GORILLES

 

 

Heading for a gorillas trek in the plains. 6 persons. A difficult 45 degrees descent into the woods ; we slip, we hold on to trees, we get scratched, we twist our ankles and we arrive in a clearing of tall green grass. The reward. We see the first gorillas and the guide explains the structure of the family, a dozen individuals. They barely seem to notice us and we approach them very close, a little fearful but amazed. Standing up, gorillas reach a height of 1.70 meters, but they are actually a bit taller since they bend their knees. The span of the arms exceeds the length of the body and can reach 2.75 meters.

MAJESTIC

 

 What a majesty! The leader stands aloof, watching his family, 200 kilos of impressive muscles, sure of his invulnerability. The females take care of their offspring and the younger ones come to look at you curiously, twisting their heads to examine you. Generally each group consists of an adult male (a male with a silverback), one or several younger males (black-backed), several adult females (five to six) and a few little ones.

KALACH

 

Souvenir pictures with the Kalashnikov armed guards.

KIVU

 

En route to Lake Kivu where we catch a fast boat, 3 hours to the north. New visa problems upon arrival. Endless discussions, a new hut harbouring negotiations that we do not want to know. On the road. Potholes, bumps, prehistoric carts, kids, women in not even beautiful boubous, and soldiers, checkpoints every kilometer.

ORCHIDS

 

Large individual tents planted in the jungle every 20 meters with a bed, a cupboard, a washbasin, a real shower, the outdoor tank of which is filled with hot water at will. A large main tent with everything needed including chargers for all electronic equipment. Thank you Warren Buffet (shareholder). English breakfast in front of a beautiful mountain landscape.

MOUNTAINS

They are harder to spot, they have gone back into the bushes and trees and we are led to crawl through the vegetation to observe them. On the other hand, if you’re well hidden, it is possible to get really close, up to 3 or 4 meters. We are aware of the rarity of this experience, especially since this species is disappearing.

SAFE

 

Return to the camp and then back to Rwanda, not complaining to leave the DRC, the feeling of insecurity which never left us. The recent events in this region will not prove us wrong.

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