Quick Thoughts
This experience was one year in the making. Let’s rewind back to the beginning of March 2020. COVID-19 was just beginning to overtake the world as a flurry of news cycles brought its effects closer and closer to home. Amidst the growing chaos, I spontaneously booked a Rwandan gorilla expedition, imagining there was still time before the end of our civilization. I ultimately canceled the trip at the last minute after words of wisdom from a friend. THANKFULLY I heeded his warning because shortly thereafter…the borders shut down all over the world. This would’ve left me stranded in a foreign country for weeks if not months. So I’m grateful to live in the timeline where I chose to use my brain, but let’s pour one out for the idiotic alt-universe version of me that chose chaos.
Fast forward one year to a journey come full circle with a successful COVID-free Rwandan adventure exploring wildlife at its finest. There’s probably a life lesson somewhere in this story, but you know what? Life’s gotten too serious, so just enjoy the ride! Or at least enjoy my photos (:
Key Highlights
Link to my collection of Instagram Stories from the trip!
Kigali Genocide Memorial Site - Visited this site to inform myself on the atrocities of the 1994 Rwanda genocide where close to 1 million men, women, and children were massacred based on manufactured ethnic & class divides. Heartbreaking reminder of humanity’s potential for evil when hatred rules our hearts.
Gorilla trekking - Nothing beats the adrenaline rush experienced as a silverback casually lumbers closer, pauses to size you up before dismissing you as unworthy of a beatdown. I could’ve taken him though..
Golden Monkey trekking - This occurred higher up the mountain range within a bamboo forest. The monkeys were fascinating, but I actually found the bamboo forest more breathtaking and almost magical.
“Beyond Gorilla” village experience - We spent several hours exploring Kinigi village and meeting the locals who were very hospitable and friendly, especially the kids who treated me like a celebrity!
Hôtel des Mille Collines - It’s quite surreal visiting this historic site made famous through its portrayal in the Hotel Rwanda film. It’s worth a visit, and the film is worth a watch.
Ubumwe Grande Hotel Rooftop - Grab some drinks from the rooftop and enjoy the panoramic landscape view.
Things to Know
Uber Luxe Safaris - I highly recommend this team to book your travel experience! They took care of everything in the most professional manner: the itinerary, hotels, transport, permits, PCR logistics, the whole nine yards.
General itinerary - Day 1: quarantining at hotel until receiving PCR test done on arrival. Day 2: Kigali Genocide Memorial site visit and transport to Volcanoes Nat’l Park area. Day 3: Gorilla trekking in the morning, Beyond Gorilla experience in the afternoon, and PCR test for departure. Day 4: Golden Monkey trekking and transport back to Kigali airport.
Trekking duration - Gorilla treks can take hours of trekking through thick foliage and mud. Fortunately, not even an hour into the trek we encountered the Kwitonda gorilla family. In a rare turn of events these gorillas emerged from the rainforest and wandered into nearby farmland to feast on tomato crops. It made for wonderful photos, but don’t count on being this lucky!
Trekking gear - This trip occurred during Rwanda’s rainy season, but regardless make sure to bring sturdy boots, trouser and hat. The hotel provided leg gaiters which protects against mud and worse, with walking sticks optional.
COVID-19 PCR test - This is obviously subject to change, but keep in mind in order to pay for a PCR test in Rwanda, you have to go to a local bank and convert cash into a bank deposit slip. This can be quite frustrating so prepare in advance.
Malaria tablets - These are optional but better safe than sorry! Just make sure to take them a couple days before your trip.
Places I stayed: Kigali Serena Hotel and Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.
