Wow- a really L O N G day and we are beat. We left the lodge at 6:30 after a nice breakfast buffet. The lodge provides gaiters at a minimal cost. So we suited up and got picked up by our driver Gilles. We arrive at the park and get assigned to a group of 8. The park manager rates the treks easy/medium/hard depending upon the terrain we need to cover in order to see the gorilla families. Based upon conversations with other trekkers we ask for medium to easy length trek. But that is always subjective….
Before every trek, we gather and our guide goes over the rules. After which we get back in our respective vehicle and head to the trailhead that will get us in the general territory of our gorilla family. Unfortunately today, we have to drive 2 hours to the trailhead and the 2nd hour is on a road that would be rated a class 6 by US standards. And yet small towns and people live along this stretch of road!
To top it off our 4×4 breaks down. Fortunately another truck in our group is there and we hitch a ride to the trailhead with them.
Once we arrive we get more instructions on the do’s and don’ts and get paired with a porter to take our bag of extra clothing, water and snacks. Today we hire a porter for each of us basically to support the community. Otherwise they don’t get paid. It’s like a day laborer- they show up hoping to get picked.
The hike begins in yet another potato field. If you haven’t guessed- potatoes are a main crop grown in Rwanda. 😉
The porters immediately take our hands to lead us through the path. It’s a bit awkward for a few reasons- one, we are both able to navigate a path with a couple of rocks here and there and two: it’s hard to see in front of you when you are walking single file so closely! They want to do a good job and I take my hand away whenever possible but soon it’s back in my porters hand.
The hike was tough. It took us 2 hours to reach this point. Lots of slippery bamboo, some fire ants and big logs to hike over along with the increased elevation was tiring. 6 of us were huffing and puffing while the young couple in their 30’s or early 40’s were probably dreading that they got stuck with us. but that’s the thing with these treks- you have to go where the gorillas go.
One thing I forgot to mention was the masks. Even though we are outside, the national parks require masks during the hour we visit with the gorillas. This is to make sure no human germs can accidentally pass to them. You don’t know what effect even the common cold might have.
Ok- now on to the fun part! It’s time to meet Igisha and his family. I’m cheating now and cut and pasted the following about the family.
Igisha group is found in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and is led by the dominant Silverback Igisha. Igisha split from the original Susa group on November 30th, 2014, and moved away with 23 individuals and formed a new group that was later named after him. Igisha group is currently composed of 24 individuals.
We are instructed to keep our distance but immediately a female carrying a baby walks within 3 feet of us! And settles down to rest. You have to zoom in on the baby’s face.
The hour went by fast and we moved as the gorillas moved. It was Lunchtime and they wanted the best bamboo. Which meant for us to bushwhack a bit.
It was a little scary when the silverback walked right by. But don’t run! That will entice him to chase after you.
What goes up must come down. Time to return to our jeeps. It was a good day although exhausting. We left the lodge at 6:30am and got back at 4:30. We hiked approximately 8.5 miles today.
And we get to do this again on Friday! Hope we can get out of bed!
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