Sharing borders with the DRC and Uganda, Volcanoes National Park is primarily known for one thing: its (growing!) population of endangered mountain gorillas. Named for the extinct volcanic peaks of the Virunga range, the park encompasses a portion of high-altitude forests in which more than 600 mountain gorillas live. That’s up from 480 in 2010.
Gorillas and more
When you gather at the park headquarters to be assigned your gorilla troop for the morning, it might seem a little crowded. But once you split off into small groups, you’ll begin to feel your inner Dian Fossey emerge.
Trek into the forest, across often-muddy terrain and through thick vegetation. It might take 30 minutes or several hours, depending on where the gorillas are that day. Do not wear white – save that for the beach.
That hour with the gorillas will fly by. Take your photos, sure. But remember to set down the camera and just absorb the moment. You’ve come for the gorillas, but Volcanoes hides many other treasures. Hike up to the
crater lake of Mount Bisoke. Spend time with the puffy-cheeked golden monkeys. And pay respects at Dian Fossey’s tomb by the Karisoke Research Centre.
Simply the best
From Kigali, Volcanoes is only two-to-three hours away by car. On a continent where so many transfers are by air, a short road trip is a refreshing change of pace. And it’s an opportunity to catch glimpses of rural Rwandan life en route. On arrival, take in the monkey’s-eye view from your balcony at Bisate Lodge. The oval, thatch-covered suites are tucked, nest-like, between the trees. Of course, most nests don’t come with a wine cellar and massage services, but Bisate is no average pile of dry vegetation.
