Rwanda - Mountain Gorillas

[ALH]

I have been prompted to start a new thread about my recent Adventures in East Africa.

It may take me a while to get organized, so here is a tiny taste of my Adventure.....and a way to get me motivated.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Subscribing for this one -such a beautiful photo.

 

[Flying Fox]

Awe... that looks like my brother-in-law

I'm in too!

 

[Denali]

Patiently waiting... Next year, I'm thinking either African safari or Rwanda, so great timing!

 

[ALH]

Patiently waiting... Next year, I'm thinking either African safari or Rwanda, so great timing!

Do both. I went with a friend. We arranged private drivers in Rwanda, Tanzania & Kenya, and stayed in Luxury Camps & Lodges inside the Game Reserves. Not as expensive as you might imagine. Pm me if you want details.

NB. Talked to a few people before the Gorilla Trek who had already seen the Gorillas. All agreed that it’s worth spending the extra for Gorilla Trek in Rwanda ($ 1,500 USD), over Uganda ($ 750 USD)

 

[Flying mermaid]

I am walking at the highest incline on my treadmill every day to get ready for our gorilla treks. Did you find the altitude affected you at all?

 

[Pushka]

I hear love_the_life doing the budget right now. Hey @love_the_life - tune in to this one.

 

[Flying mermaid]

I hear love_the_life doing the budget right now. Hey @love_the_life - tune in to this one.

you could go with her?

 

[casanovawa]

Just for an FYI, I saw them in Uganda and it was fine as well as quite a bit cheaper.. The silverback i saw wasn't perhaps the biggest one you have ever seen but that was just the family group we came upon out of several groups... Not sure how the Rwandan experience would be better?


Anyway, back to report of the Rwandan trip...

 

[Pushka]

you could go with her?

I could - but have a few things planned this year. I know she’s keen to go and with her family.

 

[JohnM]

Aboard; settling into 1A.

Always like bringing back great memories .

 

[Flying mermaid]

Just for an FYI, I saw them in Uganda and it was fine as well as quite a bit cheaper.. The silverback i saw wasn't perhaps the biggest one you have ever seen but that was just the family group we came upon out of several groups... Not sure how the Rwandan experience would be better?
View attachment 114972

Anyway, back to report of the Rwandan trip...

we did a fair bit of research into this before choosing Rwanda. I don’t think the actual gorilla experience is any different. Most of the pros for Rwanda seemed to centre around accessibility and better roads and easier trekking and the country generally functioning better. At our age and fitness level, that was important. The final decider for us was that we wanted to stay at a particular lodge in Rwanda called Bisate and that was going to be part of the experience. If you are young and fit and want to save money then I think Uganda would be the choice.

We are staying 6 nights at Bisate and cramming in 2 gorilla treks and a golden monkeys trek, so we are going to either get fit or expire

 

[LadyC]

My gorilla experience in Rwanda was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. It was so magical. Just thinking about it gives me a huge grin - I am sure you had a fantastic time!

 

[kermatu]

I will take 2A.

Sounds amazing.

 

[Denali]

What flight routes can you take from Sydney?

 

[Flying mermaid]

What flight routes can you take from Sydney?

Heaps of different ways depending on exactly where you want to go. E.g. fly SAA to South Africa (or Qantas) and then SAA to Kigali. We are going Emirates to Kenya and then Kenyan Air to Kigali. Large numbers of airlines fly to Africa, so it depends what other countries you are going to visit.

 

[ALH]

I am walking at the highest incline on my treadmill every day to get ready for our gorilla treks. Did you find the altitude affected you at all?

I could see my friend struggling a bit. It’s very steep and slippery. It didn’t bother me at all as I was carried on a stretcher.

 

[Denali]

Were you injured/sick or was that first class?

 

[JohnM]

I recommend that you not use telescopic metal walking poles. Use the wooden pole the porters that you should (it's work for them) engage will supply.

 

[ALH]

Were you injured/sick or was that first class?

I was involved in a serious car crash 3 months ago.