Recommended Viewing: VIRUNGA

As described on the film’s website:
“Virunga is the incredible true story of a group of brave people risking their lives to build a better future in a part of Africa the world’s forgotten and a gripping exposé of the realities of life in the Congo.”

Set deep in Virunga National Park in the Congo, this documentary features three park rangers, each with diverse backgrounds, who essentially risk their lives every day to protect the park and its special inhabitants – namely the majestic mountain gorillas. As regional turmoil surrounds this UNESCO World Heritage site, Virunga illustrates the daily threat of armed militia, poachers, and the dark forces struggling to control Congo’s rich natural resources.

Winner of 23 international film awards in 2014, Virunga is gripping until the very end! Alongside the three park rangers, the filmmakers themselves were under constant threat and caught in the crossfire of a conflict derived from the newly formed rebel group, M23. You can’t help but feel respect and admiration for all these courageous souls, not to mention, a deeper, more heartfelt concern for these beautiful gorillas.

As it’s not possible to see mountain gorillas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo because of the ongoing guerilla warfare, Rwanda and Uganda both offer the opportunity.

For gorilla trekking ideas see:

Gorillas Galore

Mountain Gorilla Encounter (3 Day)

Written by Laura Vagners, Goway’s AfricaExpert

From dune bashing in the Al Khatim Desert to sky diving over Lake Ontario, Laura Vagners tends to find adventure wherever she goes. In the past year she was fortunate enough to travel to the United Arab Emirates and South Africa, becoming an ambassador for both destinations and a Goway AfricaExpert. As Laura continues to take a vast interest in Africa and the Middle East, her bucket list keeps getting longer!