The tiny, landlocked country of Rwanda has one of Africa’s most rapidly growing economies, with its entrepreneurial capital of Kigali. But it’s most famous for its unparalleled wildlife experiences—the crown jewel being the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas, which live in the mist-shrouded jungles of Volcanoes National Park. Notable guide and ecologist Ant Kaschula leads this epic journey through what many people refer to as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” thanks to the country’s undulating topography. Kaschula’s deep connections in the conservation world—he’s on the board of African Parks, an NGO that helps to manage key parks in Rwanda—means he can connect travelers with field experts for candid discussions about conservation.

Before setting off into the jungles and rainforests, the trip begins with a couple of days in the creative capital of Kigali, with an important stop to the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about the resilience of a nation still healing from the 1994 atrocities. Then travel by helicopter from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, where two mountain gorilla treks await (at an hour each, one trek isn’t enough). From there, spend three days exploring the Nyungwe Forest and its unusually large population of Colobus monkeys. End the trip at Akagera Park, managed by African Parks, which offers a big game safari with lions, elephants and endangered rhinos from Wilderness Safaris Magashi Camp, the park’s only private concession.

PRICING DETAILS

• Double Occupancy Room: $54,970
• Single Occupancy Room: $37,045