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Feature | Journey Through African Mist | In Search of Mountain Gorillas Gallery
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Feature | Journey Through African Mist | In Search of Mountain Gorillas Gallery

Hotel Rwanda, the setting for the film of the same name
Kazuyuki Murai, representative of Cosmo Klats Travel
Kigali scenery
Volcanoes National Park, comprising seven volcanic peaks across northern Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda, is home to 880 mountain gorillas.
All mountain gorillas are named and are well protected by the three countries that govern them: Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda.
Rwanda is home to 19 mountain gorilla families, with the government managing 10 of these families for tourism and observation, based in relatively accessible areas.
For outdoor style that balances functionality and fashion, THE NORTH FACE is highly recommended. For footwear, while the terrain can be muddy, it's not steep climbing, so waterproof, casual trekking shoes were selected. With a design suitable for town walks, these were sufficient for the entire Rwanda trip.
"Ultra Hike Mid GORE-TEX" ¥22,000 (excl. tax / THE NORTH FACE Harajuku Store Tel. 03-5466-9278)
"Ultra Hike Mid GORE-TEX" ¥22,000 (excl. tax / THE NORTH FACE Harajuku Store Tel. 03-5466-9278)
Essential for sudden rain, rainwear needs to be compact and highly waterproof. The rainwear used here, though thin, proved resilient even in heavy downpours. The pants were designed to be put on over trekking shoes, a practical feature for uneven terrain.
"TRIUMPH JACKET" ¥18,000 (excl. tax / THE NORTH FACE Harajuku Store Tel. 03-5466-9278)
"TRIUMPH JACKET" ¥18,000 (excl. tax / THE NORTH FACE Harajuku Store Tel. 03-5466-9278)
The pants and vest were surprisingly impressive. The pants, made of functional material that regulates humidity, kept me comfortable whether it got hot or cool. The stretch fabric was also a welcome feature for trekking. The slim silhouette, avoiding the bulky look often associated with outdoor fashion, was another plus.
"GEAR MESH VEST" ¥14,000 (excl. tax / THE NORTH FACE Harajuku Store Tel. 03-5466-9278)
"TRIUMPH PANT" ¥10,500 (excl. tax / THE NORTH FACE Harajuku Store Tel. 03-5466-9278)
For accommodation, "Virunga Lodge," perched atop a hill surrounded by a vast lake, is recommended.
Mornings here are filled with birdsong, and the world unfolds in a peaceful sea of clouds.
During late-night hours, all electricity is cut off, and guests spend their time by candlelight and with flashlights. The lodge offers a welcoming experience with minimal fuss, decorated with local flora.
Sharing meals and drinks with other guests is also enjoyable. Even if you return covered in mud, the lodge staff will meticulously clean your clothes and shoes. The food quality is also excellent.
Rwanda, also a major tea producer, is now a leading agricultural nation in Africa.
This is truly an organic paradise. All fields are cultivated by villagers using traditional methods, with fertilizer based on livestock manure and compost. Because it's within a national park, the lack of intervention from NGOs promoting modern agriculture has allowed traditional farming practices to continue.
The villagers seem to understand well that avoiding pesticides and chemical fertilizers protects their livelihoods and the gorilla ecosystem, which in turn supports employment for rangers and porters. They cherish and maintain this cycle.
A briefing with the ranger, who will be your guide for the gorilla trek, is held before departure.
A commemorative photo with the tracker.
Villagers performing traditional dance encountered en route.
Mountain gorillas do not have fixed territories and move through the mountains to avoid conflict between groups. Therefore, trackers (specialists who find animals by tracking footprints and droppings, generally not guiding) enter the forest first to detect gorilla presence and ascertain their approximate location. Based on the participants' age and fitness, they help decide which family to approach.
I joined a family led by a silverback named "Agasha."
This is the second-largest group among the 10 publicly accessible families. The group of over 30 gorillas includes newborns and vigorous young males, offering a chance to observe a variety of gorillas at once.
As I walked, trying to contain my excitement, wondering "When will we encounter them?" a black shape suddenly appeared before me! My first thought was, "A giant 'Susuwatari'!?"
With black fur and faces, they initially appeared as indistinct, wandering black masses. As they drew closer, I could recognize them as gorillas.
After observing the mountain gorillas, a certificate indicating which group was encountered is provided. Pictured with beauty writer Teruno Hirata.
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Feature: African Mist Journey | In Search of Mountain Gorillas - Gallery

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