We were staying at the Royal Livingstone by Anantara, which is perched right on the edge of Victoria Falls. In fact, you access one of the 8 wonders of the world, through the hotel grounds. In terms of exclusivity, it doesn’t get better than this. Whenever you feel the urge to feel the power and magic of the Falls, you can simply walk across. In any case, the presence of the Victoria Falls is embedded into the fabric of Royal Livingstone by Anantara. You see the falls while having breakfast or sunset drinks and you feel the history of the falls in the history of the hotel. We visited the falls a couple of times, but the highlight was our midnight visit which coincided with a full moon and what is referred to as the “Lunar rainbow” or the “moonbow” a majestic freak of nature where the alignment of the full moon with the cascading waterfalls emits a full white rainbow that rises over the falls in sync with the rising of the full moon. Just experiencing this is worth the price of admission into Zambia and the Royal Livingstone. The Victoria Falls is so big it straddles 2 countries, 1.2m of it in Zimbabwe and 500m in Zambia. The best months to visit are June, July and August in Zambia and the rest of the year Zimbabwe.

 

There are many hotels around Victoria Falls but Royal Livingstone is clearly the cream of the crop. What makes it so special other than the access to the actual falls is the presence of wildlife on the actual property. Large number of zebras, giraffes, gazelles and monkeys freely roam the lands of the hotel. They are so ubiquitous that you forget that they’re still wild animals and not pets; the hotel staff had to keep reminding our kids not to think we can go over and start petting the gazelles or zebras. But the animals themselves are so used to people that they wander up close while we are eating or drinking; at one point we were lounging around the pool and this zebra walked right up to us, actually oblivious to us, as it munched the grass and literally brushed up against us. One morning we were woken up to what sounded like crashing noises on our roof, it was a massive group of monkeys traversing the roof of the hotel to get to the trees on the water's edge. One night as we were having sunset drinks and watching the steam off the Victoria Falls, an elephant decided to join us, walking past us and gently navigating the 2 giraffes that sternly looked on – don't worry he was in front of the electric wire on the waters edge.

 

Named after a legendary African explorer, the Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara captures the grace and elegant of the Victorian era. More than 170 luxury rooms and suites decorated in a colonial style boast private verandas that open out onto the river. Elegant suites are situated in two-storey clusters that are inspired by the grand estates of times past. Beautiful paintings and black and white photographs of pioneers of old call to mind the grandeur of the colonial era, which a hint of tribal warmth adds an authentic African touch.

Guests can unwind in the cool shade of the travelers’ bar and sitting room while savoring an impeccably served high tea or enjoy a dip in the heated swimming pool. Sunset drinks are served right infront of the river while traditional African dancers entertain you just as you sip the sun will slowly sink into the calm waters in front of you.

 

What makes Zambia so adventurous is the amount of adventure activities on tap; many of them revolve around the Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River. My family decided to experience a variety of them. While I went for my own personal favorite- a helicopter ride over the Falls, my kids went for a microlight flight over Vic Falls, while my husband decided to do the world-famous bungee jump off the Victoria Falls bridge.

My helicopter ride seems tame compared to what the rest of the families activities but it was exhilarating seeing the 8^th wonder of the world from a Birds Eye view and now I can tick it off my bucketlist. From up above, the grandeur of this natural wonder is easy to see, its an act of nature that is beyond human comprehension, it truly is awe inspiring. But while I was quite thrilled with my helicopter ride, I didn’t realize I had signed up my kids for something even more exciting. Microlight flights are just you and the pilot, in this small plane that rides the winds and gets you closer to life on the ground. My kids flew over the Falls and saw elephants crossing the Zambezi; I am sure in the eyes of kids this stuff was magical and when they all came off their respective flights and said this was one of the coolest things they had ever experienced, we knew Zambia had found a special place in our hearts.

 

To cap off our adventure in Zambia, we got to witness my husband, walk across the Victoria Falls bridge that connects Zambia and Zimbabwe, head towards the center platform, have people strap him to a couple of elastic ropes and let him jump off the bridge, his sounds of sheer joy getting quieter and quieter as he descended further and further into the Victoria Falls ravine below. While my kids and I had our hearts in our mouths for a few seconds as we saw him disappear, once we saw him being roped back up after a successful jump, we started laughing at the uniqueness of it all: having drinks and snacks on the edge of a mountain, baboons roaming around, watching him jump off a bridge while the Victoria Falls in the background kept raging.

 

Zambia, you were certainly an adventure. Thank you for the incredible memories.

 

 

 

 

 

For unique rates and more information contact Unique Family Travels 

Danielle@uniquefamilytravels.com

 

www.uniquefamilytravels.com

Being a private reserve, Gondwana places conservation high on its list of priorities meaning the animals are well taken care, populations are monitored, and the entire game reserve ecosystem is carefully preserved. The famous African Big 5 are all here and the meticulously choreographed game drives by the supremely talented game rangers give clients ample opportunities to spot all the animals in all their natural glory.

