East Africa and Rwanda
Sitting at dinner one night with our friends Linda and George, talking about our favorite subject—travel, and someone said, "Let's go see the gorillas." Thus began our extensive planning with Jeanie at Cox & Kings. This would be our third trip to Africa and none of us had yet been to Tanzania. We decided that a safari to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti would be the perfect beginning before what would turn out to be the most amazing animal adventure, trekking to visit the Mountain Gorillas in Parc National Des Volcans (Volcanoes National Park) in Rwanda.
Upon arrival in Nairobi, Kenya, we were picked up by a lovely guide named Lydia who took us to The Giraffe Center for a visit with Daisy and her other giraffe friends. We then went to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Orphanage where baby elephants and rhinos are raised each by their own caretaker. This was the first time I was able to pet an elephant!
Arriving in Arusha, Tanzania, we were picked up by our guide Babenga. He stayed with us for the next seven nights. Not only did we have the opportunity to see the animals up close and personal, but we had many unusual experiences as well. One night at Kikoti Camp in Tarangire, we were treated to Masai dancers as we sat around a blazing fire. At Lake Manyara, we took a walk on the dry lake bed where we tried to learn how to throw a Masai spear. At the Crater Lodge we were entertained by the cooks and servers playing African instruments with traditional Tanzanian music. In the Serengeti at Singita Sabora Tented Camp (like no tents you have ever seen before) we experienced a complete authentic Tanzanian meal. When the chef discovered that Gary and George were ice cream lovers, she made them one of the best chocolate ice creams ever.
It was then time for us to leave Tanzania, and continue on to what can only be described as a truly amazing adventure. Gary describes it as surreal: After meeting our guides and fellow trekkers at the park Headquarters, we began our trek. The first day we were assigned to the Amahoro family with about 18 members. It took us one hour and fifteen minutes to reach them. The only words that I can remember saying and hearing as we began our one hour with the gorillas was, "Oh my God!" There is really nothing else to say. There before us was a Silverback, other adult males and females, the teenagers and the babies. An entire family unit, all munching away, climbing in the trees, and swinging on the vines. This was heaven on earth. The only saving grace upon leaving: knowing we would return the next day.
We were assigned the Sabinyo family the second day. A much smaller group of only 8 or 9. Our guide told us that the Silverback in this group is the largest in Rwanda at 450 pounds and 37 years old. Again the hour raced by and it was time to leave these peaceful animals in their beautiful forest. There are no words to describe what we were privileged to see.
Our last night was spent at the Giraffe Manor in Nairobi where we hand—fed and kissed the giraffes. There were also a couple of warthogs—named Bacon and Sausage, who live on the property. Another first, I was able to hand feed one of them. Along the way, we met interesting people, ate incredible food, and viewed thousands of animals, leaving us with a desire for more...
Faye and Gary Waldman
(Traveled with Linda and George Weinstock)
Upon arrival in Nairobi, Kenya, we were picked up by a lovely guide named Lydia who took us to The Giraffe Center for a visit with Daisy and her other giraffe friends. We then went to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Orphanage where baby elephants and rhinos are raised each by their own caretaker. This was the first time I was able to pet an elephant!
Arriving in Arusha, Tanzania, we were picked up by our guide Babenga. He stayed with us for the next seven nights. Not only did we have the opportunity to see the animals up close and personal, but we had many unusual experiences as well. One night at Kikoti Camp in Tarangire, we were treated to Masai dancers as we sat around a blazing fire. At Lake Manyara, we took a walk on the dry lake bed where we tried to learn how to throw a Masai spear. At the Crater Lodge we were entertained by the cooks and servers playing African instruments with traditional Tanzanian music. In the Serengeti at Singita Sabora Tented Camp (like no tents you have ever seen before) we experienced a complete authentic Tanzanian meal. When the chef discovered that Gary and George were ice cream lovers, she made them one of the best chocolate ice creams ever.
It was then time for us to leave Tanzania, and continue on to what can only be described as a truly amazing adventure. Gary describes it as surreal: After meeting our guides and fellow trekkers at the park Headquarters, we began our trek. The first day we were assigned to the Amahoro family with about 18 members. It took us one hour and fifteen minutes to reach them. The only words that I can remember saying and hearing as we began our one hour with the gorillas was, "Oh my God!" There is really nothing else to say. There before us was a Silverback, other adult males and females, the teenagers and the babies. An entire family unit, all munching away, climbing in the trees, and swinging on the vines. This was heaven on earth. The only saving grace upon leaving: knowing we would return the next day.
We were assigned the Sabinyo family the second day. A much smaller group of only 8 or 9. Our guide told us that the Silverback in this group is the largest in Rwanda at 450 pounds and 37 years old. Again the hour raced by and it was time to leave these peaceful animals in their beautiful forest. There are no words to describe what we were privileged to see.
Our last night was spent at the Giraffe Manor in Nairobi where we hand—fed and kissed the giraffes. There were also a couple of warthogs—named Bacon and Sausage, who live on the property. Another first, I was able to hand feed one of them. Along the way, we met interesting people, ate incredible food, and viewed thousands of animals, leaving us with a desire for more...
Faye and Gary Waldman
(Traveled with Linda and George Weinstock)
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