This week we travelled a bit further from home… all
the way to Sub-Saharan Africa! The vast lands very different from anything in the
Americas. I first began my journey by visiting Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Then
my next stop, Nyungwe Forest of Rwanda.
So, here’s what I did!
Mount
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania:
Majestically placed within the African plains is the
towering, Mount Kilimanjaro. Let me tell you, it is even more beautiful than
the pictures it is depicted in! It is the tallest mountain on the African
continent and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. The journey took
roughly 8 days to reach the summit of the mountain. It had its challenges, but
it was certainly worth it! When my group reached the summit, we took the time
to record our thoughts of the hike in the wooden box left on the top of the mountain,
it’s a tradition for hikers to do so. I was one of the nearly 20,000 other
hikers to attempt the climb this year. Compared to the very first successful summit occurred in 1889, and it took about six
weeks in comparison to today when an average climber can do it in five or six
days.
Overall, the journey when hiking the mystical Mount Kilimanjaro
was an adventure of a lifetime!
Nyungwe
Forest, Rwanda:
Nyungwe Forest of Rwanda is home to Africa’s great
river, the Congo. In fact, the Congo-Nile divide is a mountain range that runs
north to south through Rwanda. The forest itself is apart of the National Park,
known for it’s safari expeditions. On these trips there is opportunity to view
a vast amount of wildlife. The forest is home to large populations of primates
(nearly 13 species!), from its chimpanzees to other threatened species of monkeys.
The Forest is highly protective by the Government of
Rwanda, making sure to preserve it’s natural beauty. Not only does it need to
protect the natural wildlife and biolife, but it also is to protect the natives
of the area. The peoples are very diverse, with artisan skills ranging from
their song, dance, cuisine, handicrafts and much more.
The experience of hiking and taking part in the safaris
was an experience like no other!
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