the gorilla safari begins!
15 - 22 May
This was our one seriously major splurge... a 10 day trip with Volcanoes Safaris. We had signed up for three gorilla treks (one in Rwanda, two in Uganda), and we would be staying in three different luxury lodges. HEAVEN! William was our very professional driver, and we were bursting with excitement when he picked us up from the Step Town Hotel.
We drove out of Kigali and were soon going through small villages and farm land. After only about 30 minutes we came across our first primate scampering across the road- a vervet monkey. It was wonderful to sit back and appreciate the sights going past us; homemade beehives up in the trees, people herding goats along the roadside, mothers with babies strapped to their backs and all kinds of goods being balanced expertly on peoples heads.
We drove out of Kigali and were soon going through small villages and farm land. After only about 30 minutes we came across our first primate scampering across the road- a vervet monkey. It was wonderful to sit back and appreciate the sights going past us; homemade beehives up in the trees, people herding goats along the roadside, mothers with babies strapped to their backs and all kinds of goods being balanced expertly on peoples heads.
The first lodge was called Virunga Lodge, and it afforded spectacular views of the Virunga Volcanoes, stretching in a line along the horizon. This place was hands-down gorgeous. It is described as "organic bush-chic luxury" and I can't think of anything better than that! We had our own private banda (cottage) with luxurious furnishings, fresh flowers on the tables and a view out to the lakes below. When we went to the main lodge for sundowners and dinner, the staff would sneak in and put hot water bottles in the bed, dim the lighting and light candles. It was an absolutely magical, extremely romantic experience! That first afternoon we went birding with Baram, and were delighted with the number of beautiful sunbirds around the property. We also caught sight of a little black and white bird in huge breeding plumage, his tail willowing out behind him as he flew. This was going to be an amazing 10 days.