Author: Gorilla Highlands Experts
Our Stories:
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Smaller Twins Are Handsome Too
Three pretty sets of twin lakes can be found nestled on the Rwandan and Ugandan side of the Virungas, and we usually spin tales about the bigger siblings only — Lakes Burera, Kayumbu and Mutanda. The reason is that these lie directly on our trekking routes … But today we are correcting this omission with…
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How Safe Is the Congo Nile Trail in 2025?
In recent months there have been concerns about security in the area around Lake Kivu. News from DR Congo has cast a shadow over what are in reality the very peaceful Rwandan shores. As a team of people who live just minutes from the border and who have guided countless travellers along the Congo Nile…
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Missed These? Our Top 3 Posts So Far
3 fabulous territories, 2 short months, 1 astonishing region … What’s made our Top 3 moments so far? After two months of reporting across three distinct territories, we’re singling out some standout stories you won’t want to miss: The Virungas: a cow-fluencer transforms Rwanda’s Bigogwe Lake Bunyonyi: Batwa “Pygmies” feast with Greek volunteers Congo Nile…
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Lift the “Pygmies” Up, Don’t Knock Them Down!
Look who’s back at Edirisa on Lake Bunyonyi! The Wheeling2help volunteer crew have returned. Two of their teams helped us whip up the Batwa Feast last year, bravely stepping in as our taste-testers so the first lot of 2025 could savour the real deal yesterday … Fancy giving it a go yourself? You’ll get to…
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The Coffee Pot Hotel: A Family’s Legacy
Kisoro’s Coffee Pot Café is an institution. Known all across the Ugandan slopes of the Virungas, this cozy place of mixed German and Bafumbira DNA opened its doors in 2010. After 15 years in the business, it’s currently reinventing itself. At the heart of this transformation is Joseph Ndagijimana who was a kid when his…
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Volunteer’s Dilemma: Cause, Cash or the Girl?
Stay in Africa to help, or return to Europe for paid work (and a girlfriend who misses you badly)? A dilemma that many a volunteer has faced before … but usually not just a few days after their arrival! Last month, that happened to Sifis Sareidakis, 25, a Greek computer analyst turned supply chain planner.…
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Lake Bunyonyi’s Best Street Food (on Water!)
Ever found yourself wondering, “What do fishermen eat before heading out to catch fish?” Turns out … more fish. At least if you’re hanging around Lake Bunyonyi. Meet Jimmy Betubiza — the local celebrity who’s been slipping into the lake at dawn for over 40 years. He’s 53, but looks like he’s been preserved in…
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Where Can I Learn the Most About Gorilla Conservation?
If gorilla tracking is more than a selfie opportunity to you, add the Ellen DeGeneres Campus to your itinerary. Even from Uganda, it’s worth a day trip — located about an hour from the Cyanika border post in Kinigi, Rwanda. This 12-acre (5-hectare) facility is home to the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Yes, that Fossey…
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Kinunu Coffee Tour: Best Coffee Experience on the Congo Nile Trail
Planning to hike or bike the Congo Nile Trail in Rwanda? No matter where you start or how far you go, be sure to include a coffee experience in your itinerary. There are several on offer (and clearly signposted) along the Trail, but the leader of the pack is the Kinunu Coffee Tour. Here’s why…
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