 

A stay at Gondwana is all inclusive, meaning 3 meals a day and 2 safaris a day. Only drinks (including alcohol) are extra. Like any game reserve around the world, the whole experience is geared around the safari drives. Early morning game drives start at 6.30am to catch either the animals waking up or in the case of lions, seeing them finishing off their night kills, are followed by breakfast either back at the lodge or in the bush. Then a leisurely afternoon leads to a late lunch leading into the afternoon/evening game drive that culminates in sunset drinks. Throughout all of this you are up close and very personal with cheetahs, lions, elephants, hippos, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes etc

 

The main Luxury Game Lodge is where all the facilities are located including a large swimming pool, a chic open-plan lounge and bar, a spa that offers rejuvenating Africology treatments, a reception area with a curio shop and the main restaurant where all the delicious food is served. This is also the staging point for the 2 daily drives, your personal Game Ranger escorting you to your customized Safari jeeps for the start of the adventure. The special characteristic of Gondwana is their specific focus on families and hence on children. Even though the game drives are more than enough entertainment for kids of all ages, Gondwana personalizes the experience by having a special Junior Rangers Program – on the second morning, after the morning game drive, our kids headed out in their own Safari Jeep with a lovely and charming Game Ranger who led them through experiences that involved animal tracking and making bow and arrows amongst other activities. They were even given their own personalized welcome bags full of all kinds of goodies.

Spread across the Gondwana landscape and again keeping to its conservation ethos are the accommodations available to customers. Gondwana’s villas have been praised as the best Family Safari Accommodation in South Africa.

Kwena Lodge Villas

These villas come with ample indoor space and an easy-going open-plan design that leads you outdoors to take in your natural surroundings. 
The spacious villas feature either 2,3, or 4-bedroom configurations, all with en-suite bathrooms, to accommodate your particular group.  Choose a Fynbos Villa adjacent to Kwena Lodge or a Bush Villa deeper in the bush with a higher probability of animals roaming close by. That’s why especially at nighttime, you need to be escorted by the experienced game rangers.

Kwena Lodge Suites

A modern and luxurious twist on the traditional Khoi-San circular dwelling – augmented with all the amenities of a modern Luxury Hotel. Each open plan Kwena Room is designed to connect visitors to their beautiful surroundings with 180-degree views and skylights for star gazing. At night, visitors are warmed by the indoor fireplace and relax in a deep bath upon returning from an evening Big 5 Game Drive. These suites are situated around the main Game Lodge and more suitable for couples.

The true value of Gondwana is that it caters to any type of traveller. Families are very well taken care of, as are couples and single travelers. But it also gives ample opportunities to adventure seekers. Due to the amount of land under its patronage, Gondwana has a special closed off area where you can hike and mountain bike. During our visit we saw people coming in with their mountain bikes hooked to the back of their cars while my ultra running husband was shown trails that ran through wild bush. Imagine mountain biking and running close to where giraffes are grazing.

 

In my travels, I sometimes come across properties that tick a lot of boxes and cover a lot of angles for any type of traveller. Gondwana easily fits into that category especially if you don't want to get on another flight to a different part of Africa, for families coming to Cape Town and wanting a safari experience- check. Couples on their honeymoon looking to combine relaxation with excitement – check. People wanting an authentic safari experience-check. True nature seekers looking for highly talented game rangers that can truly educate on the multitude of fauna and flora around – check. The list goes on…

 

For special, discounted rates at Gondwana Game Reserve, please contact Unique Family Travels.

 

Video: https://youtu.be/CGkOE_-3MQE

 

Danielle@uniquefamilytravels.com

 

www.uniquefamilytravels.com

Less famous than its sister wine town of Stellenbosch but just as popular and with a distinct French flavor, owning to its heritage and history as a landing spot for French settlers, Franschhoek carries itself with a certain panache that comes from having a very unique history embedded into a very high standard of wine offering.

 

In any wine country, the standard of your wine farm is directly reflected in the kind of experience one can expect. In our case, our expectations became abundantly clear as we approached the gates to Mont Rochelle.

 

Made famous because of its association with its owner, Richard Branson, Mont Rochelle’s gates immediately send a message of welcome and as we made our way through the winding country road towards the large manor house, the rolling fields and majestic mountainside got our pulses racing.

 

The moment we stepped out of the car, a beaming, laughing, gregarious gentlemen bounds up to us. Peter symbolizes Mont Rochelle, one of its earliest employees, a fountain of knowledge, his endearing personality overflowing with happiness. Any guest will feel immediately at home in the presence of Peter, as he sends you on a journey of history and experience with his tales of life in the Franschhoek valley.

 

Spellbound by the magic of Peter, he escorts us to our family suite, tucked away on one side of the manor house, nearer the vineyards but close enough to all the resort facilities that the children can roam freely knowing they are close by. The family suite has a large living room that spills into open grounds that borders the vineyards while a heated plunge pool completes the picturesque outdoor landscape. The master bedroom has a lovely open bathroom with a large sunken tub and rain shower.

 

No wine farm worth its weight would shy away from exhibiting its own wines. Mont Rochelle has an arsenal of award winning wines at its disposal, including Miko wine which is also the name of their flagship restaurant. Miko is produced in honor of the late Mr Miko Rwayitare a Rwandan billionaire who purchased Mont Rochelle in 2001 making the property the first black owned wine estate in South Africa. He was also the owner of Hotel des Mille Collines on which the film Hotel Rwanda was based. I have to be honest, I personally loved the taste of Miko Red and as someone who has a soft spot for Rwanda, a huge cheers from me to Mr Miko and huge respect that Mont Rochelle, to this day, honor Mr Miko!

 

Guests are greeted in their room by a very generous collection of complimentary Mont Rochelle wines. As I eye my wine collection, Peter gives us an idea of what kind of activities we can expect over the next couple of days.

 

We enjoyed a wine tasting class for families at the Mont Rochelle Country House. The kids had a selection of juices while we went for the selection of grapes.

