Critically Endangered Mountain Gorilla
Parc National des Volcans

A dramatic chain of seven volcanoes, the Parc National des Volcans is the definitive place to track critically endangered mountain gorillas. Forming a natural border with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, it is one of the most beautiful and lush parks in Africa. Dian Fossey’s account of her years with the mountain gorillas is detailed in the book ‘Gorillas in the Mist’, a must-read before visiting the park. About 350 mountain gorillas reside here (there are eight groups that can be visited by tourists) and at present it is the best place in Africa for a mountain gorilla safari. There is a variety of other mammals, including the endemic golden monkey, black-fronted duiker, bushbuck, giant forest hogs, bushpigs, spotted hyena, and forest elephant, although these are now very rare, and around 200 species of birds.