African Safari – Gorilla Trekking – Rwanda

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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.......

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.....

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...

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…..

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Following the game drive is “down time” back in the camp……examples of which can be seen here…..in the Serrengetti….

 

Meanwhile....back at the camp.....it's time to clean up........

…..it’s time to clean up and get rid of all that dust……..

....followed by a little R&R outside the tent......

….followed by a little R&R outside the tent……

 

....and of course refreshments and snacks:):)

….and of course refreshments and snacks:):)

 

 

 

African Safari – a few things you might see…..

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While every safari offers different viewing experiences…….here are a few examples of what you might see….

Lions.....safely from a distance

Lions…..safely from a distance….

Elephants - apparently, elephants and mice are related?? Perhaps it's the big ears......

Elephants – apparently, elephants and mice are related?? Perhaps it’s the  ears……

 

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)

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....

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

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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.....

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…..

 

Item #2 - Good seating (although in this case a booster seat may have been helpful

Item #2 – Good seating (although in this case a booster seat may have been helpful)

 

 

Item #3 - Provisions for what they call "sundowners" - the safari experience whereby drinks and snacks are consumed out in the field....before return to camp.

Item #3 – Provisions for what they call “sundowners” – the safari experience whereby drinks and snacks are consumed out in the field….before return to camp.