Rwanda: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter
- Brant
- Sep 26
- 2 min read
Country Number Twenty-One
Rwanda was never on my original list of must-see places. But when I connected with the incredible team at Volcanoes Safaris and they crafted the ultimate gorilla experience, there was no way I could say no. What followed was one of the most magical chapters of our journey so far.
Kigali: Beauty and Reflection
We started in Kigali, a city that completely surprised us. It’s one of the cleanest, most beautiful cities I’ve ever visited. Our first stop was the Rwanda Genocide Memorial, a place that was at once heartbreaking, educational, and deeply inspiring. It gave us an understanding of the resilience and spirit of the Rwandan people, which shaped the rest of our time in the country.
Virunga Lodge: Perfection in the Hills
From Kigali we headed into the mountains and checked into the world-famous Virunga Lodge. I don’t say this lightly it was one of the most spectacular lodges I’ve ever stayed at. The service was next level. Whether it was wine being topped up without asking, boots being cleaned overnight, or a hot water bottle waiting at bedtime, every detail was flawless. The rooms, the views, the food, and the people all came together to create an experience that was unforgettable.
Into the Jungle: Meeting the Gorillas
But of course, this journey was about one adventure I’ve dreamed of my whole life: seeing the mountain gorillas. Rwanda is one of the only places in the world where you can encounter them in their natural jungle habitat, the very same forests where Dian Fossey dedicated her life.
Led by our guide Emmanuel—nicknamed “Crazy Emmanuel”—we trekked two hours into the dense jungle. The gorillas move daily, so trackers hacked a fresh trail for us. And then, suddenly, there they were: a family of seventeen gorillas, including three powerful silverbacks and several babies.
The moment was breathtaking. At one point, a silverback emerged from the bushes just three feet in front of me. He moved with calm confidence, brushed past, and sat down to pose as if he knew he was being photographed. We spent an hour with the family, watching them play, rest, and nurture each other, while a newborn gorilla peeked out from its mother’s arms. It was awe-inspiring, humbling, and more than a little terrifying in the best possible way.
A Life-Changing Experience
I’ve had the privilege of many amazing animal encounters, but this one tops them all. Standing eye-to-eye with a silverback in his own world is something I’ll never forget and something my kids will carry with them for life.
The team at Volcanoes Safaris delivered far beyond my expectations. If you ever get the chance to do this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, take it. Because this is the kind of experience that changes you.
And believe it or not, Rwanda still had more in store for us. Part two of our journey in this remarkable country turned out to be even more life-changing.
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