 

Obviously in wine country, a lot of activities revolve around wine tasting and visiting wine farms. Mont Rochelle is located close to the village so its easy to enjoy a village walk around the multiple boutiques. While in Franschhoek take the Wine Tram to visit other wine farms, or alternatively Mont Rochelle can provide a private shuttle service. I would recommend a visit to La Motte, Boschendal and lunch at the ultra luxury Leeu Estates which is right next door to Mont Rochelle.

 

Traveling with my family and because a lot of my clients want to visit wine farms with their families, I was seeking wine farms with a distinct family touch. Mont Rochelle had always been at the top of my list so staying in this beautiful property was an added bonus to utilizing its list of activities around the property – so many outdoor games and so much land to run around, not to mention the hotel swimming pool.

 

 

Wine country comes with a special vibe, that laidback country feel that gives one an opportunity to truly switch off, enjoy nature, indulge in fine food and drink and really grasp the true aspect of living in a wine valley with its unique history and personal idiosyncrasies. Mont Rochelle wraps all this up in luxurious surroundings and gives you a great location from which to take it all in.

 

 

To book your stay, with special offers, contact Unique Family Travels.

 

Danielle@uniquefamilytravels.com

 

www.uniquefamilytravels.com

 

Grootbos (meaning ‘big forest in Afrikaans) and deservedly rated by Condé Nast as the Number 1 lodge in South Africa, is a hidden gem in the true sense of the word. Off the Hermanus coast, deep in the lush greenery of the surrounding mountainside, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a true testament to the fact that if you build something based on a vision, it becomes more than a hotel and resort. Meticulously laid out over 3500 hectares of land, owner Michael Lutzeyer has done a remarkable job in creating a first-class resort that utilizes its unique location to provide customers with an experience that they will soon not forget.

 

The resort has 2 sections, Garden Lodge which is where we are staying and primarily for families and Forest Lodge which caters more to the adults/couples' segment. Both lodges are managed separately with their own pools, spas, lobby/reception and restaurants. Both facing the beach and both owning the same incredible view. 

 

Rooms

Ruuwan has to drag us away from the view and gently coax us towards our room. A Guide (personal butler) is dedicated to each family/ villa/room and heightens the personalized service. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve works on an all inclusive package, so other than alcohol and outside activities, everything else, and especially the dining is available throughout the day. They even have a cheeky corner of the lobby area, next to the raging fireplaces that contains all kinds of candies, cookies and drinks – enticing not only all the kids but all the adults that are kids at heart.

Our first port of call and abode for the night is the two-bedroom family suite – a home away from home that literally feels like you could move in! The crackling log fire, a beautiful terrace with an old extinct fig tree growing through the middle, that the kids immediately scrambled up, sets you up nicely for that gorgeous view again and a feeling that life is just divine. The bathrooms are generous sizes with a walk-in wardrobe, double sinks and large shower and bath in both en-suites. The master bedroom has a wraparound window going across two walls that provides a postcard view of the incredible Hermanus coast and beach while at dusk, nature goes to work and puts on a show, breathtaking sunsets with powerful color explosions of pink and orange that can only be experienced and that no words can do justice. 

 

The next night we were invited to stay at the 4- bedroom villa, one of the 2 premier accommodations on the entire property. This was uber luxury at its finest. Like its neighboring 6-bedroom villa, this is all open plan exquisiteness, large swimming pool going across the entire garden, a fantastic art collection spread cross the entire property, cinema, wine cellar, gym, sauna a large kitchen and dining areas that bring the outdoors in.

 

Dining

Fully intoxicated by the ‘sunset show’, suitably warmed up by the log fires, we are ready for our 5 course evening meal. Superbly crafted by the chefs, the attention to detail in every dish is worthy of any recognition while the use of the surrounding nature to attenuate your taste buds is masterful. While mum and dad are sufficiently sated, the kids also work their way through the kid's menu. Our only gripe, which was put to us by our kids, is that there could have been more choices on the kid's menu – although the chefs were again versatile and open to making things off-menu.

Activities

 

The coup de grace for any activity in Hermanus is whale watching; it is literally considered The best spots in the world to watch these incredible animals. Due to its wide coastline and deep waters, whales have made Hermanus a key spot in their annual travel and in particular they use the Hermanus coastline to give birth.  A couple of years ago we visited Hermanus in the March time and literally watched whales giving birth on the coast – it was incredible to witness.

Whilst Grootbos Private Nature Reserve has many internal activities (horse riding, cave exploring, flower & bird safari, botanical tour,fat biking etc), whale watching is a customer favorite, so they have teamed up with one of their touring company partners to provide the “Marine Big 5” experience. Jump on a specialized touring boat, get warm, get the binoculars out, head out into the waters for 3-4 hours and you will be presented with the incredible experience of watching up close and very personal, sharks, seals, African penguins, dolphins and whales (in particular the humpback and the southern right). While the expert “watchers”, some with 20 years of experience look out for the various sightings, an expert onboard marine biologist keys you in on all the data and information you could ask for. But this is nature, anything is possible, so go in with an open mind and you may just encounter something magical. Magical like 2 enormous whales breaching the water literally a few meters away from you, so close that you can see the scratches on their skin, the awe-inspiring sight leaving you totally speechless as you witness nature at its rawest beauty. We must have seen around 20 whales who came close to the boat. As one whales tale lifted in front of us, it was like he was saying goodbye and then they disappeared.

Another unique way to experience the whales is by going on a helicopter tour; this is also thrilling as you get a Birds Eye view of these majestic animals.

Fun Fact: one of the tagged whales went to Australia and came back to Cape Town in 3 months!

