Luxury Lodges & Gorilla Magic: Our Unforgettable Journey Begins in Rwanda
Our African adventure began in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. After spending a peaceful night in our spacious room at the ultra-modern Radisson Blu Hotel Kigali, we embarked on a journey of learning and awe. The Kigali Genocide Memorial offered a stark and solemn (but necessary) window into the country’s all too recent history, a stark reminder of humanity’s capacity for for destruction but also of the resilience of the human spirit.
Following this profound experience, we ascended into the breathtaking Rwandan mountains, reaching the haven of luxury that is One&Only Gorilla’s Nest. This stunning resort became our base for the next leg of the adventure. The lodge itself is a masterpiece, with opulent rooms and unparalleled service. Here, amidst the swaying eucalyptus trees and with breathtaking volcano views, we felt completely pampered and ready for the highlight of our trip – a gorilla trek.
A visit to the nearby Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Fossey Gorilla Fund Lewa Headquarters proved invaluable. Learning about Dr. Fossey’s dedication to gorilla conservation deepened our understanding of these magnificent creatures and the threats they once faced.
Fueled by an outrageously delicious dinner (seriously, the chefs at One&Only are culinary wizards!), we retired early, filled with anticipation for our 5 am wake-up call. Today was the day we met the gorillas!
The trek itself was an adventure. Setting off at 6 am, we met our dedicated team of porters and park rangers. The porters are incredible – assigned one-on-one to each trekker, they ensure a safe and efficient climb through the lush and challenging mountain terrain. After a moderate 2.5-hour ascent (covering roughly 6 miles round trip), we reached the Mohoza gorilla family.
Words cannot truly describe the magic of the following hour. We were granted a window into the intimate world of these gentle giants. Despite a recent injury to the silverback, the family dynamic was heartwarming. We witnessed acts of tenderness as family members comforted the injured leader, stroking his back and showing empathy. A mother cradled her nursing baby, while three playful siblings chased and tumbled around a nearby tree.
The intelligence and tenderness we observed were remarkable. This close encounter left us with a profound appreciation for the similarities between gorillas and humans, and completing the trek was a physical accomplishment we celebrated with a champagne toast!
Our stay at One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, coupled with the unforgettable gorilla trek, was an experience that will forever be etched in our memories. It was a journey of education, luxury, and profound connection with nature.
With hearts full of wonder after our Rwandan experience, we bid farewell to the land of a thousand hills and set course for Kenya. Our journey continued in Nairobi, the vibrant capital city. The Fairmont Nairobi offered a luxurious respite, a welcome contrast to the mountain trek. There, indulging in a delightful breakfast-for-dinner spread felt like the perfect comfort food after our gorilla encounter. Waking with the dawn, a sense of anticipation filled the air as our driver picked us and whisked us to the Victorian dreamscape that is Giraffe Manor…
Giraffe Manor: Where Giraffes Become Breakfast Buddies
Imagine waking up to a gentle nudge at your window. Not from an alarm clock, but from a long-necked grazer with a gentle soul. Giraffe Manor, an internet sensation for a reason, offers an unparalleled experience. Bathed in the charm of a bygone era, the manor’s elegance is only surpassed by the resident Rothschild’s giraffes who casually visit during meals, transforming breakfast into an unforgettable photo opportunity. But Giraffe Manor is more than just Instagram moments. Exceptional service and exquisite cuisine make it a luxurious haven where time seems to slow down and you can experience a little bit of fairy tale magic.
After breakfast with our new best friends, a sense of anticipation filled the air as we journeyed to a small airport for the next leg of our journey. Our propeller plane awaited, ready to whisk us away on the next chapter of our African adventure – a landing strip awaited, marking the entrance to the awe-inspiring Solio Lodge.
Solio: Luxurious Comfort Meets Rhino Paradise
Solio Lodge transports you to a rhino conservancy teeming with life. Imagine sprawling landscapes dotted with watering holes, all visible from the comfort of your luxurious accommodations. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls blur the lines between your spacious room and the untamed wilderness, while crackling fireplaces ward off the cool evening air. Expertly guided game drives focus on the majestic rhinos, but keep your eyes peeled for graceful giraffes, lumbering elephants, playful monkeys, and a dazzling array of Africa’s iconic creatures. Our incredible guide surprised us with a complete breakfast spread – think fluffy omelets made to order – served on a portable table set for royalty right beside our safari vehicle. As we savored our meal, a family of rhinos (and their babies) playful interactions provided an unforgettable backdrop to our morning. (I’ll note that in addition to being a luxurious haven, Solio Lodge is also a champion for rhino conservation – we had the heartwarming opportunity to visit their rhino orphanage, learning about their vital work in protecting these magnificent creatures and even getting to bathe, brush and feed a couple of their babies!
Sasaab: Unveiling a Remote Wilderness Paradise
Sasaab Camp, nestled in a secluded corner of Kenya, offers a truly immersive safari experience. Designed with Moroccan influences, the camp boasted luxurious tents with swinging day beds, perfect for unwinding under the vast Kenyan sky. A glistening pool overlooked the dramatic mountain range, inviting us to cool off after exhilarating game drives focused on spotting the resident elephant population. Here, under vast starlit skies, luxurious tents with comfortable beds and en-suite facilities (including some with outdoor showers for the adventurous soul) provide a unique connection to the surrounding wilderness. Embrace the arid beauty of the landscape, a haven for elephants and a chance to visit a traditional Samburu village, offering a glimpse into a fascinating local culture. While the heat can be intense, the expert staff ensures your comfort, and the remoteness offers a unique chance to truly disconnect and reconnect with nature.
Sala’s Camp: Where Luxury Meets Adventure in the Maasai Mara
Sala’s Camp, nestled in the heart of the Maasai Mara, was the undisputed crown jewel of our Kenyan adventure. Here, luxurious tented suites boasted private plunge pools and plush day beds, offering the perfect haven to unwind after exhilarating game drives teeming with wildlife – the Big Five and beyond awaited us! But Sala’s magic went beyond the extraordinary scenery. The staff fostered a true sense of community, inviting guests to share meals around a communal table, gather around crackling bonfires under starry skies, and embark on unforgettable sundowner adventures in a vintage car.
For an unforgettable experience unlike any other, Sala’s Camp arranged for us to rise at the crack of dawn (4 am to be exact!) for a hot air balloon ride timed perfectly with the sunrise. Soaring above the Maasai Mara as the golden light bathed the plains in a magical glow was a breathtaking way to start the day and truly appreciate the vastness of this incredible ecosystem.
The Safari Collection unlocked a world of unparalleled experiences in Kenya. From sharing breakfast with giraffes to encountering rhinos in their natural habitat, and witnessing the majesty of the Maasai Mara from a hot air balloon, each lodge offered a unique chapter in our unforgettable African adventure.
Rebecca@Wanderology.com 