// June 4th, 2010 // 25 Comments » // Rwanda
I planned on putting captions to these photos, but I really think they speak for themselves. I hope that I have captured the gentle nature of these giants and you will feel like you were there with me.
// June 3rd, 2010 // 6 Comments » // Rwanda
Tracking Group 13
Trekking through the neighboring village
If you missed yesterday’s introduction to my gorilla tracking, catch up here. After hearing that my group from JK Safaris would be tracking Group 13, we drove to the starting point of our trek. There were 8 trekkers, 2 guides, and an armed guard. It was lovely scenery as we were walking to the park and through a small village. The massive hills of Rwanda surrounded us. We reached the stone wall, signaling the edge of Parc National des Volcans. It goes for about 6 kilometers and keeps buffalo from leaving the park and destroying the local community’s crops. The second guide gave a speech here about rules when we are with the gorillas and also to warn us of stinging nettles. My tragic childhood experience with nettles was suddenly recalled. The guide said, “If you are stung by nettles, don’t cry out. It will scare the gorillas. Instead we ask that you suffer in silence.” Ha, given my track record that wasn’t going to be so easy. (more…)
// June 2nd, 2010 // No Comments » // Rwanda
Gorilla Tracking at Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
When I initially made my itinerary for this trip, I was certain it would not involve gorilla tracking in Rwanda. At $500 for a permit, there was nothing budget about it. And besides, can’t you see gorillas in a zoo? But I continued to read and hear testimonies of how it was an essential part of a visit to Rwanda. Everyone I had talked to that had done it said it was an amazing experience. So, with a wad of 59 bills in hand, I walked into the tourism office and hoped to get a permit. Only 56 people are allowed to go per day and during peak season, permits can be weeks out. I was lucky that they had a permit for May 27th; so with my muscles tensed, I looked away and handed over 291,000 Rwandan Francs. (more…)
// June 1st, 2010 // 5 Comments » // Rwanda, Travel Reflection
Typical Travel Glee
Mention travel to me, and this is my typical response: a cheesy grin and an eagerness to discuss it. But I contracted a bad travel attitude when I arrived in Kigali. Luckily the symptoms were only temporary, but they were tough to shake. (more…)
// May 24th, 2010 // 7 Comments » // Photo of the Week, Rwanda
Knowing that I had to spend a week in Kigali, I needed to take a day trip or two to pass the time. The Rwandan tourism office ORTPN recommended I go to Kibuye, a town on the shores of Lake Kivu. Less touristed than it’s northern counterpart Gisenyi, I can’t say that there was much to do there. However, the lake was beautiful and the five hour round trip drive to get there was full of stunning scenery. You can also get a glimpse of the Democratic Republic of Congo from the town of Kibuye. As I head to northern Rwanda on Wednesday, I’m looking forward to seeing more of this beautiful lake.
I love to travel, run, volunteer, and explore this crazy world! If it involves an adventure or a passport, count me in! For more about me, click here.