One of the other activities we enjoyed was horse riding through the fynbos and fauna. The children loved visiting the stables and farm which is very close to the rooms, so the children went and visited the horses often.

As the property is emerged in so much land, the hiking trails are amazing.

Conclusion

 

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is an experience onto itself. Some resorts have that special “it” factor where everything aligns, the story sells itself and you just have to ride the wave were luxury meets nature.

 

Anyone that believes in sustainable conservation, wants to get out in nature, experience some truly magical encounters with some of our earthly co-habitants, and do all of this in a luxurious, uber-comfortable and peaceful setting, than Grootbos should be high on your list. I have to say, having stayed at many incredible properties around the world, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is certainly in my top 5 destinations and I believe me, I would visit again in a heart beat, but this time stay for at least a week.

 

To book your stay, with special offers, contact Unique Family Travels.

 

Danielle@uniquefamilytravels.com

 

www.uniquefamilytravels.com

Upon landing in Mahe, Seychelles, you can either start your holiday at the beautiful Mango House which is a 25-minute drive from the airport or you can go directly to the Platte Island Private Villa at the airport, freshen up, relax and wait for your twenty-minute flight that takes you directly to Platte Island.

 

An 18-seater plane lands directly on the untouched islands landing strip, flying across the palm trees and showcasing the coral reef beneath you. It was breathtaking to witness such raw natural beauty and it also gave me a sense of hope that we still have parts of the world that are still untouched and ready to be explored.

 

From the landing strip we hopped into golf buggies, something that guests can expect and that will be waiting to take them directly to their villa for in room check in.

 

Let me tell you a little bit about this piece of paradise that you can call home…

 

The Island Resort

 

As mentioned before, Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts, Hilton's signature luxury brand, will debut in the Seychelles with the opening of the anticipated Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island. Located on a secluded luxury private island, the resort promises an unparalleled nature lover's escape with top-notch hospitality.

 

Situated in an untouched atoll, the resort is hugged by palm forests and seabirds, and turtles protected by its own lagoon and coral reef. The island is home to a variety of native wildlife such as Hawksbill turtles, eagle rays, manta rays, and whale sharks, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

 

Guests will have access to six restaurants and bars, a spa, kids' club, outdoor observatory, tennis and paddle courts and a marine conservation discovery centre.

 

Villas

 

This all-villa island will host only 50 exclusive, seafront villas in total ranging from 1 bedroom, family villas up-to a 5-bedroom grand villa. All villas will have a private pool, large garden and come with a butler service. In order to protect the marine life, none of the villas are located directly on the beach (this will preserve the turtles nesting grounds), however all villas will have direct beach access which makes the villas even more private and exclusive.

 

I stayed in a family villa which is very spacious, has a living room, king bed, large bathroom and another bedroom with sofa bed and ensuite for children.

Each villa will have bikes in order to explore the island from tip to tip and as its 14 km wide, that's a nice ride especially if you stop to watch the marine life.

 

Dining

 

The island's garden is expected to provide lots of local fruits and vegetables, in order to give guests a sustainable “soul to soil” gastronomic experience.

 

Meeting the culinary team on the island was an absolute pleasure – their passion for bringing Seychelles local produce back into authentic dishes was wonderful to listen to. There are so many local produce grown in Seychelles which is simply overlooked as the country imports most of its produce. Not only will eating local produce keep inline with the resort’s sustainable ethos but the produce is also healthier and more beneficial. From herbs and roots that can help cure diseases to natural remedies for a healthier lifestyle.

 

Spa

 

The spa sadly wasn't ready during our stay but I can tell you that there will be six large treatment rooms, a beauty salon, a hammam, spa suite and “serene” outdoor spaces, making it the perfect zen retreat.

 

Sustainability

 

In keeping with Hilton's "Travel with Purpose" commitment, the Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island will make use of a designated solar field to create renewable energy across most of its operations.

 

As a sustainable travel advocate that likes to work with the best luxury sustainable hotels brands in the world, I have no doubt Platte Island will be up-there with the best of them.

 

Don't worry about packing shoes for your island escape – barefoot is the way forward (although if you still insist, a more natural footwear that's fully aligned with sustainability will be provided). But as we were told, it is estimated that an average of 13,000 pieces of plastic and synthetic materials (flip-flops) are floating on every square kilometer of ocean. Since 1998 Ocean Sole has cleaned up over 1,000 tonnes of flip-flops from the ocean and waterways.

 

Hilton's commitment to sustainable travel and tourism has been instrumental in the success of its three Seychelles properties, all of which have won numerous awards for their sustainable practices and Platte Island with its own unique sustainability approach will only add to their accolades.

 

 

Overview

 

Apart from feeling greatly appreciated that I got to experience Platte Island up close and personal, I have a feeling this resort is going to be in serious demand. A discerning, smart traveller that is looking for a resort that caters to the highest luxury needs without compromising on its sustainability ethos whilst doing all of this in a place that is raw, untouched, and shows what the world can still look like, can do no wrong with a visit to Waldorf-Astoria, Platte Island, Seychelles.

 

To book your stay, with special offers going into the grand opening, contact Unique Family Travels.

 

Danielle@uniquefamilytravels.com

 

www.uniquefamilytravels.com

Due to the sheer acreage of Akagera National Park, game drives can turn into big adventures with the distance being covered in all types of terrains. Like any safari experience it can boil down to luck if you spot the Big 5 but Akagera offers a huge possibility, with elephants strolling by your camp, hippos in the lake in front of your tent, the big cats and buffaloes roaming across the savannah.

