Gorilla in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda Travel Postcard

Gorillas are among the most awe-inspiring primates in the world, known for their intelligence, social structure, and close genetic link to humans. The species that captures the most attention is the mountain gorilla, a critically endangered subspecies that lives in the misty forests of Central Africa. These gorillas live in family groups led by a dominant male silverback and are largely gentle and peaceful, spending their days foraging for leaves, shoots, and fruit. Despite their size and strength, they are shy and non-aggressive unless threatened, which makes observing them in the wild a humbling and unforgettable experience. One of the best places on Earth to see mountain gorillas is Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. This park, located in the Virunga Mountains along the borders of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is home to around a third of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Trekking through the dense, rainforest-covered slopes of dormant volcanoes like Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke, visitors can join guided expeditions to visit habituated gorilla families. The experience is strictly regulated to protect the animals, but even a short hour in their presence is deeply moving—watching a silverback watch you, or seeing a baby tumble through the ferns, is like stepping into another world. Volcanoes National Park is not just a sanctuary for gorillas—it’s a powerful symbol of Rwanda’s conservation success and its commitment to eco-tourism.