Rwanda is without doubt, synonymous with the mountain gorilla. The chance to track these magnificent creatures deep in the heart of the mountain rainforest, represents for many, the ultimate wildlife encounter and should not be missed.

However, many people literally fly in to the Parc National des Volcans to see the gorillas before flying out again, spending no time exploring the rest of this beautiful country. Whilst the PNV is certainly the place for gorillas, it is poorly represented in terms of primates and a visit to Nyungwe Forest in the South is well worth while. Home to 13 other primates, including semi-habituated chimpanzees, the widespread Ruwenzori Colobus, L’Hoest Monkey, silver monkey to name but a few. Nyungwe also represents the most important bird watching destination in Rwanda with more than 280 species recorded, including 26 regional endemics, as well as 100 different types of butterflies and the best place in the country to see chameleons.

Akagera in the west also allows you to explore the classic savannah landscape found in other parts of East Africa, but without the crowds as you will have the wilderness all to your self. If this is all too much, then there is the chance to unwind on the shores of Lake Kivu and soak up the sleepy tropical ambience of Gisenyi.