During one of our game drives we unexpectedly came across two leopards playing and most likely mating in some of the rockiest terrain possible. The male ran off but the female was not in the least affected, in fact she was very confident and playful and even put on a little show for us, posturing and posing, which is actually very rare for a leopard to act this way. Even Bosco, our game drive guide and ranger of over 20 years of experience was totally flabbergasted by the audacity of the female leopard. Nature will never cease to amaze.

One day after our boat safari we came back to land and spotted two female lions relaxing in the tree. I’ve seen lions on many safaris but never relaxing in a tree. They looked like they were literally balancing on the branches and one wrong move and they would fall down. They chilled on the branches for a while and we also waited patiently as we knew when the sun went down they would be on the move again in the cooler temperature of the night. It was fascinating as we essentially went into “lion time”, animals have a totally different rhythm to life in the wild and it can be very therapeutic for us ‘hurried’ humans.

 

Once our stay at Magashi had ended we were on our drive back to the main gate and the team radio came through with the announcement that approx. 50 elephants had come to visit the camp. Again, Mother Nature does not care about our human schedules!

 

The Camp

What I really loved about Magashi was the fact you could enjoy a boat or land safari. On arrival we were driven from the main gate on an hours drive and then we hopped on the boat with refreshments heading to the camp

Our welcome to the property was by boat with the staff all signing from the jetty.

The jetty leads up to the main dining, a living area, pass the pool and the boma (fire pit)

Magashi has 6 tents either side of their central dining area. They are all one bedrooms and spread along a 1km wooden bridge that snakes through the entire property. All the tents face the lake which provides the most incredible views of the mountain range. Be it lying in bed or sitting on your terrace you have a great view of the hippos basking in the sun or bobbing their heads out of the water.

The rooms are spacious with a large bathroom. As they are tents we left the canvas cover off the zipped doors facing the terrace so we could listen to the sounds of nature in the night. This can be noisy with the sounds of lions or hippos but its totally safe and so incredible to listen to while you drift off to sleep or when you wake up in the morning.

The camp is an all inclusive with private cars so game drives can be done at any time that suits you. After a long morning game drive, we would have lunch then sit by the pool, get ready again for a sunset boat cruise. The cruise is great to enjoy sitting on the top deck of the small motor boat as you get to see wildlife you wouldn't normally get close to by land. I’m not a fan of crocs but you would see them lying on the waters edge with a bloat (group) of hippos close by. You can even crack open a bottle of wine and enjoy the journey before heading back to camp for dinner. Rwanda truly at its most magnificent.

 

Guide

Our guide was called Bosco from Zambia, he was so amazing to chat to with a wealth of knowledge about Africa and wildlife. Having worked with Wilderness Safaris for many years he’s worked all around Africa specially Zambia. I would recommend him to all my clients; he adds that level of originality and authenticity that makes the trip even more special.

 

 

RwandAir

I have to say my experience with Rwandair was pretty amazing.  We flew business class which is really affordable, very comfortable, fully reclinable seats, the latest movies on touch screen and excellent service.

Flights direct to Kigali only 5 hours from Dubai. The absolute best way to start your Rwanda adventure.

 

Rwanda

From the remains and ruins of a brutal civil war and the horrific genocide of over 800,000 human beings, rises a new country. Rwanda is not only a symbol of hope for Africa but a shining example for the world - when peace, tolerance, forgiveness, respect for rule of law and compassion and dignity for your fellow human being become cornerstones for a vibrant, growing and creative new community.

This was all on display as I traversed through the raw, natural beauty of Rwanda. Rwandans are exceptional people. They wear the lesson of the genocide with care and understanding, using the pain and suffering of those frightful days to keep striving towards a better society. It shows in the gentle words they speak and the love they show through their smiles.

The energy is palpable. You can feel that this is a country on the move, they have found the right path and they’re not looking back.

 

 

Rwanda Conclusion

From the jungles in the north, the bush in the east and the lakes in the west, it is easy to see why Rwanda is fast becoming a new tourism favorite. The rawness of the natural beauty combined with the vibrancy of a new community is intoxicating. Whether you are on game drives spotting lions and leopards, making that ‘bucket-list visit to the famous mountain gorillas, or just taking in the incredible natural vistas of mountains, jungles, savannahs and bush, Rwanda has so much to offer. As those American ladies we met at Bisate, who literally make annual pilgrimages to the gorillas, can attest, one visit to Rwanda is simply not enough.

 

 

Watch my Bisate video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_45bG_gH_sc&t=121s

 

Watch my Gorilla Trekking video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPx2D4I1Y58&t=3s

 

Read my experience trekking the Mountain Gorillas:  http://www.uniquefamilytravels.com/2022/04/08/gorilla-trekking-rwanda/

 

 

To book your  bucket list experience, please contact:

Danielle@uniquefamilytravels.com

www.uniquefamilytravels.com

 

The plan was to trek into the mountains for approximately 90 minutes and meet a gorilla family that they called Amahoro Family, (meaning peace) which had 21 members. The excitement was palpable as we started the trek. First we walked parallel to a long wall, made with help from the WWF, that separated the Volcano National Park and its inhabitants (gorillas, monkeys, elephants, buffaloes) from the village people that inhabited the other side – a vivid reminder of how human beings, no matter how basic, were still continuing to encroach into the homes of our fellow earth dwellers. After about 30 minutes we reached a bridge and made a hard right straight into the jungle. The atmosphere changed. We were tracking gorillas now. The environment also changed dramatically. We were deep into jungle/forest territory. The mud was thick, the trails were tricky, the altitude was gripping. It was starting to dawn on us that for us to experience the joy of seeing gorillas we first had to work for it. Now I understood why our main guide Edward had a team of 6 porters and guides with us. The one with the rifle always led the convoy. The rest of the porters and guides gently guided us through the terrain. One of the porters was actually called Gentle. He was my rock as the physical aspect of the trek, along with the altitude, started to challenge me.

