With all due respect to zoos, the best place to see mountain gorillas is in their normal habitat -- the mountains. At Parc National des Volcans, take a guided tour to enjoy the lush greenery that appealed to legendary primatologist Dian Fossey and served as a backdrop in the 1988 film about her work, "Gorillas in the Mist." The Virungas Mountains contain high-elevation volcanoes, some reaching an elevation of nearly 15,000 feet. Hikes offer both expansive views and dense forest trails, where you'll listen for birds and look out for signs of the rare gorilla. Hiker Jeremy Gray of Alexandria, Va. recalls being so close to the gorillas that "I could reach down and touch them" (not that he actually did...nor should you). Rwanda is a fairly small country, so you can base yourself in either its capital Kigali or the town of Ruhengeri, near the park, which provides lodging for tourists.

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