Gorilla Trekking
// June 17th, 2010 // Uncategorized
This past Sunday, Lindsey and I got to do one of the wildest things I’ve ever had the opportunity to be a part of …Gorilla trekking! What we thought was going to be a somewhat difficult walk through the woods to see some mountain gorillas, turned out to be a 3 1/2 hour hike straight up and down hill, on all fours at times, through dense jungle and stinging nettles. We were led by our trekking guide, Patience, and a few other Rwandan guards who cleared the way with machetes. The hike itself was an intense romp through the wilderness of Sabyinyo, one of the five volcanoes surrounding Musanze. Getting to see these mountain gorillas was a rare treat, since there are only about 900 left in the world – most of which inhabit the mountains and volcanoes that border Rwanda, Uganda, and the Congo. We were literally feet away from them. No zoos, no bars, nothing…we were in their habitat. It was spectacular. The family of gorillas we visited, the Hirwa group, were led by one gigantic silverback male, six females, and lots of baby gorillas. We sat and watched in amazement as these incredible creatures played, relaxed, and went on with their wild every-day lives right in front of us. It was an experience I will never forget.
8 Responses to “Gorilla Trekking”
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- Dana Tull said: Peyton - thank you so much. I agree with you compl...
- James Lepine said: i've been going through psalms, too. good though...
- Bobby Neptune said: Do you speak french yet? Shoot me your email ...
- Christi said: Great pics Peyton. I can't imagine being so close ...
- Taylor said: That sounds awesome! Sweet pics! It's been fun to ...
- Mom said: What awesome photos! Right out of National Geograp...
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SO glad you two got to experience the gorillas!! It is. absolutely amazing!! Patience was our guide as well.
That’s the best looking blonde gorrilla I’ve ever seen.
Hey! What an amazing experience! Mom has been forwarding me Lindsey’s emails and it sounds like it has been the trip of a lifetime. Miss you both!
You and Lindsey have had some amazing experiences–definitely once in alifetime!! Thanks for the good pics and graphic descriptions. Can’t wait to get her home and hear about it all in detail. Were praying for you—
What awesome photos! Right out of National Geographic!! You are two lucky people! MOM xoxoxo
That sounds awesome! Sweet pics! It’s been fun to get a glimpse of some of the adventures you’re having over there.
PS. I enjoyed the nettles comment.
Great pics Peyton. I can’t imagine being so close to those gorillas. Glad you got a new camera-you captured them well. Hunter says hi!
Do you speak french yet?
Shoot me your email address. I am considering moving to Musanze to work for a couple months. Would love to ask some questions and catch up.
-Bobby