24mm, f/13, 1/250s, ISO100
The purpose of travel photography is often not just to make people wish they were there, but to give them an opportunity to truly picture it. Having a landscape like this helps, of course, and those of you who read my previous posts might recognise a half-hearted adherence to the rule of thirds in the composition of the image. Well, something thereabouts.
This was my first time atop Mt Sabyniyo, the mountain where Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo all meet. If I hadn’t been sold on the Gorilla Highlands region before this, I certainly was once I climbed the last ladder and suddenly found myself above the clouds. There are few parts of the world with as much variety. As a photographer that’s both a joy and a challenge. From mountains and lakes to gorillas and chameleons, there is never a shortage of things to explore and photograph here. In fairness, this single mountain could (and might) be the subject of ten of these posts all by itself: other than perhaps Nyiragongo it is definitely my favourite of the Virunga volcanoes.
🖋️📸 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]
Comments
2 responses to “Top of the World”
If I was a tougher (or less busy) editor, I would demand some reference to the model in the photo, as it involves a certain personal connection to the region. 😉
Gorgeous image mate. I only wish the clouds had been so forgiving when I was on the top of that mountain!