Volcanoes National Park

In the country's north-west, five Virunga volcanoes draw the border: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura. On their slopes live families of mountain gorillas, reached on foot with a tracker, sometimes after an hour's walk, sometimes after four.

The encounter lasts one hour, a few metres away, in a small group. It is short, and it is the memory most travellers take home from Rwanda. The park is also known for golden monkeys, the hike to Dian Fossey's grave and the crater lake on Bisoke.