After an hour we reached our final meeting point. Here Edward was liaising with the trackers who had left much earlier in the morning to actually find the exact physical location of the gorillas. Gorillas are always on the move and they never sleep in the same spot so trackers have to literally track them down every day from where they had made their nest the night before. Most of these trackers are actually ex-poachers who have been rehabilitated by the Rwandan government and taught that killing them is not the solution to their survival, instead, becoming guides and helping gorilla tourism is a much more sustainable, prosperous and meaningful way to live.

Our trackers had found our gorilla family but we had a problem. They were situated in a crater in the mountains, meaning it would be very difficult to access them.

Reluctantly Edward resorted to Plan B – trek back to where we started and then go deep into the jungle in a different direction and find another gorilla family.

This was turning into an endurance event. Needless to say my ultramarathon loving husband was now in his element. I, on the other hand, was starting to wilt with the relentless intensity of altitude hiking and sickness. But there was no way I was opting out. This was my dream – we were going to see gorillas no matter what.

The trek continued. The terrain got harder. The trekking became more difficult. It was almost like the gorillas were seeing how badly we wanted our moment with them. They kept moving and we kept tracking. After what seemed hours and just after we had navigated a giant ant hill that had all of us scampering, we got word that we were very close, about 100 meters away but we had to climb, almost vertically to get there. A final challenge before the promised land.

8,000 feet up I was weak, dehydrated, legs shaking and then… I finally saw them. A giant silverback male, a couple of females and a few babies. All around me. I started crying. It was an unbelievable moment.

We were now in front of the Umubano Family which had 14 members, 2 silverbacks, 6 females and 4 babies with the youngest only 1 year old.

The rawness, the beauty, the gorillas. It was something else, it was truly magical.

Just as our hour with the gorillas was ending, the male got up and decided to walk straight towards me and Akbar. We slowly got out of the way, and as he passed us almost brushing against us, he grunted. Edward translated, the gorilla had said, “its ok…”

For a few precious moments we had been guests in their home and they had accepted us.

A powerful and beautiful moment that I will cherish forever. This experience will be forever sketched in my memory and heart. It had no longer become a ‘gorilla trek’ for me. It had became a pilgrimage to seek and find the best humanity, our humanity and their humanity (which is basically the same), had to offer. A huge thank you to my porter Gentle who held my hand throughout the 8 hour experience, rubbing my back when I vomited and providing me with the strength I needed.

This is Africa, this is rawness, beauty and nature!

 

 

Location: Volcanoes National Park

Bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo, but primarily in Rwanda, and set high on the jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains, the Volcanoes National Park is best known as a sanctuary for the region’s rare mountain gorillas. A three hour drive to the nearest town, Musanze from Kigali the capital -where you will initially fly into. We can also arrange helicopters which is a much shorter 30 minute transfer direct to your hotel.

 

The Gorillas

People have asked me if the gorillas are tagged, the answer is simply NO. Gorillas in Rwanda are left to roam freely in the wild alongside elephants, buffalo and many other animals in the jungle.

In 1963 when the legendary Dian Fossy starting her Gorilla conservation program, the Mountain Gorillas were nearly extinct with only 200, but now due to the incredible work the conservation does in her name and the support from the community and government to date in Rwanda there are now 1,050 gorillas. Still a long way to go but its heartening to see that when there is focused determination and inspiration, humans can learn to preserve this earth that we inhabit.

 

The Experience

You can chose the experience you would like – a short hike or a medium hike all within 1-3 hours in order to find the gorilla family which you have been assigned to. Once with the gorillas, as per government law in order to preserve the well being of the gorillas, it's a one hour experience up close and personal.

 

 

The Cost

Only 96 permits are issued a day at a cost of $1500 per person which includes your guides and porters. Please don't think this is expensive as the money really does go back into conservation and the local communities in order to keep these incredible mammals alive and out of harm. The government introduced an extensive educational campaign about the importance of the gorillas and the countries conservation, with education the poachers who are now guides and porters learnt that keeping the gorillas alive for tourism would support their families and earn them more money. Spending 8 hours with these people and I saw how wonderfully kind and caring they were. Many times they thanked us for visiting Rwanda.   

 

Please note children under 15 are not permitted to visit the gorillas.

 

How to plan your gorilla trek

Unique Family Travels works with Thousand Hills in Rwanda who will assist you with all your transport logistics, issue your gorilla permit and arrange a covid test which needs to be taken the day before. Masks must be worn when you are with the gorillas.

You must have your car and driver with you to take you to the gorilla briefing where you will meet your guide. Once the briefing is done you will drive to the nearest point of the mountains to start your trek. Our trek basically started from outside our hotel – Bisate Lodge.

 

Prep for your trek.

The night before your trek you will receive a little briefing on what to expect the next day and arrange your wake up call.

The morning of the trek you will have breakfast and you will be given gators to wear over your shoes and trousers.  You will also be given a pair of gloves and before the walk a wooden hiking stick.

Your hotel will also provide you snacks/lunch and water.

 

What to wear.

The weather during our trek was amazing, warm but not hot and only rained for 10 mins so my little travel rain mac came in handy. Wear light clothes and light safari colours. Good walking boots is a must, pack a thin scarf as its good to have around your neck incase like us you walk through thick jungle where the ants are. Have a hat or cap too. Sanitizer, wet wipes and tissues (ask the hotel for paper bags and remember to put everything back in your bag once done!)

