Volcanoes National Park

The most polished mountain gorilla trek, and the priciest: Rwanda's standard permit is $1,500. That buys well-run briefings at Kinigi and groups of no more than eight, with a 7-meter distance rule, and a share of every permit goes to the surrounding communities. Families range from easier groups to Susa, the high and demanding trek tied to Dian Fossey, whose Karisoke Research Centre stood between Karisimbi and Visoke. Trekkers must be 15 or older. The park also shelters golden monkeys, which makes a second day worthwhile. Choose it when time is short and you want the smoothest logistics; look to Uganda if the permit price decides it.