Rwanda has one park in the North of the country encompassing its share of the mountain gorilla population: the Virunga National Park or (PNV). The park covers an area of 46 square miles and encompasses six volcanoes. Despite the terrible genocide in the early 1990's Rwanda is stable and the park permit system is running smoothly.
The Parc National des Volcans was where Dian Fossey set up her base and research centre. Dian Fossey was an American zoologist who dedicated her life to gorillas; she completed an extended study of gorilla groups, observing them daily over a period of 18 years.
Tracking gorillas in the PNV is slightly less strenuous than at Bwindi in Uganda since the gorillas move around a little less. The more open terrain also allows more light for better photo opportunities than in Bwindi.
Where to Stay
The partners that we use have created an unrivalled and integrated set of ecotourism services to share with clients the great apes of Africa. Their visionary approach to ecotourism offers a special insight into the complex gorilla-human world through the eco-lodges they have created near the gorilla parks. In Rwanda this is Parc National del Volcans.
The properties are the best in the region and are sensitive to the post-conflict context, the culture of local communities, the fragility of the environment and the need to use resources in a sustainable way.
Virunga Lodge
Other things to do in Rwanda
Rwanda, often called the “land of a thousand hills” is a mountainous country with a moist, temperate year round climate. As well as arguably offering the best mountain gorilla tracking a number of unique delights are on offer to travellers.
Nyungwe Forest, one of the largest montane forests in Central Africa, is renowned for its large troops of colobus monkeys and rich variety of orchids. Akagera National Park is a savannah park with elephants, hippo and crocodile. Lake Kivu is a beautiful inland sea enclosed by steep terraced hillsides. There are a large variety of birds. Rwanda has a rich culture with its second city, Butare, having one of the finest cultural museums in Africa.