The Dian Fossey Trail, Rwanda

If there is one word that can be associated with Volcanoes National Park, it's "Resplendent."

Located in the Virunga volcanic region, which extends into Democratic republic of Congo and Uganda, Volcanoes national park is a mountainous region adorned with rainforests brimful of vivacious and unequalled wildlife and one of the 3 only habitats for mountain gorillas on the planet.

The evergreen forests, sections of bamboo trees, small patches of shrubs and grassland areas; the wetland vegetation in the valley, heath on the tips of the Volcanoes, these offer ideal conditions for the survival of these magnificent mountain gorillas and other unique wildlife species.

In September 1967, an American primatologist and conservationist, Dian Fossey, founded the Karisoke Research Center, a remote rainforest camp nestled in Ruhengeri province in the saddle of two Volcanoes.

She carried out 20 years of research in Rwanda where she actively supported conservation efforts, strongly opposed poaching and made more people acknowledge the sapient gorillas.

Inspired by the movie "Gorillas in the Mist" which was based on her documented work, the Dian Fossey trail was my first choice of adventure spots in Rwanda.

I found a cheap, dorm room walk up in Kinigi town, at the serene Kinigi Guest House, not far from Volcanoes national park; for before the trip, I crossed paths with an experienced Rwandan traveler who recommended that the spectacular views and sunset at Kinigi are the go-to for any nemophilist.

I calculated that with the Dian Fossey trail permit at only $75 obtainable at Volcanoes headquarters, if I ate frugally at the Kinigi guest house restaurant, walked or used public transport, this would be one of the cheapest hike for vacation in Rwanda.

Inclusive of the Dian Fossey trail permit fee was a professional guide. Being that few people took up the hike in this new wonder of the world, this made it feel peculiar and uncrowded; a feel of having the forest to yourself!

The hike was estimated to take 3 - 4 hours with regular water breaks. And for the terrain, unsurprisingly muddy; though the walking sticks provided help with the avoidance of falls and loss of shoes.

Registration and debriefing commenced at 7:00 am at the headquarters and came with a complimentary free cup of coffee. Much needed!

I had my passport, permit, some light snacks and water in my travel backpack, had a pair of army green gaiters on in case I came into a line of red ants; and perfectly covered up in long, black pants and green shirt because I was advised that the park is full of stinging nettles.

During the hike, a small group of 3 and I were escorted through the thick rainforest by 2 armed Rwandan Defense Force soldiers, for our protection against whatever could bring us harm.

Visited the gorilla graveyard where Dian Fossey was buried; her tomb adjacent to her fave gorilla didget and 25 others.

The trail led on to the ruins of Dian's house where her unsolved murder occurred. 

There was lots of emotion packed impartation involved. This included Dian Fossey's biography, her research center history, and lessons on the surrounding vegetation from the tour guide.

Luck was on our side though, because the tour group and I came into part of a troop consisting 3 majestic gorillas; 2 females and a cute infant held by one of them.

Having visited the different ruinations of the research center, my comrades and I stopped for lunch and later headed back, descending the mountain.

This meant 1 and half hours more through the thick rainforest, with shape eyes on the lookout for more of the amazing wildlife and finally back to Kinigi guest house for a full body cleansing.

The mountainous hike was worthy it and with a budget of R2,454, the adventure safari was one for the books.

Image source: Instagram

Traveling to Rwanda from Uganda

The main reason I decided to travel was one I proudly explained because it was ennobling. 

I had decided I wanted to seek the outdoors, experience adventure and source inspiration.

As for funds, I had saved several thousand shillings from the eBook sales and I could seek further help from family and friends.

There are a few 'ifs' and 'buts' about capitation from loved ones; if you are battling depression and your form of therapy is yielding positive, macroscopic upshots, then your loved ones (Family and friends) will gladly lend a hand.

The financial aid you can obtain so long as the blazed trail continues to yield positively.

I reckoned that a trip to Rwanda would probably be cheaper; I wanted more adventure and if I was ever going to inspire a soul to travel, then there would be more opportunities in a country left ravaged by the 1994 Rwandan genocide, making a mind boggling amount of advancement in recent decenniums becoming a peaceful, hospitable terminus for adventure seekers.

