61mm, f/8.0, 1/320s, ISO100
With this image we are opening the theme of Staying Safe and Healthy, following Regional Attractions that ended last week.
When people think of going deep into Africa, they sometimes have concerns about being “in the middle of nowhere” — but the truth is, there aren’t quite as many “nowheres” as one might think, and that’s certainly true for the Gorilla Highlands region. There are almost always people nearby, there are motorcycles everywhere — and, though it may take a while to get to a hospital, local health centers abound. You’ll find it easier (and cheaper) to get a prescription there than back home. I’ll be sharing a personal experience or two of that kind in the coming weeks.
Is this the middle of nowhere? In some ways I suppose it is — it’s certainly a beautiful place on the edge of Echuya Forest, far from any big towns — but it is also home to hundreds of families who farm this land. Though the photo itself won’t make any of my Top 100 lists, it’s got a nice pattern-and-colour-breaker in our hiker’s little bag. She’s holding a stick decorated by our friends from one of my previous photo moments, the Batwa “Pygmies” of Rwamahano.
🖋️📸 written & photographed by:
Marcus Westberg is a multiple award-winning photographer and writer from Sweden whose work — covering conservation, wildlife and travel — appears regularly in several global publications. He has made several trips to our region specifically to volunteer for Gorilla Highlands Experts. When not globetrotting, Marcus lives with his wife and daughter close to Lisbon, Portugal. Click for our interview with Marcus. [bio updated: 2026-03-05]