla. That mountain gorillas survive today is largely thanks to Dian, who is buried at Karisoke, her research centre in the Virungas. Roughly half the world’s population of approximately 650 gorillas are resident on the Rwandan slopes of the Virungas, where four habituated groups – ranging in size from 7 to 37 individuals – can be visited on a daily basis.

Gorilla trekking is done with park rangers. Once the gorillas are located, you are allowed to stay a maximum of one hour with the gorilla family visited. It is not possible to predict the time required for trekking in any one day – this depends upon the gorilla family allocated and the location of that family.

Although the main attraction is trekking to see the magnificent mountain gorilla – perhaps one of the most dramatic, thrilling and poignant wildlife experiences possible - there are other activities on offer, which include visiting:

- community projects, basketwork and pottery

- the conservation and socio-economic work of SACOLA and the Rwandese authorities

- the lava flows outside Ruhengeri town

- vibrant and colourful local markets and villages

- visits to Dian Fossey memorial and research centre

The national park is also home to the rare and endangered Golden Monkey, which is characterised by a bright golden body, cheeks and tail contrasting with its black limbs and crown. Over the last few years one of the groups has been habituated and to watch these delightful and nimble little primates play in the bamboo thickets is a fabulous experience.

There are also a number of mammals in the park including bush pigs, bushbuck, spotted hyena and black-fronted duiker as well as 180 species of birds.

Our preferred lodges in PNV include:

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
Volcanoes Virunga Lodge

Gorilla Mountain View Lodge