Author Archives: Kurt Jay Bertels

The Gorilla Safari: Day 2

An early start got us to the National Park HQ in time to get assigned to the family of gorillas we would be trekking. A short briefing later, we were on our way to the Bisoke Volcano to begin our first trek. This is seriously exciting stuff. In trekking terms, we got quite lucky, because the family of gorillas we were looking for were quite low down on the volcano, so we found them relatively quickly. What an amazing experience! The mountain gorillas are simply brilliant. We spent a solid hour with this wonderful family, which had a little secret – a 2-month-old baby. This little fellow drew most of the cameras‘ attention, and deservedly so. He is easily one of the cutest little things I have ever seen! After lunch we made our way across to see the Twin Lakes, which is a trip well worth taking – the scenery is quite spectacular!

To join us on safari, click here!

The Gorilla Safari: Day 1

Driving from the airport to the lodge builds the excitement for what is a very special safari.  As you leave Kigali (the capital city), and head up towards the Virunga Mountains (which is made up of a chain of volcanoes), you get a good sense for what you are in for – good people, great scenery and a lot to see and do.  Arriving at the lodge, you are greeted by 3 of the 5 volcanoes that make up the National Park where the gorillas are found, and looming large behind the lodge, is a fourth.  We took some time to snap a few images from the camp, in preparation for the next day’s 1st gorilla trek!

To join us on safari, click here!

Victoria Falls: Day 5

It seemed like the only way to end this amazing safari – head out early on a birding river cruise and catch the sunrise at the same time.  This we did, and man was it worth it!  Seeing the sun creeping up over the river, while hundreds of birds wake up around you is a wonderful way to start a day.  The highlight of the morning was a fishing half-collared kingfisher, which is always a treat.  As good as the safari was though, it had to come to an end.  A quick transfer back to the airport and a short plane ride,with one last view of the Victoria Falls, brought to an end a truly fantastic safari.

To join us on safari, click here!

Victoria Falls: Day 4

An early morning start found us crossing the border into neighbouring Botswana for a day cruising the Chobe River.  Switching the Zambezi for the Chobe turned out to be a great decision; we spent the majority of the day surrounded by elephants! Herd after herd came down to the river to drink, and more often than not continued into the water for a good swim.  This is one of my all time favourite sightings, and the camera felt it.  Hundreds of elephants and thousands of images later, we crossed back into Zambia, and back home to out little stretch of the Zambezi River for a delicious dinner.

To join us on safari, click here!

Victoria Falls: Day 3

We made the most of our last morning at the falls, by again heading out early with our cameras; the rainbow really came out and played the game!  We tried some new types of images and were rewarded with some lovely results.  Our safari did not end there however; we made a move further down the Zambezi, to see a little more of what this magnificent river has to offer.  Any day here would not be complete without a spectacular sunset, and that is exactly how we ended off another great day, cruising up the river!

To join us on safari, click here!

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