Reasons To Visit Rwanda
The perfect spot for resting your weary limbs after your gorilla tracking, Lake Kivu is 90 minutes' drive through winding hills and colourful villages from the Virunga Volcanoes. Here you can float on the water on a relaxing boat trip and watch the world go by.
Rwanda is home to Africa's first National Park, Virunga, which was created back in 1925. It was done to protect its most famous wildlife - its gorillas. However, while its primates will be at the top of you to-see list the country's montane forests contain over 700 bird species with many, such as Grauer’s Swamp-warbler, being regionally endemic.
The trek through the dense forest on the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes can take between two to six hours. However your reward is an hour watching your assigned gorilla troop play, eat, groom and relax.
If you want something a bit different head to Butare, Rwanda's second city, where you can visit the King's Palace, the University and the National Museum, which is home to an incredible collection of artefacts which are beautifully presented.
Up until relatively recently montane forest occupied one third of the territory of present-day Rwanda. Now these ancient forests are mainly restricted to the three main parks: Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park. By visiting any one of these you will see a great diversity of fauna and flora.
Travelling through Rwanda provides a fascinating insight into daily village life. Often located in beautiful countryside a village visit is an absolute highlight where a warm and enthusiastic welcome is guaranteed.
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Africa and The Indian Ocean
Although home to elephant, buffalo, and duiker, Volcanoes National Park is best known for the 300 mountain gorillas that reside amongst the bamboo forests on the upper slopes.
The golden monkeys live in the bamboo vegetation towards the base of the volcanoes and have overcome their initial shyness to accept their daily visit by researchers and tourists.
Gorilla Tracking Mountain gorilla tracking is one of Africa's most superb wildlife experiences. It is difficult to describe the exhilaration attached to fist setting eyes on a wild mountain gorilla.
Forest hogs, buffalo and various species of monkey live in the forest, so keep your eyes peeled as you trek! Once you get to the Karisoke Research Camp you will be shown around, and can see Dian Fossey's grave as well as the hut where she spent so many years living close to the gorillas.
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