A Bucket List Experience: Trekking with Kwitonda Gorillas in Rwanda.
The Story Behind Kwitonda
Imagine touching down in Rwanda's capital, Kigali, and being greeted with warm smiles. This is the start of an adventure you'll never forget – a journey to encounter the majestic mountain gorillas of the Kwitonda group in Volcanoes National Park.
The drive to the park is a scenic dream, winding through lush green hills and vibrant local villages. As you approach the park, the towering volcanoes – Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura – fill the horizon, their peaks shrouded in mist.
You arrive at Singita Kwitonda Lodge, an oasis of luxury on the edge of the park. The lodge blends modern comfort with traditional Rwandan craftsmanship, using locally sourced materials like river stones, bamboo, and eucalyptus poles. Each villa-sized room is connected by volcanic-stone pathways that meander through lush meadows and cross rushing streams. Your villa is a sanctuary of warmth and stillness, with rich, molten lava colors, floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering views of the forest, and an outdoor fireplace by a heated pool. The attention to detail is impeccable, from handcrafted pottery mugs to aromatic incense sticks.
The next morning, you gather at the park headquarters, sipping on excellent local coffee while waiting to be assigned a guide. The anticipation is palpable. Gorilla trekking permits are tightly regulated, ensuring the protection of these endangered creatures and providing an intimate experience for visitors. Your guide briefs you on the trek ahead. The Kwitonda group migrated from Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo to Rwanda in 2003. Today, the group is led by a dominant silverback, following the death of the previous leader in 2012.
You set off into the dense, misty cloud forests of the park. The trek is challenging but exhilarating, with the calls of exotic birds and the rustle of leaves creating a symphony of nature around you. After a few hours of hiking, your guide signals for you to stop. Ahead, amidst the foliage, you catch your first glimpse of the Kwitonda gorillas.
Kwitonda by John Banovich
The group consists of 18 individuals, including three silverbacks, four adult females, two blackbacks, two sub-adult males, two sub-adult females, two juveniles, and two infants. The dominant silverback is a sight to behold – a massive, powerful figure with a gentle demeanor. Watching him interact with his family is profoundly moving.
As you observe from a respectful distance, the gorillas go about their daily routines. The infants play under the watchful eyes of their mothers, while the juveniles curiously inspect their surroundings. One young gorilla, more daring than the others, ventures closer to your group, his eyes wide with curiosity. Your guide reminds you to stay calm and quiet, ensuring the gorillas feel safe in your presence.
The hour you spend with the Kwitonda group passes in the blink of an eye. It's a rare privilege to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat, to see their intelligence and social bonds up close. As you make your way back to the lodge, you feel a deep sense of connection to these incredible creatures and a renewed appreciation for conservation.
Back at Singita Kwitonda Lodge, you spend the evening by the outdoor fireplace, reflecting on the day's adventure. The lodge's farm-to-table dining experience is a culinary delight, featuring dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. You savor every bite, from velvety cauliflower soup to fall-off-the-bone lamb and fresh pea risotto.
The next few days are filled with more unforgettable experiences – golden monkey trekking, hiking the volcanic slopes, and visiting the local community. Each activity deepens your understanding of Rwanda's rich biodiversity and the efforts being made to preserve it.
This trip is more than just an adventure; it's a life-changing experience. You'll come back with unforgettable memories and a profound respect for the wildlife and people of Rwanda. If you're looking for a transformative journey, adding this gorilla trekking experience to your bucket list is a must. Trust me, you won't regret it!