This 62 mi² (16 km²) Rwandan national park has two claims to fame: it is Africa’s oldest national park and it possesses a third of the world’s mountain
gorilla population. The high-altitude rainforests provide lush bamboo stalks for 12 habituated gorilla families. Because only 2 groups of 8 are granted
permits per day, visitors are ensured a great, immersive experience with these incredible creatures. The best time to see the gorillas here are during
the dry seasons (June to October, December to March).
Other wildlife within Volcanoes National Park includes blue monkey, black-fronted duiker, bushbuck, giant forest hog, African civet, genet, and buffalo.
Golden monkeys, a rare subspecies of blue-monkeys, are also located within the national park. It is highly recommended that visitors experience a golden
monkey trek, for they are very playful and the trek itself is less grueling than for gorillas. Over 100 species of birds have been recorded, like the
Rwenzori turaco and the forest francolin.
