GORILLA TREKKING IN RWANDA Landlocked in the Great Riſt Valley, Rwanda currently has 10 groups of endangered mountain gorilla living in Volcanoes National Park — more than anywhere else in the world, accounting for over half of the global population of 604. Trekking to catch glimpses of the great apes in their natural habitat has become a popular wildlife experience, but it’s not one to be taken lightly. Hiking up to the animals’ preferred habitat in the bamboo forest combines steep muddy slopes, dense vegetation, high altitude and rain. Audley Travel offers an 11-day trip that includes
gorilla trekking — travellers can spend up to an hour with the gorillas at a distance safe enough to protect the primates. It also includes guided walks to see golden monkeys and trekking through Nyungwe Forest National Park to see chimpanzees. The trip includes luxury accommodation in Rwanda to round off the experience, plus two days relaxing at Lake Kivu, complete with inland beaches surrounded by mountains. ESSENTIALS: From £8,225 per person, including flights, full-board accommodation and gorilla trekking permits. audleytravel.com
