THE LAND OF THE GORILLAS
Situated in the southwest corner of Rwanda extending for 1000 km. sq. is Nyungwe Forest, one of the largest montane forests in East and Central Africa. Dating back to before the ice age with its prehistoric atmosphere it’s incredibly rich in biodiversity. Nyungwe harbors 13 species of primates including chimpanzees, l’hoests, monkey, colobus and mangabeys.
With several endemic bird species the forest also supports 250 types of trees, shrubs and flowering plants including 100 species of orchid and giant lobelia standing like sentinels, as if extraterrestrial.
Surely one of the most awesome, breathtaking wildlife experiences on earth is to sit and observe a huge silverback mountain gorilla advertising his presence amongst the rain forest slopes of the Virungas. Observing gorilla families at close quarters creates an unforgettable experience and the Virungas is home to more than half of the world’s remaining 650 mountain gorillas.
Carefully monitored conservation and protection practices have enabled these huge, shy animals to tolerate the presence of humans in their natural domain.
Guests can also track the little known golden monkeys on the lower slopes.
