Monthly Archives: January 2014
Like the flowers and candles…….
Words of Wisdom from the monks……
I thought it said “Area for mouse only”……
The creative adventures of a boy and two mice…..
African Safari – Gorilla Trekking – Rwanda
High in the mountains of North Rwanda, on the border of Uganda and the Congo, live the over 800 mountain gorillas, brought back from near extinction, and made famous by Dian Fossey (Gorillas in the Mist)……They live in troops (families) of 6 – 40 gorillas……and each day visitors can trek through the thick vegetation with trackers and guides to find a troop and spend one amazing hour with them…….
![These are the porters that carried me in......they used to be poachers.....but have now found alternative and more helpful employment.......I was grateful.......](http://marthathemouse.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Africa-Rwanda.jpg)
These are the porters that carried me in……they used to be poachers…..but have now found alternative and more helpful employment…….I was grateful…….
![This is the "team" - porters, trackers, guides, and trekkers.....I am in the middle....with the big ears.....](http://marthathemouse.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Africa-Rwanda-2.jpg)
This is the “team” – porters, trackers, guides, and trekkers…..I am in the middle….with the big ears…..the guide is holding me so I don’t get my feet dirty…..
![Mother gorilla and baby (nine days old).....I took the photo - that's why I'm not in the photo...](http://marthathemouse.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Africa-Rwanda-Gorillas.jpg)
Mother gorilla and baby (nine days old)….with the big Silverback just behind………I took the photo – that’s why I’m not in it…….the baby gorilla was slightly larger than me…..and also has large ears…..
African Safari – after the drive…..
African Safari – a few things you might see…..
While every safari offers different viewing experiences…….here are a few examples of what you might see….
![Hippos......laying low in the water......as if we can't see them!! They are very noisy and very big when they come out of the water.....and they have huge teeth (very visible when they yawn)](http://marthathemouse.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Africa-Kenya-5.jpg)
Hippos……laying low in the water……as if we can’t see them….. They are very noisy and very big when they come out of the water…..and they have huge teeth (very visible when they yawn)
![Cheetah - on the hunt.....they are VERY fast, VERY patient, and VERY hungry....](http://marthathemouse.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Africa-Kenya-7.jpg)
Cheetah – on the hunt…..they are VERY fast, VERY patient, and VERY hungry….fortunately, mice aren’t part of their diet…..that we know of……
African Safari – additional suggestions
No good Safari is complete without camera and binocs (short for binoculars)……and of course there are a few other things (other than the game viewing) that will make the experience complete…..
![Item #1 - Breakfast - Safari style - Please note, it is important to pick a spot with a good view in all directions......and look over your shoulder at all times.....](http://marthathemouse.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Africa-Kenya-8.jpg)
Item #1 – Breakfast – Safari style – Please note, it is important to pick a spot with a good view in all directions……and look over your shoulder at all times…..
African Safari – alternative viewing options…..
In addition to the traditional safari, there are occasionally options for “walking safaris”…..not to be done alone, but rather, in the company of an experienced guide…….and there are a few precautions to take (after a few deep breaths to keep calm……
- Item #1 & #2 – Good guide, Good gun…..Richard Pye at Mara Plains Camp, big gun.
(additional note – gun is only for extreme emergencies we were told – it is all about conservation…..) Item #3 – Stay close and keep an eye in all directions!!!