After scouring twenty brochures, I opted to "gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park."

I successfully booked my Shs. 60,000 VIP seat on the Modern Coast Bus through the company's online portal 2 days earlier, put together all the vital documents required to visit Rwanda.

Luckily, there are no Visa requirements for Ugandan passport holders visiting Rwanda.

At 7:30 pm on the d-day, I set off for the Republic of Rwanda; though the sentiment against long route night travel was high, and nowhere higher than traveling to Rwanda or Democratic republic of Congo, I opted for night travel because night time would have a cool breeze since buses aren't air conditioned, and I would save up on accommodation.

After the approximately 11 hour drive, I made it to Musanze town located 2 hours away from Kigali the Capital city. It was a half past 6 am. A rejuvenating slumber in the comfortably spacious VIP seat came in handy!

At Musanze town, volcanoes National park was only 20 minutes away. Having exchanged my Ugandan shillings to Rwandan francs at the border, paying for  motorbike taxi to take me to the national park was not only easier but cheaper too.

I was just in time!

Image Source: Instagram

Writing An Adventure Travel E-book

Book Extract:

"I stumbled upon travel by accident... It had been quite some time since I had had a road trip. I went on one to the highlands of Kigezi. And it changed my life.

It was that rush of energy that got me hooked to the idea of adventure travel and escape the depressive rut I was accustomed to.

Adventure became a remedy to my depression, I found myself connecting with the slap-up alfresco.

I felt happier surrounded by the wide open spaces - whether in the forests, sailing on the waters or climbing hills - and seeing new places through exciting activities...

...

I aim to fundamentally inspire you to explore bold new ways to travel..."

From forest hiking to safaris on Savannah grasslands, to mountain climbing; to the best places to lodge, chimpanzee trekking and even what to wear while you are at it! 

This is a priceless conduct, not just to adventure safari, but to depression free eudaimonia; titled "The TRAVELING HUNTER'S Tales"

...

After nearly 2 weeks of touring Uganda, I published "The TRAVELING HUNTER'S tales" an eBook which is a compendium of my junketeering.

Not that its proceeds would lead me to that fine house in Bugolobi estates. I published the eBook, not for glamorization but as an inspiration for all the depressed souls out there, and an enticement to the idea that adventure travel could be the answer they're hunting down!

And hey, although not super lucrative, the eBook sales would go on to finance more of my Africa (Afro) travels.

This is how I went about writing, designing, publishing and promoting, "The TRAVELING HUNTER'S Tales"

This obviously isn't a consummate blueprint, but I hope you find it inspirational.

√ Writing it:

Firstly, you've got to write the damn thing. It took me 40 days to start and finish writing this eBook.

Secondly, on this topic I had many an experience to share. If the average nonfiction books runs between 50,000 - 70,000 words, an eBook is ordinarily shorter of about 20,000 words which usually gives you 80 - 100 pages of content. 

So I aimed at 18,000 words.

I indited the outline of the book in a Document, dumping all the travel tales, and then structuring the stories so the book followed a coherent flow.

Note: in terms of content, you don't have the same constraints you have with paper back!

I included some extras like an audio version of the books and some nature videos. I added a thank you page with all of the people who inspired me, or contributed in anyway to the creation of the book.

√ Packaging it:

I needed to make it look nice - I couldn't launch something ugly now, could I!

There are many ways to go about this; personally, I used canva but you could opt for Photoshop to design the cover.

Designing an eBook cover can be staggeringly hard sometimes, choosing something that's simple and eye-catching. So sourcing feedback from trusted comrades during the development phase is super helpful.

After several changes, I was happy with the cover, and I proceeded onto designing the inside of the book.

Page by page design is required for an eBook. I didn't have any of experience and hence decided to take a crack at it the way a true adventure would...

I utilized google Docs... Aye! Its actually superb what you can get done with such a simple tool.

I opted for a simple, common font, added a table of content and voila!

Or so I thought! Had I decided to just distribute the book as a PDF, I would have been through with design, but I wanted to offer it to kindle users.

After extensive research, I ended up using "Calibre." If you want to offer your eBook to people in other formats such as EPUB or MOBI, I recommend Calibre which is free and quite easy to use.

