BOSTON, October 31 —With more than a decade of political stability and many exotic species of wildlife, Rwanda is emerging as a global leader in wildlife management and habitat preservation. Rwandans have worked tirelessly to protect threatened and endangered species, particularly the beautiful mountain gorilla. With its unique blend of small group sizes and behind the scenes access, Road Scholar has teamed up with leading conservationists to offer a 10-night educational adventure, Rwanda: Tracking the Mountain Gorilla.

Road Scholars will go deep into mountain gorillas’ habitat to observe these magnificent creatures up close. Divided into groups of eight, Road Scholars will trek the lush slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. With experienced guides leading the way, educational adventurers will hike among jungle foliage and exotic birds and discover families of gorillas engaged in their daily activities. Underscoring the vital importance of protecting mountain gorillas from extinction, Road Scholars will also visit the grave of world-famous environmentalist Dian Fossey near the research center where she studied mountain gorillas for more than twenty years.

Along the way, Road Scholars will go on safari in Akagera National Park, a unique Central African ecosystem, travel in open-air vehicles to spot herds of grazing zebra, hippos submerged in wetland, plus giraffes, elephants and some of the more than 500 species of birds that occupy the hills, marshlands and savannah in Rwanda. Finally, educational adventurers will discuss Rwanda’s past and present political situation with a local expert before visiting the Gisozi Genocide Memorial in Kigali.

“In just over a decade, Rwanda has almost completely transformed itself,” says Road Scholar President James A. Moses. “Our program allows Baby Boomers, long interested in both world history and environmental causes, to experience each firsthand in small groups that really promote hands-on learning.”

Founded in 2004 for adults of all ages, Road Scholar is an initiative of Elderhostel, the not-for-profit, world leader in lifelong learning. Road Scholar is for a new generation of educational travelers. For more information on Road Scholar, please visit www.roadscholar.org or call 1-800-466-7762.