Rwanda

Mountain gorillas live in the north, on towering conical volcanoes surrounded by jungle. A small group of these gentle giants have been habituated, allowing only a restricted number of visitors to spend time in their humble company. Watching moms care for their babies while teenagers play under the watchful eye of an amazing silverback is one of the most breathtaking wildlife experiences available, and it has supported conservation efforts that have resulted in this being the only population of great apes that is growing in size.

To the west, the vast Nyungwe Forest protects some of Africa’s rarest primate species, including chimpanzees that can be tracked, while to the east, Akagera National Park is undergoing one of Africa’s most ambitious restoration projects, with its savannahs once again hosting lions, black rhinos, and giraffe.

Rwanda’s success may be attributed to how tourism benefits communities, as well as national efforts to reforest and safeguard biodiversity, which are aided by a collection of great luxury lodges that allow you to become a part of the story.