The volcanic Northwest of Rwanda is the site of Africa's oldest national park. Volcanoes National Park was gazetted in 1924 to protect the mountain gorillas and is the countries main tourist attraction. With a size of 12,500 hectares, 6 major volcanic peaks, and one of the world's most endangered mammals, this is an area which should not be missed. Like Rwanda's other national parks, you will pay a lot (nearly $400) for an opportunity to see the gorillas. But these places would surely not exist without tourist dollars. Think of the cost to see them as ensuring that one day your children will get the chance to see them too.

Northwestern Rwanda also offers mountain climbing, the grave of Diane Fossey, Golden Monkeys' and several beautiful alpine lakes. Three of the six volcanic peaks that make up the Virunga range are still active and in January, 2002 the town of Goma in the DRC was nearly destroyed by the Nyiragongo Volcano. A two day climb will get you to the top of Mt. Karisimbi, Rwanda's highest point and Africa's sixth highest area, at 4507 meters.

All these sites are easily accessible from the town of Ruhengeri at the base of the mountains. The northern shores of Lake Kivu (Rwanda's largest lake) located around the town of Gisenyi, have inland beaches and good views of Nyiragongo. Lakes Bulera and Ruhondo are surrounded by steep and intimidating hills with views of the Virunga mountains. Further east is Byumba, surrounded by tea fields and along the main road from Kigali to the Ugandan border.