Rwanda
Hike & gorillas
Kicking off the day with a challenging Bisoke Crater Lake hike. The steep, muddy trail pushed us to our limits, but the highlight was spotting a wild mountain gorilla on the way down. After the hike, we visited the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. The self-guided exhibition gave us a deeper understanding of the ongoing work to protect the mountain gorillas and Dian Fossey’s lasting legacy. A well-earned dinner and a relaxed evening at the lodge wrapped up this unforgettable day.
Climbing Mount Bisoke in Rwanda
My sister and I set out for the Bisoke Crater Lake Hike, joined by our driver Jimmy—who, like us, was up for the challenge. A guide is mandatory for the trek, and at the start, we were also met by porters eager to carry our backpacks (a welcome way to support the local community). Rangers accompanied us as well, ensuring our safety from any curious buffaloes or gorillas. No harm, just protection. The climb was brutal from the first step. I’ve done my fair share of hikes across different terrains, but Bisoke pushed my limits. Steep, muddy trails and the altitude were no joke. At 3,000 meters, my sister had to turn back due to altitude sickness. I hesitated too, especially since I’d recovered from pneumonia just a week before. But at that point, it wasn’t just a hike, it was a mental game. I really wanted to reach the top. So, with Jimmy, our guide, and two rangers, I pushed forward. At one point, they held my hand to help me up, and I don't know if it gave me more physical or mental support. In two and a half hours in total, we made it to the summit at 3,711 meters. And the view? Nothing. Thick mist swallowed everything beyond a few meters. Too bad, since Mountain Bisoke is a volcano and it has a huge crater lake at the summit with a 400m diameter. Cold, damp, and exhausted, we stayed just long enough to catch our breath before making a fast descent: running, sliding, anything to avoid the slow, knee-killing trek down. Reaching the bottom felt like victory. I’d made it. Such a bucketlist experience! Would I reach the summit a second time? Not a chance. Oh, the best part? I saw a gorilla on the way down. A full-on, wild mountain gorilla. No guide, no tour, no €1,500 permit. Just luck. Absolutely insane. try to spot it in one of my photos. - This experience was made possible in partnership with Brussels Airlines, that offers direct flights from Brussels to Kigali, Rwanda.
Ellen DeGeneres Campus
The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is a state-of-the-art conservation and research center near Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. It was established to continue the legacy of Dian Fossey, the primatologist who dedicated her life to studying and protecting mountain gorillas. The campus, funded in part by Ellen DeGeneres and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, serves as a hub for gorilla conservation, education, and scientific research. A self-guided exhibition allows you to explore engaging and interactive displays about gorilla conservation, Dian Fossey’s pioneering work, and the ongoing efforts to protect these endangered animals. Through a mix of multimedia storytelling, artifacts, VR and educational materials, you get an in-depth look at the importance of preserving Rwanda’s biodiversity. It’s such a beautiful museum.
