P E R S O N A L M O M E N T S enchantingtravels.com/blog GUEST TRAVELOGUE Gorillas and Spices In 2018, Dieter & Gabriele Ebenhöch combined a visit to their sponsor child in Kenya, with a three-week jaunt through East Africa. They traveled through the jungles of Rwanda, the green Mfangano Island on Lake Victoria, and the spice island of Zanzibar. FROM RWANDA TO ZANZIBAR The summer of the century has just passed, and the balmy rain hits dry ground. Autumn is in the air. My wife and I are escaping the damp grip of the approaching cold season, as we head for Africa: 6,156 kilometers separate us from twenty adventurous days through Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. We first touch African soil in Nairobi, the vibrant capital of Kenya, which serves as the starting point for our dream trip. Once in Kenya’s port city of Kisumu, we head to a village to meet our sponsor child, Emma, and her family at school. We exchange gifts and play cards together. After a good night's sleep, the next morning we continue to the world’s second largest freshwater lake: the deep blue Lake Victoria, with its innumerable lush green islands, banana trees and fishing villages on the shore. Upon arrival at our hotel, which is tucked away in a gorgeous secluded bay on Mfangano Island, we are offered a choice of accommodation. We opt for a lodge right above the lake. Without being intrusive the entire staff is eager to meet our every wish. Thanks to its location right on the shores of Lake Victoria, our next hotel gives us the unique experience of observing a young hippo grazing just a few meters away. 26 Our guide is great and goes fishing with us. On our first attempt, we pull a 2.2kg tilapia out of the water! 27 GO SLOW One highlight follows the next. After a stopover in Kigali, Rwanda’s economic center, we set off for Volcanoes National Park, wherein lies a 4,500 meter-high volcanic mountain. The dense forests here are home to over one hundred mountain gorillas. Relaxing boat trips on the twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera are balm for the soul. Our lodge is situated in a sensational location with warm, welcoming staff, and dinner is served at a long table, so guests can informally share their experiences. We wake up to beautiful Rwandan singing, coffee, tea and cookies, and head out to follow in the footsteps of the famous gorilla researcher Dian Fossey. Gorilla trekking is the absolute highlight of our trip. Our park ranger takes us to meet gorilla families living in their natural rainforest habitat. The following morning we hike into a fascinating volcanic landscape, through forests, valleys, lakes and marshlands, to track down endangered golden monkeys. Unlike the gorillas, the golden monkeys are incredibly nimble. It's a pleasure watching them romp through the treetops. We leave the African mainland and head to the spice island, Zanzibar. We explore Stone Town, the historic old town with its narrow, winding streets. We feel right at home as we participate in the city’s vibrant life. We head past impressive monuments from the former slave trade, historic fortress walls, romantic gardens. During the hustle and bustle of the night market, we are introduced to the fragrant spices and culinary treats of the island. Like all our previous trips with Enchanting Travels, our East African vacation has become an unforgettable memory for us. With our guides and chauffeurs at our side we have again learnt so much. We are already looking forward to our next adventure...South America is calling! 27 RECOMMENDED ROUTE Gorillas, Great Migration and Indian Ocean Dreams (13 days) Volcanoes National Park (2 nights) Kigali (1) Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro (2) Serengeti (Central) (3) Zanzibar (4) Beaches Wildlife Best time to go: JUL to OCT From $ 11, 030 / person It is both moving and touching to be so close to the gorillas: they display many human-like qualities. Adventure