A magnificent verdant swathe across the steep ridges of the Albertine Rift Valley, this ancient rain-forest – one of the few in Africa to have flourished throughout the last Ice Age-is home to roughly half of the world’s mountain gorillas.
Looking deep into the expressive brown eyes of these gentle giants is surely the most exciting and poignant wildlife encounter that Africa has to offer. The National Park has 90 mammal species, including 11 primates, of which the black-and-white Colobus, with its lovely flowing white tail, is prominent. The forest has 23 highly localized Albertine Rift endemic birds present.
Gorilla tracking is the major activity. Other guided forest walks are available: one popular trail; leads to pretty waterfalls, others focus on birding and monkey viewing.
