What to do in Rwanda

It's one of life's greatest joys to tread through the lush forests of Volcanoes National Park, hear a hushed, "there they are", and see the surreal figure of a fully-grown mountain gorilla for the first time. You will leave in the early hours and be led by your seasoned guide through the jungle that covers the volcano foothills. After walking for up to four hours (directed by the findings of a scout), you will spend an magical hour watching the antics of these mysterious creatures. See the fascinating family dynamics, youngsters at play and the comical grooming process. The gorillas can be up to three times the size of an average man yet are still remarkably tolerant of human visitors. The best time to go is the dry season (June - Sep). Known as one of Africa's most beautiful rainforests, it is home to around half of the world's mountain gorilla population (300) and it's one of the best places to see them in the wild. And every cent goes back into protecting them and their home!

Journey into the verdant forests of Volcanoes National Park, one of the only places in the world where endangered golden monkeys are found - and you are able to get as close. You'll make tracks in the early morning to follow your seasoned guide on a trekking adventure to find these fascinating and animated primates. There are two habituated troops, the largest of which has between 80 and 100 monkeys, which can be found at the foot of soaring Mount Sabyinyo. You'll spend an hour there and be fully immersed in their world, surrounded by the bronze-backed primates as they scamper through the undergrowth, leap through the bamboo branches and investigate their guests (that's you!). It's also less strenuous compared to other activities in the area thanks to the relatively flat terrain and length of treks (it can take as little as 30 minutes to locate the troop).

Known as Rwanda's rising star of safari, Akagera is a vast landscape marked by its large and gleaming lakes. Take to the water early in the morning or at golden hour when birdlife from its 520 species takes a last flight before settling into the forest-fringed shores. Cruise the lake, navigating lurking crocodile (the highest numbers in Africa) and pods of hippo, whilst spotting the wildlife on shore. As the sun sets, casting its colours across the water, enjoy a chilled drink and snap all the photos you can.

Take a leaf out of the chimpanzee's book and experience Nyungwe forest from the treetops. The only one of its kind in East Africa, the Canopy Walk is a 200m-long rope-style metal bridge suspended between ancient mahoganies. From your vantage point about 60m above the forest floor, enjoy the flash of colourful birdlife (there are some 300 species) and look out for Nyungwe's baker's dozen of primates, including the rare golden monkey and colobus. Once you've spied all the flora and fauna you can, with a good dose of amazing views, you'll return to the ground.

The up-and-coming safari gem of Rwanda, Akagera offers some truly stellar game viewing. Join your guide for an epic morning, afternoon or full-day in an open 4x4 to spot the best of the park's wildlife. You're sure to be the only ones around for miles. Dubbed as some of the most scenic savannah in East Africa, Akagera is home to giant herds of buffalo, rare antelope, fantastic birdlife and the Big Five, including incredible tree-climbing lion and black rhino. Stop for a picnic in the shade or iced sundowners before retuning to base.

In the already wonderful Akagera, Magashi is the only exclusive wildlife area where you'll have the night drive terrain all to yourself. With your guide at the helm, set out from camp at sunset to discover the nocturnal goings-on. Keep your eyes peeled and ears pricked for leopard, hyena, civets, mongoose and the glowing eyes of a bush baby. Not to mention, lions were only reintroduced into the park in recent years and it's a treat to see them on the prowl.

Where better to discover the riotous world of chimpanzees than Nyungwe, the Galapagos of Africa? Just as dawn breaks, you'll leave the lodge and drive to the starting point, while expert trackers forge ahead to locate the chimps. The dense, hushed forests of Nyungwe are home to around 500 chimpanzees, including two habituated troops. Once you've found their hiding spot, enjoy a precious hour of watching, enthralled, as they dangle from the rustling fig trees, clamber through the canopies and run circles across the forest floor. You'll make your way back through the jungle, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of orchids and butterflies, before arriving back at camp for much-deserved R&R. You'll find the most pleasant time for chimp trekking is in the dry season months (June - Sep).

Gorilla trekking may be Volcanoes' claim to fame, but for a more leisurely glimpse into the area, join your guide for a walk through the local village. Leave your lodge for a scenic stroll through the fields and farms, before stopping to peruse the marketplaces where you could pick up colourful baskets, hand-made souvenirs or local delicacies. Enjoy the chance to meet and speak with members of the community, who may share their story with you, try your hand at grinding sorghum in a local home or get to know the rhythm of Rwanda with a few moments of song and dance.

In the location of the real-life Gorillas in the Mist, spend a poignant morning trekking to the resting place of Dian Fossey and the ruins of her research centre. Led by your experienced guide, this hike pays homage to a pioneer of gorilla discovery and conservation. As you trek through miles of craggy trails and forested foothills - the smoky silhouettes of far-off volcanoes as your constant view, learn how Fossey forged the relationship between humans and apes, chronicled their lives and social habits, and worked to preserve their future. Hidden away between the Bisoke and Karisambi volcanoes, and sitting at 3000 m above sea level, you'll visit the grave site of Fossey's favourite gorillas laid beside her own, which refers to her locally-given name, Nyiramachabelli - 'the woman who lives alone in the mountains'. For the easiest conditions, the best time to visit is the dry season, between June and September.

Out of the five towering massifs in Volcanoes National Park, Mount Bisoke lures you on a hike to the top with its glistening crater lakes. Depart in the early morning mist to trek through the leafy forest, perhaps even spotting elephant, buffalo and golden monkey along the way. You can make a pit stop at the midway lake, but the real drawcard is the lake at Mount Bisoke's summit, where the views of its neighbouring volcanoes are enchanting and a picnic on the shore is just what's needed. The terrain is not terribly demanding but with a height of 3700 m, the hike still needs a good level of fitness. The weather also determines how long you stay at the lake and rainy season brings muddy trails, so the dry months of June to September are your best bet.

It's no exaggeration when we say Nyungwe is a place of epic wildlife and gobsmacking scenery. Led by your expert guide, you'll explore one of Africa's oldest rainforests on foot. The forest has over 13 trails of every length and difficulty level, each leading to its own little slice of paradise. For a relatively flat and leisurely trail, try Karambaba; for a real taste of adventure, trek to the top of Mount Bigugu; and to spy over the very edge of the Rwandan border, walk the Irebero trail. The best time for a relatively dry and temperate experience is between June and August.