 

Please do have cash with you in order to tip everyone involved in your experience. The porters and trekkers are from the local village and this is their income and how they support their families. Once you meet them, you will have so much respect for the work they do and just how much they have supported you during the experience. 

 

How to get to Rwanda

We flew with the national airline Rwandair and I have to say the service and comfort was excellent. The business class cabins are very comfy with full incline seats.

Business class fares are also very reasonably priced so if this is your bucket list holiday then splurge a little.

Unique Family Travels will arrange your meet and greet so it's a smooth transit through the airport into the waiting lounge as on arrival you will need to have an antigen test and a PCR test. Your results will then be emailed to you.

 

The Ellen Degeneres Campus of the Dian Fossy Gorilla Fund

The campus only just opened at the end of Feb 2022 and is a must visit. It’s located near the many entrances of the Volcanoes National Park.

I didn't understand the connection between Ellen and Dian Fossy but then I learnt that Ellen had always been inspired by Dian’s conservation work with the gorillas and had visited Rwanda many times. For her 60^th birthday her wife Portia de Rossi funded the campus along with other donors which was honored in her name.

 

It's a wonderful, interactive centre which not only educates you on the life and legacy of Dian Fossy but also gorillas behavior, how to track the gorilla movement, what happens when 2 gorilla families cross paths! And learn which famous gorilla has the same personality as you. Mine was most like Digits…

 

Dian Fossy’s favourite Silverback was named Digit who she met in 1967 and over the years developed a special bond with him, referring to him as her “beloved Digit” His name was given to him as his middle finger was twisted. When Digit was killed by poachers in 1977, Dian’s grief was extreme. In his memory she founded the Digit Fund to raise funds for the protection of gorillas. In 1985 after Dian was murdered by suspected smugglers/poachers, she was buried next to her beloved Digit.

 

The Campus is also a wonderful way to educate children about gorillas in Rwanda and for them to understand that Gorillas still need a lot of protection.

Do watch this video to understand and appreciate just how much this campus means to the people and the protection of mountain gorillas: https://youtu.be/Ac2uYXtAnlI 

 

Rwanda Conclusion

 

From the remains and ruins of a brutal civil war and the horrific genocide of over 800,000 human beings, rises a new country. Rwanda is not only a symbol of hope for Africa but a shining example for the world - when peace, tolerance, forgiveness, respect for rule of law and compassion and dignity for your fellow human being become cornerstones for a vibrant, growing and creative new community.

This was all on display as I traversed through the raw, natural beauty of Rwanda. Rwandans are exceptional people. They wear the lesson of the genocide with care and understanding, using the pain and suffering of those frightful days to keep striving towards a better society. It shows in the gentle words they speak and the love they show through their smiles.

The energy is palpable. You can feel that this is a country on the move, they have found the right path and they’re not looking back.

 

 

From the jungles in the north, the bush in the east and the lakes in the west, it is easy to see why Rwanda is fast becoming a new tourism favorite. The rawness of the natural beauty combined with the vibrancy of a new community is intoxicating. Wether you are on game drives spotting lions and leopards, making that ‘bucket-list visit to the famous mountain gorillas, or just taking in the incredible natural vistas of mountains, jungles, savannahs and bush, Rwanda has so much to offer. As those American ladies we met at Bisate, who literally make annual pilgrimages to the gorillas, can attest, one visit to Rwanda is simply not enough.

 

Watch my video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPx2D4I1Y58&t=3s

 

Read about Bisate Lodge here: 

https://www.uniquefamilytravels.com/2022/04/08/bisate-lodge-by-wilderness-safaris-rwanda/ 

 

To book your “gorilla” bucket list experience, please contact:

Danielle@uniquefamilytravels.com

www.uniquefamilytravels.com

 

Driving down the bumpy road past the local village you finally see Bisate Lodge nestled in the mountain and its even more incredible than in pictures. Bisate is a real life version of nests built into the gorgeous green mountain. Pictures simply don’t do it justice.

Welcomed by the wonderful staff and their warm African singing, we walked up the winding steps which take you up to the property and even through it via the wine cellar/private dining room, stopping mid way at the dining and living area, and then continuing to the highest room, room 6 at the very top.

 

There are only 6 luxurious en suite forest villas and each one of them are so beautifully designed, each elevating above one another and offering the most dramatic vista views that provide a diffenet picture depending on the time of day. The mornings are misty and open up into the picturesque beauty of the mountains where the mountain gorillas can be found.

 

Managed by husband and wife duo – Ally and Jason, this is a property you instantly fall in love with. So many aspects of this impeccable hotel come with that ubiquitous ‘wow’ which to a seasoned hospitality insider like myself is a ‘wow’ onto itself.  But it’s true because Bistate very elegantly adopts an extremely high level of top-end luxury yet purposely keeping very true to its environmental principals and passionately reflecting the culture of rural Rwanda, including its surrounding local villages.

 

From outside our room – room 6, is where the nature trail starts which can take about 45 minutes to enjoy and a guide can accompany you on request. Obviously my husband had to try it out the minute we arrived and twice the morning after our gorilla hike and in record time (17 minutes!), which he’s very modest about!, and that includes asking Patience (another beautiful member of Ally and Jason’s team) to make it a point to share with all future guests!!

