Holiday in Volcano National Park Rwanda

What makes Volcano National Park Rwanda special as a destination?

The Volcano National Park in northwestern Rwanda is one of those places that can change your life: Here, in the misty bamboo forests of the Virunga volcanoes, live about half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas — and the opportunity to spend an hour in the company of these gentle giants is one of the most profound nature experiences this planet has to offer. The gorilla trekking experience begins at dawn: After a briefing at the park entrance, you hike with a team of rangers and trackers into the dense mountain forest that covers the slopes of the Karisimbi (4,507 m), Bisoke, and Sabyinyo volcanoes. The hike through the bamboo forest, past giant senecio and lobelias, is an experience in itself — the volcanic soil is moist and soft, mist hangs between the trees, and rare birds chirp everywhere. Then the moment: A gorilla family, perhaps 15 or 20 animals, sits in a clearing, eating, playing, and dozing. The silverback male, a 200-kilo colossus with a gentle gaze, observes the visitors with disinterested calm, while juveniles tumble through the bushes and mothers nurse their babies. The encounter with these animals, who share 98% of our DNA, is of an intimacy that deeply touches — and the hour flies by like a moment. The national park was the home and life’s work of Dian Fossey, whose research station (Karisoke Research Center) still stands on the saddle between Karisimbi and Bisoke. A visit to her grave next to the graves of her beloved gorillas is an emotional pilgrimage. The history of Rwanda — from the genocide in 1994 to today’s conservation showcase country — gives this place an additional dimension of resilience and hope.