East Africa · Rwanda

Gorillas of Volcanoes National Park

National Park Full day difficulty: Moderate with kids: yes

Among forest-covered volcanoes in northern Rwanda live families of mountain gorillas that can be visited with a guide. It is where the scientist Dian Fossey devoted her life to protecting them, in one of the most moving conservation stories on the planet.

The pop wink

The story of Dian Fossey and these gorillas was brought to the screen in «Gorillas in the Mist» (1988). Here you can visit her center and her grave, next to that of her favorite gorilla: a true story of love for animals.

With kids

Look for golden monkeys, easier to spot than the gorillas, on the slopes
Learn the name of each volcano in the range
Hear the story of Dian Fossey and her gorillas
Watch the mist climb through the forest of the mountains

Accessibility: Gorilla trekking requires 15 years or older and good physical fitness; younger children can do the walk to the golden monkeys or to the Dian Fossey center; permit booked in advance

With family

Those 15 and older, do the gorilla trek with a permit
Climb to Dian Fossey's Karisoke center in memory of her work
Learn how Rwanda saved its gorillas from extinction
Talk about how one person can change the fate of a species

Full listing, routes and recommendations at Mi País — Gorillas of Volcanoes National Park. ← All destinations