A Journey Through Africa's Heart

A Journey Through Africa’s Heart My clients, Sue Andrews and her travelling companion Laura Blight, have just got back from an amazing African adventure. Sue sent me this fabulous summary of their adventure which I am sharing with you so that you can read, first hand, what this amazing adventure was like in her own words! Rwanda: A Surprising Gem Rwanda, often misrepresented in the media, proved to be one of the most beautiful and cleanest countries I’ve visited. The country boasts an astonishing level of cleanliness, largely thanks to a national initiative where every resident spends half a day each month cleaning their local area. This includes road cleaning, rubbish collection, and even gardening. The streets and neighbourhoods were spotless, and the locals took immense pride in their environment. During our travels, we found the Rwandans to be incredibly friendly, always smiling and welcoming. The warmth of the people left a lasting impression, as we navigated the tourist version of the country and mingled with locals on our first day. The Mille Collines Hotel & Women’s Empowerment We stayed at the famous Mille Collines hotel – a comfortable, well-located spot in Kigali, where the staff went above and beyond to ensure our comfort. During our visit, we also explored the Nyamirambo Women's Centre, a fantastic initiative dedicated to training women in various trades. This experience was eye-opening and incredibly rewarding, and it gave us insight into Rwanda’s impressive work ethic and the empowerment of women in the country. A Glimpse of Rwanda’s Past: Genocide Memorials Intrepid arranged a sobering tour of the Genocide Memorials, where we learned about the tragic events of the Rwandan Genocide. While it was painful to see how little the international community did to support the country during these difficult times, it was essential to understand this part of Rwanda’s history. The memorials were deeply moving, and we visited three significant sites in one day. Despite the emotional weight of the visit, we still managed to explore a few local art galleries and shop for handmade crafts—though the art of bargaining was an experience in itself! Rwanda to Uganda: Gorilla Trekking Our journey continued across the border to Uganda for an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience. After navigating border issues (including an unexpected visa delay for one traveller), we arrived at Gorilla Heights Lodge, nestled in the mountains. The trek to see the gorillas was nothing short of magical. Getting within a few meters of a silverback gorilla was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. The guides were exceptional, and the rangers ensured everyone respected the wildlife. It was a truly unforgettable adventure. The Dian Fossey Museum & the Unique Gorillas On our way back from Uganda, we made a stop at the Dian Fossey Museum, where we learned fascinating facts about gorillas, such as how each one has a unique nose print! The museum was an insightful addition to our trip, connecting us with the legacy of Fossey’s work in protecting these magnificent creatures. From Rwanda to Kenya: Nairobi & the Maasai Mara Next, we flew to Nairobi, Kenya, and visited Nakuru National Park, where we saw an incredible array of wildlife, including white rhinos, giraffes, lions, and elephants. However, Nairobi itself felt less welcoming, and we didn’t feel entirely safe during our brief walk around the city. Our experience improved once we ventured into the Maasai Mara, where we marvelled at the vast savanna and had a chance to meet the Maasai people. The Maasai Mara & The Circle of Life The Maasai Mara experience was awe-inspiring. We saw lions devouring a buffalo, crocodiles lounging by the river, and cheetahs stalking the grasslands. For those seeking adventure, the optional dawn balloon ride was a fantastic way to experience the park from above. Our stay in luxury tents (glamping) provided a front-row seat to nature’s raw beauty. It was one of the most memorable parts of the trip. Conclusion: A Journey to Remember From Rwanda’s warmth and cleanliness to Uganda’s gorilla trekking and Kenya’s untamed wildlife, this trip to East Africa was nothing short of extraordinary. Whether exploring vibrant cities or observing majestic creatures in the wild, this journey left us with memories that will last a lifetime.