Parc National des Volcans

This is the definitive location in Africa to track the rare Mountain Gorilla and Golden Monkeys. The Parc National des Volcans (PNV) National Park in northern Rwanda, which runs along the border between DR Congo and Uganda, is one of the most stunning sights in the region and is home to a chain of seven volcanoes.

"In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat," wrote Dian Fossey. Great, old volcanoes towering up almost 15,000 feet, and almost entirely covered with rich, green rainforest.

The Virunga. Situated in the far Northwest of Rwanda, the Parc des Volcans protects the steep slopes of this magnificent mountain range, home of the rare Mountain Gorilla and the rich mosaic of montane ecosystems, which embrace evergreen and bamboo forest, open grassland, swamp and heath.

An exhilarating trek through the cultivated foothills of the Virungas offers stunning views in all directions. Then, abruptly, the trail enters the National Park, immersing Trekkers in the mysterious intimacy of the rainforest, alive with the calls of colourful birds and chattering of the rare golden monkey, and littered with fresh spoor of the mountains' elusive populations of buffalo and elephant. Through gaps in the forest canopy, the magnificent peaks are glimpsed, easily accessible and among the highest in Africa, beckoning an ascent.

The park also offers travellers the chance to trek through the volcanic chain.

• top
• Go to home page