Going to Africa several times in my life has been a privilege. Each time I learn so much from the people and the incredible animals and creatures that share our planet with us. A few weeks ago I was able to fulfill one of my bucket-list dreams of going on gorilla treks in Rwanda.
Following a team of guides, trackers and experts, we made our way through the steep, rocky and treacherous terrain to find the gorillas in their habitat in the mountains of Rwanda. Each day the trackers have to locate the gorilla families. Slashing through the thick jungle with machetes, we followed them in deep anticipation. When you finally reach the gorillas, it is a moment of gratitude and awe. You are close enough to touch them, but we are only allowed to observe for an hour on each trek.
Meeting with a doctor later that day, we learned so much about some of the similar diseases, including forms of cancer, that are present in our close cousins, the gorillas. Respiratory illnesses are the biggest threat to them, so we had to wear a mask once we reached the gorillas.
Being in the presence of 400-pound silverback males, watching the females tend to babies—some only a few weeks old—and observing the raucous and playful juveniles was a thrill. Sharing the experience with my daughter was even more wonderful.
Our trip also included a return visit to Tanzania, where we saw more big cats at one time than I have ever witnessed. A huge pride of lions allowed us to spend a couple of days with them. Of course, we always respected their space! Leopards, elephant families, giraffes, zebras and the beginning of the wildebeest migration all filled our beautiful days.
Finishing our trip on a small island off the coast of Zanzibar, we also saw nature at its best. One night a huge female sea turtle was laying her eggs in a hole she carefully dug in the sand. The last night, we saw another group of sea turtles as they hatched and made their way to the ocean.
Dian Fossey, the famous gorilla researcher and conservationist, sums it up in this quote that we found in the museum dedicated to her in Rwanda:
“When you realize the value of all life, you dwell less on what is past and concentrate on the preservation of the future.”
With love from Africa,
Gay Gaddis
Founder. Author. Artist. Trailblazer.
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