Arrival at Kigali. Rwanda is known abroad for its dark recent history. However, the country has decided to overcome the horrors of the past. Proof of this is Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital, a culture hub in the region, and a colourful city.
Rwanda has come a long way since the 1994 Genocide. The Genocide Memorial in Kigali is a dark place, one that bears witness to some of the biggest follies of mankind. Even though these are hard places to visit, they challenge us and make us remember the past, work and strive for a better future. Fly to Volcanoes National Park in the evening.
The wake up call comes early. You catch something to eat and venture into the jungle. The misty forest is a place primordial and mysterious. After trekking for a while, your guide smiles to you and nods you forwards: every gorilla encounter is more like a meeting between old friends.
Though perhaps the most popular, Mountain Gorilla are not the only charming primate in the Volcanoes National Park. You spend the day tracking troops of Golden Monkeys and enjoying the magnificent nature of the park. After a picnic in the forest, you fly back to Kigali and from there to Nairobi, for the second leg of your journey.
Fly to Samburu, in other words: elephant paradise. From your exclusive tented camp you can see herds of elephants go by, and during game drives, reach out of the vehicle and practically touch them.
You spend the day with Save the Elephants scientists and conservationists. These conservation pioneers monitor up to a thousand elephants daily and today you’re joining the crew!
On the move again, fly to the Maasai Mara. The focus of your visit will be the cheetah, the fastest land animal. After settling into your new camp, a game drive shows you the hunting grounds of the swift cat. In the evening, Dr Elena Chelysheva drops by to brief you about the next day’s activities.
Dr Elena Chelysheva developed a method of identifying cheetah by the spots of their forelimbs. That way, she was able to make important contributions to the fields of cheetah behaviour, reproduction and ecology. It is fair to say that she is the foremost expert when it comes to cheetah. A full day safari with her will allow you to gain the insights most wildlife enthusiasts can’t even begin to fathom.
Today you move camp, on the eaves of the Mara. An afternoon drive allows to fully appreciate the biodiversity and richness of this area, you spot lions, antelopes and a whole array of animals that reminds you it’s not all about the charismatic species. Another glorious sunset accompanies your sundowner, and you wonder how you will do without them when you go back home.
Even if the elephant in the Mara receive protection, those in surrounding areas still face the challenges of habitat loss and conflict with humans. You head to Mara Elephant Project Headquarters. The Project deploys an array of innovative techniques to protect the elephants in the wider Mara Ecosystem. Join one of their key staff for lunch and join them in some of their many activities.
Fly back to Nairobi. As you leave Kenya you reminisce of all the natural treasures you witnessed in the two countries you visited. You recall the dark past and the bright future, which, after all, is in our hands.
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