Become immersed in the atmosphere, ecology and experience of the Virunga Massif and leave with an enriched understanding of not only great apes, but also the conservation and socio-economic issues that threaten their ecosystem.
The largest living primate, there are twelve family groups of mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes Park, with only eight visitors permitted to sight to each group per day. Every family grouping has fascinating origins and stories. Once you arrive at the park, the Rwandan park rangers expertly lead your trek to the group you've been allowed to. When you encounter them, the local guides delight in elaborating on the gorillas’ individual histories, their family tales. In the building of our Signature lodges in Rwanda, while Guided Safaris® aim to host you in absolute comfort at our lodgings, the most crucial part of our journeys is to ensure the safeguarding of these species and the wilderness habitat in the design of our lodges. Building a camp is not enough; but worse still would be be retain the luxury focus on 'private pools' in a room in this fragile rainforest ecosystem. With our Signature lodges, the space given to the reforestation effort of this region is vital to keep the habitat for the gorillas intact. Indigenous tree nurseries have been set up at lodge and to mark your own visit to Rwanda, our guides lead you to these sites and invite you plant your own tree to help with the reforestation project. The rehabilitation of the forest region not only ensures the survival of the Gorillas but also helps lend way to the return of the endemic bird species, such as Rwenzori turaco and the Rwenzori double collared sunbird to the area.
In addition to Gorillas, Rwanda is also home to other populations of specialized primates such as the Golden Monkey, Chimpanzee and the Colobus Monkey. Many of these primate species can be seen at Nyungwe Forest further up north. Conservation organisations currently working in Rwanda include Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, The Gorilla Organisation, International Gorilla Conservation Organisation, Gorilla Doctors and Wildlife Conservation Society.
Where to trek Gorillas
In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver, are great, old volcanoes towering almost 15,000 feet, and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest – the Virungas.
Dian Fossey, Primatologist
