Rwanda, Uganda & The Congo
Safaris to Central Africa are generally focused on the volcanic region of the Albertine rift, home to the famous mountain gorillas. Though there are plenty of other incredible experiences to be had; coming face to face with a mountain gorilla is so awe-inspiring it will be carved into your mind, and stay with you forever.
Central African Safaris
Central Africa is synonymous with the notion of the jungle; high altitude mountain forests, thick with vegetation, with huge trees breaking through the canopy that is bursting with life. Though you do have to look for it to find it, the rewards for visiting somewhere such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda are extremely high. The chance to spend an hour with some of the most charismatic and intriguing animals on our planet, the mountain gorillas. The truly magical feeling that overcomes you when you lock eyes with a gorilla in the dense jungle is all-consuming. This has to be one of the ultimate wildlife experiences on Earth. Trekking through spectacular scenery filled with the sounds and smells of the jungle, while knowing you are tracking a troupe of these great apesgives the most incredible sense of anticipation. When you first catch a glimpse of them through the trees, you know everything has been worth it. Having a huge silverback gorilla watching you from only a few metres away is something you will never, ever, forget. But these areas are not just about the gorillas (though that is certainly the focus), playful golden monkeys are a photographer’s dream, forest elephants are a beautiful, rare and special sight, and the incredible array of colourful birds captures your imagination, and will turn almost anyone into a keen birder.
“Having been privileged to witness many amazing wildlife sightings in my career so far, I completely maintain that being face to face with a gorilla is by far the most captivating and awe-inspiring.”
Central African Highlights
The most incredible wildlife experience on the planet; being eye to eye with a mountain gorilla
Trekking in spectacular, pristine forests in Rwanda, Uganda or in the mythical jungle of the Congo
Access to some of the most beautifully designed properties in Africa
Large numbers of endemic and colourful tropical bird species
A variety of other, more traditional safari destinations such as Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth & Akagera to compliment the gorilla-focussed Bwindi Forest, Volcanoes National Park & Odzala National Park (for the lowland gorillas in the Congo)
Properties we love
Rwanda
Bisate Lodge - Volcanoes National PArk
Bisate is one of the very best properties in Rwanda. Located just outside of the national park means quick access to the volcanoes for you to go an eperience the most incredibl wildlife experience of all, gazing into the soul of a mountain gorilla. The rooms here are inspired by the leaf nests that the gorillas make for themselves each night.
Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge - Volcanoes NP
Sabyinyo is situated at the foot of one of the volcanoes the mountain gorillas live on, even venturing down to the grounds on rare occassions. This beutiful property has an incredible outlook onto two of the other volcanoes. Great service and a stylish farm-house feel ensure this is a perfect compliment to your once-in-a-lifetime gorilla trek.
Uganda
Volcanoes Bwindi - Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Volcanoes Bwindi is a very special place. Situated right at the northern edge of the forest, it is not uncommon for some of the mountain gorillas to pass through the lodge grounds, even pausing to feed outside the massage room! This is a great base to head into the impenetrable forest from and the lodge itself is finished to a very high standard.