Next Stop: A Rwandan Safari

I know.  I know. I’ve written almost no reviews this year.

Mount Nelson is still sitting there.  La Residence.  Perivoli House.  Delaire Graff.  I flew back from Dubai yesterday after staying at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab and returning to One&Only The Palm.  If I had an editor, they’d be stabbing a voodoo doll made out of my skin by now.  

My review list has grown substantially, but it’s become a real pain to keep up with when I’ve booked so many trips.  Someone play the world’s smallest violin.

Which brings me to this trip: Rwanda.

(I now have a whole ten days at home before heading to Rwanda.  Which feels like a real growth moment, considering I gave myself three days between South Africa and Dubai.)

Anywho, this is a trip I have long waited for. Here’s why.

First: gorilla trekking.

I absolutely love gorilla trekking. Safari is amazing, we all know that, but gorilla trekking is just another level. It’s as close to nature as you may ever want to get.

I have already been four times, previously staying at Bisate Lodge and Singita Kataza House.  This time, it’s Bisate Reserve, Wilderness’ latest and greatest.  I’ve already been to visit it, so can tell it’s awesome.  The rooms are like masterpieces, and with only four of them, you will not be surprised to hear they’re huge. It’s all very intimate.  Which will be great for me, as I’m going by myself.

But what’s really cool is the new wellness area they’ve added: “The Sanctuary” (also added to Mombo).  Their launch video looks like some art college student took too many edibles that morning, but I get the idea.  Something, something, body, soul, sauna, swimming pool, got it.

Seeing that Singita Kwitonda doesn’t even have a gym or spa, and Wilderness have gone and added this, it’s a good sign that competition is alive and well.

Second: golden monkeys.

I’ve somehow never done the golden monkey trek.  Four gorilla treks and I’ve ignored their hyperactive cousins.  That changes now.

Third: helicopters.

I’ve arranged plenty of helicopter transfers for clients. I’ve never actually done one myself in Rwanda.  This trip is largely by air.  That is because some of the transfers between lodges is nearly 8 hours of driving, compared to 30 mins in a helicopter.  Why does everyone not do this?  Cos it’s so damn expensive, that’s why.

Fourth: chimpanzee trekking.

Also never done it.  Which feels like a gap in the CV.

And fifth: seven full nights in Rwanda.

Historically, Rwanda has been “three nights for gorillas, then fly to Kenya or Tanzania for the real safari”.  But with Wilderness Magashi Peninsula open in Akagera, that model has changed.  Or hopefully, at least.

Now you can do One&Only Nyungwe House for chimps, Bisate Reserve for gorillas (and golden monkeys), and Magashi Peninsula for proper Big Five game viewing — all in one country.  Chimps.  Gorillas.  Golden monkeys.  Lions.  A complete circuit.

Which means Rwanda is no longer just a gorilla add-on. It’s becoming a standalone safari destination.

And yes, I will actually write the reviews this time.  Probably.