Located 15 kms. North West from Ruhengeri is the Volcans Park. With old volcanoes towering up to nearly 5000 meters which are nearly covered with rich green forest. It is the home of over 100 Mountain gorillas, in groups from three to over 20 individuals. With its evergreen and bamboo forests, swamp, heath and open grassland this must be one of the most exhilarating places in the world. After walking through the tranquil cultivated foothills with fantastic views of the Virungas one enters the strange magical world of the rainforest. One will probably see Bushbucks and Black-Fronted Duikers and might encounter Buffaloes, Bush pigs, Giant Forest Hogs and Yellow Backed Duikers. More difficult to see are the African Golden Cats and Spotted Hyenas. Mt. Gahinga is almost completely covered with dense bamboo. This habitat is favoured by Gorillas and Golden Monkeys. Elephants may be seen at Mt. Visokes swampy crater as well as Duikers, Hyraxes, Genets, Giant Forest Squirrels, African Dormice and the Interesting Forest Pouched Rats. At the watering holes of Lake Ndezi or in the Crater Lake at Mt. Musides Elephants and Buffaloes can be seen drinking. Bird life is abundant in the park and large concentrations will be seen In the Hagenia Forest of Greater Double Collared and Regal Sunbirds as well as Dusky, Shelley Crimsonwing and Black Headed Waxbills. Among the birds of prey are the Mountain Buzzards and Rufous Breasted Sparrowhawks. African Black Ducks and Maccoa feed in the crater lakes While Buff Spotted Flufftails can be seen in the marshes. The town of Ruhengeri has various types of accommodation and is a good starting point for day trips to the picturesque lakes of Burera, Ruhondo and Karago.