Bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rwanda, and set high on the jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains, the Volcanoes National Park is best known as a sanctuary for the region’s rare mountain gorillas. Visitors flock here to experience face to face encounters with these intriguing creatures. Regulated treks through the reserve allow visitors to spend an hour at a time with these incredible primates in their natural habitat. While the gorillas are without a doubt the main drawcard, visitors can also look forward to exploring a network of scenic hiking trails, with the beautiful day hike to the crater lake on Mount Bisoke being a particular highlight. Make sure to visit the fascinating Karisoke Research Centre and the tomb of the world-famous Dian Fossey.
As previously described
Situated along the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Virunga National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the oldest national parks in Africa and features a biodiverse protected area inhabited by a plethora of weird and wonderful wildlife. It is home to at least a quarter of the world’s endangered mountain gorilla and also the unique Okapi 'zebra-giraffe'. The park stretches over 7500 square kilometres of unspoilt terrain characterised by dense forest, savanna, wetlands, lava fields, deep valleys, volcanoes, and the glaciated peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains. Popular activities include: mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee habituation and trekking experiences, guided nature walks through tropical rainforest, and hiking the Nyiragongo volcano to view the world’s largest lava lake.
As previously described
As previously described
Tucked away at the south-western tip of beautiful Lake Kivu, Bukavu serves as the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s South Kivu Province. This sprawling city of around 800 000 people is known for its remarkable collection of over 100 Art Deco buildings which were constructed during Belgian colonial rule. Visitors can also look forward to some excellent kayaking opportunities on the lake as well as visits to the exceptional Kahuzi Biega National Park, a critical habitat for eastern lowland gorillas and the Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
Situated in southwestern Rwanda, the Nyungwe Forest National Park is known for its exceptional biodiversity and its wide range of endemic species. The park is composed of lush tracts of rainforest set high up on fertile mountain slopes. It is one of Africa’s most ancient forests and the home of Rwanda’s sole remaining chimpanzee population, as well as 85 additional mammal species, 43 reptile species, nearly 300 bird species and over 1000 plant species. Visitors can enjoy spotting colobus monkeys and chimpanzees hiding in the trees, hiking on a well-maintained network of trails passing through lush equatorial rainforest and catching a glimpse of a beautiful array of colourful birdlife. Don’t miss the thrilling Canopy Walk; it is one of its kind in Africa and offers impressive views of the forest.
As previously described
