This tiny African country has over the past few years seen an enormous increase in tourism, thanks in no small part to its incredible Mountain Gorilla population, made famous by renowned primatologist Dian Fossey. Known locally as “the land of a thousand hills” Rwanda is a mix of lush green mountains, dormant volcanoes and countless beautiful lakes.

The central focus of Rwanda’s massive tourist appeal is the Volcanoes National Park. Located in the north of the country this chain of dormant volcanoes is home to the worlds most renowned population of endangered mountain gorillas as well as a variety of other smaller primates and mammals. The experience of sitting quietly in a remote clearing as a troop of these enormous animals interact and play with one another only a few feet away is truly a life changing experience.