On the mist-shrouded slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes, endangered Mountain Gorillas lounge, play, sleep, stride and groom.
Nothing prepares you for the thrill of coming face to face with a wild gorilla. And an encounter with these daunting, charismatic creatures is something you’ll never forget. You can feel the excitement and anticipation rise as you approach their kingdom. It’s not often you get to see something only a privileged few have been lucky enough to lay eyes on. This is one of those times.
The walk’s uphill, but you don’t need to be a mountaineer. The altitude might take your breath away, but it’s worth the effort. We found it incredibly moving: we’ll never forget the mother we saw cradling her baby, surrounded by toddlers play fighting in the grass.
If primates are your 'thing', we'd also suggest a few days down at Nyungwe Forest and a hike to catch up with some chimpanzees. Be prepared for a more active walk though, the chimps can cover some ground and the terrain here can be steep and thick. An energetic trek can be rewarded though with afternoon tea, fresh from the tea plantation.
If there’s time, we recommend pausing in Kigali, one of the most beautiful cities in Africa and a testament to Rwandan peace and harmony.
Please note: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) issues travel advice on destinations, which includes information on passports, visas, health, safety and security. We urge you to visit their website before deciding to travel.
