As an introduction to the upcoming Gorilla Highlands Bootcamp we’ve pulled something attractive from our archives. This is how our global team hiked in June two years ago — through the Ugandan part of the Gorilla Highlands from Edirisa on Lake Bunyonyi to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The 20 trek participants came from Africa, America and Europe, arriving from different directions.
There was a special dinner at Edirisa on Lake Bunyonyi the night before, for the trekkers and for invited guests. The Gorilla Highlands project leader Miha Logar celebrated his 40th birthday in great company (photo by Marcus Westberg).
Our breakfast gathering to get to know everyone and prepare for the adventure. We had the added pleasure of being with Karen, a Danish globetrotter and African film critic (photo by Blasio Byekwaso).
Departure from Edirisa, by motorboat towards Muko (photo by Marcus Westberg).
We left one important man behind, our sleeper cell in Kigali called Nash (left), but Marcus (right) thankfully didn’t let us down (photo by Blasio Byekwaso).
The one-hour ride to the northern tip of the lake. Sitting in front: Blasio (Edirisa’s co-director), Tjasa (journalist) and Samo (designer). Tom who had recently completed 10 years of nightwatchmanship at Edirisa, waited for us on his island dressed as a real gentleman (photo by Marcus Westberg and Blasio Byekwaso).
Wim (tour operator) wisely utilising Batwa “Pygmy” walking sticks (photo by Marcus Westberg).
The hiking begins… We had Ethiopia, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Sweden and Uganda represented from the start, Canada only stopping by (as usually) and the USA joining later (photo by Blasio Byekwaso).
There may be no better way to know people than to trek with them (photo by Marcus Westberg).
Going through the Valley of No Living included crossing a little river (photo by Marcus Westberg).
Picnic lunch on the slope above the river (photo by Marcus Westberg).
Having Liz, a yoga instructor, with us helped us relax the muscles after five hours of trekking (photo by Marcus Westberg).
Best part of camping at a health centre: you can get a quick checkup if needed! Jessica (veterinary doctor) was tested for malaria (photo by Marcus Westberg).
Waking up at Kateretere Health Centre. Left: Kanusu, a Batwa “Pygmy” leader (photo by Miha Logar).
The two biggest yoga lovers, Tjasa and Liz, continuing the walk (photo by Marcus Westberg).
The vegetarian treat courtesy of Mutanda Lake Resort made Tom a little worried (photo by Marcus Westberg).
Hike for two days, take a catamaran to the middle of a beautiful lake under majestic volcanoes, jump into the water and try not to find life wonderful (photo by Marcus Westberg)!
Patrick of Chameleon Hill prepared a delicious BBQ dinner for us and his pets (photo by Blasio Byekwaso).
A morning view from Chameleon Hill: we had to reach those volcanoes by the end of the day (photo by Blasio Byekwaso).
It took three hours to reach the southern shore of Lake Mutanda (photo by Marcus Westberg).
Some rest on the way to Kisoro Town (photo by Marcus Westberg).
The heroes who walked it all: Ben-Eric (reformed gangster), Kahill (social media expert), Miha (Gorilla Highlands leader), Kidron (software developer), Liz (yogi) and Maria (videographer) (photo by Eva Marn).
Arrival at Amajambere Camp, Mgahinga, at 7:45pm. Our motorised guys had thankfully pitched the tents in the meantime (photo by Marcus Westberg).
Presenting the Edirisa big picture and Gorilla Highlands plans at Amajambere (photo by Marcus Westberg).
Marcus advising Blasio before photographing the Batwa Trail (photo by Miha Logar).
Recording in Sabinyo Gorge for the Gorilla Highlands Video Map (photo by Blasio Byekwaso).