 

The Suite

Six conically shaped thatched forest huts blend traditional and modern interiors providing comfort and warmth while making the most of the scenic views. Each 91 square meter room consists of a generous yet intimate combination of bedroom, reception space and large bathroom with a central bath tub, all warmed by a fireplace that divides the bathroom and bedroom along with breathtaking views out across your private deck facing the Volcanoes Mountain range.

 

The mini bar is stocked with every drink you desire, with a large choice of coffee and tea along with a cutting board with lemon and ginger – just what you need while sitting by the open fire.

 

The rooms provide an intoxicating mix - an earthly, nature feel yet oozing luxury, sophistication and elegance. The little touches are very sweet such as the wooden gorilla at each door way – lay on its side for Do Not Disturb!

 

Dining

Given the intimate nature of Bisate, there is only one ‘nest’ that acts as the common area, holding the bar and restaurant and on the lower floor, a wine cellar that can also host movie nights and private intimate dinners. Holding true to its roots, Bisate’s food menu is a ‘farm-to-table’ dream. Even the simple Margherita pizza delivered to the room was simply divine.

 

Bisate Give Back

As a company I have always loved and admired and wanted to focus on sustainable luxury properties that showcase the best in luxury while giving back to their environment (ie) a very well thought out conservation policy that has a meaningful and consistent impact on our planet, starting in their own back yard. Bisate does just that. Each guest contributes to Bisate’s biodiversity conservation and local community projects including a far-reaching impact on an iconic Critically Endangered species: the mountain gorilla.

 

Bisate’s giving back is endless and while at the property, talking to the staff from the gardener to the dining staff – everyone is local, from the neighboring villages. The gardener was in fact involved in physically building Bisate which took 8 months. He is from one of the local villages and proud of his 10 minute commute! While sitting on your room balcony you can hear the singing and laughter of the villages nearby, who are proud to welcome tourists to see the gorillas and share their admiration for Bisate.

 

Planting a Tree

To date Bisate has planted over 60,000 trees in order to preserve conservation and offer food to the local wildlife.

A simple yet beautiful touch is that every guest can plant and name their tree, and given a certificate with the tree coordinates so as you can monitor the growth of the tree. Ally told us that during Covid, guests would request her to send pictures of their tree to monitor the growth since they last visited the property. Not only does this have a positive feedback on the environment but also means that every Bisate guest has a little piece of their heart on the land.

This to me is what luxury is all about. I say it time and time again as I really believe luxury is about living freely in wide open spaces and having time to be in the moment.  We can never get time back and how we spend our time is not only a privilege but a luxury.

 

Kwanda Lounge

It would be hard for me to name check many properties that offer a day lounge for guests who arrive early for check in or leave late , quite like the Kwanda Lounge.

Just below the entrance to Bisate, closer to the villages, meaning we could hear very clearly the Sunday church service in full swing and set in a stunning organic garden designed by the same local gardener mentioned above, Kwanda Lounge is less a day lounge and more of a monument to the brilliant history of this part of Rwanda, including the gorillas and Dian Fossy’s legacy. But along with its tribute to the past, Kwanda Lounge also offers a wonderful window to the future, showcasing Bistae’s partnership with the neighboring schools and their student scholarships- as I said, this is the new type of luxury guests can expect, their tourism dollars having an immediate impact on the local environment and community. Relax in the living room around the open fire, a full dining area and also private rooms to relax in with full showers and amenities.

 

Bisate Conclusion

The greatest compliment I can give Bisate is that I can talk about it forever and keep writing and writing..

It truly is a very special place.

But it needs to be experienced for yourself. My words or my pictures can never replicate the memories I made, from meeting a gorilla family and fulfilling a long life dream to soaking my very tired legs from the gorilla trek in a heavenly hot bath, then sitting by the fire in my room with a organic bowl of warm soup.

True heaven – in this small part of Rwanda.

 

Rwanda Conclusion

From the remains and ruins of a brutal civil war and the horrific genocide of over 800,000 human beings, rises a new country. Rwanda is not only a symbol of hope for Africa but a shining example for the world - when peace, tolerance, forgiveness, respect for rule of law and compassion and dignity for your fellow human being become cornerstones for a vibrant, growing and creative new community.

This was all on display as I traversed through the raw, natural beauty of Rwanda. Rwandans are exceptional people. They wear the lesson of the genocide with care and understanding, using the pain and suffering of those frightful days to keep striving towards a better society. It shows in the gentle words they speak and the love they show through their smiles.

The energy is palpable. You can feel that this is a country on the move, they have found the right path and they’re not looking back.

 

 

From the jungles in the north, the bush in the east and the lakes in the west, it is easy to see why Rwanda is fast becoming a new tourism favorite. The rawness of the natural beauty combined with the vibrancy of a new community is intoxicating. Wether you are on game drives spotting lions and leopards, making that ‘bucket-list visit to the famous mountain gorillas, or just taking in the incredible natural vistas of mountains, jungles, savannahs and bush, Rwanda has so much to offer. As those American ladies we met at Bisate, who literally make annual pilgrimages to the gorillas, can attest, one visit to Rwanda is simply not enough.

 

Watch my Bisate video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_45bG_gH_sc&t=121s

 

Watch my Gorilla Trekking video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPx2D4I1Y58&t=3s

 

Read my experience trekking the Mountain Gorillas:  http://www.uniquefamilytravels.com/2022/04/08/gorilla-trekking-rwanda/

 

Read about Magashi Camp, by Wilderness Safari's in the Agagera National Park, where we saw the BIG 5

 

To book your  bucket list experience, please contact:

Danielle@uniquefamilytravels.com

www.uniquefamilytravels.com