Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, the park is named after the chain of dormant volcanoes making up the Virunga Massif: Karisimbi – the highest at 4,507m, Bisoke with its verdant crater lake, Sabinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura. It is home to a large population of the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas and other interesting wildlife such as the golden monkey.

The plains of Akagera comprise savannah, woodland, wetland and a dozen lakes. The park almost disappeared in the early 90s due to a turbulent past of poaching and settlers, but once there was peace in the country and with a great conservation effort the park was recovered and now thrives with a variety of wildlife including the big five, and an incredible 490 bird species. Today Akagera is central Africa’s largest protected wetland, and a shining example of the power of conservation.

One of the Great Lakes of Africa located in the Rift Valley. The beautiful Lake Kivu at the border with Congo in the west of Rwanda is surrounded by mountains and its shores are dotted with sandy inland beaches, making it the best spot to relax after a gorilla trekking trip.