There I was, with different versions of my eBook: .PDF, .KPF (Kindle package format), .EPUB, and .MOBI

And onto pushing it live...

√ Publishing it:

Being new to this whole eBook thing, I aimed for the popular ones and there was one winner:

  => Gumroad:

Most people fervently support Amazon publishing, but here is why I opted for Gumroad;

Pros:

~ You own the customers!

Gumroad gives you access to the customers' email addresses so you can get in touch with them.

~ You can design the eBook as you want and sell whatever content you want; .ZIP, .mp3, e.t.c they accept all digital file types.

~ There is no review process: you can instantly publish your content.

~ Gumroad offers lower fees and you can price your content however you want, from $1 - $1000.

Con:

~ Quite uncommon in comparison to Amazon, some customers might feel more hesitant to feed in their credit card information.

I softly launched by posting the links on twitter and email my newsletter subscribers. The goal was to get a few sales and confirm that everything was functional.

And it did!

I couldn't have hoped for a better outcome.

Remember, whether you're working on a web app, or an eBook marketing is a daily effort where consistency pays off...

I hope this post gave you a good idea of how you could go about writing, and publishing your eBook if you so desired...

Image Source: Gumroad

7 Awing Lessons I Learnt From Traveling On My Tour Of Uganda: Day 11

Eleven days into my first tour, ever! Several things had happened; I had hiked through forests, studied birds and, observed chimpanzees and elephants, among others.

The experiences came from the different locales I visited. In retrospection, while on the bus heading back home, I explicated a list of some of the lessons I learnt while traveling.

Lessons learnt while on the road:

√ To leave my comfort zone and try new things:

If I wanted to boom in life, I had to get out of my comfort zone and embrace the unknown.

Setting off to travel, I left behind all that was familiar; my tiny bedroom, that had become "my self-made" cell, my addictions, my family and all that I regarded as the norm; and took on a world of new things.

The lesson usually was through new cultures like the tenacity of the Bakiga or the hospitality of the Batooro... New friends and foods.

All these sparked excitement, or even fear but never boredom.

√ To be patient:

Whether it was facing the long, uncomfortable bus rides, or the tiresome forest hikes, I came across several small foilings. 

These defeats were actually priceless lessons in patience. In my travels, I managed to overcome them and bred resilience.

At the end of my Ugandan tour, I felt confidently capable of contending with almost anything.

√ To be humble: 

For a traveler humility is unavoidable... I quickly discovered how small my footprint was in this gigantic world. 

Try measuring up your footprint to that of an elephant or hippo.

I encountered kindness and generosity from total strangers while on the road. 

Several kind souls offered guidance when I was lost. One, I vividly remember, offered me a free meal when my cash was tapped out.

I came to a realization of how lucky I was and how much I took for granted.

√ I learnt to never take nature for granted:

Throughout most of my tour, I explored natural beauty and promptly learnt to appreciate every natural wonder.

The beautiful, evergreen Kibale forest, the steel slopes of the Rwenzori mountains or the meandering Kazinga channel and all her jewels.

Nature in all her majesty!

√ To enjoy experiences over things:

I worked my way through some of Uganda's tourist attractions, formed strong bonds with people, learnt new  skills like how to carefully track a Rhino, and created lasting memories.

And I needed very little to be happy! A pair of boots, a cap, binoculars but above all my experiences!

√ I learnt how to make friends with strangers:

Be it at Kibale forest National park or at Mweya Information center; meeting fellow travelers or exchanging stories with locals, I opened up myself to world of human interaction.

I encountered plenty of people, who were open to chatting.

And last but not least,

√ You never stop learning:

"Learning keeps us young and travel is the best teacher of all."

I explored forests and studied lots of birds among other activities; my Ugandan tour inspired a sense of wonder and discovery... 

And there still is an entire world of things to do and people to meet.

All throughout my travels I never stopped learning.

Do you travel?

Image Source: Instagram

Rhino Trekking At Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Day 10 of My 11 Day Ugandan Tour

Lunch had been had at the pristine sanctuary's Restaurant and the meal was divine. Coupled with the serene surroundings, the whole experience was perfect.

The decision was made that the only itinerary best suited for the rest of such a beautiful day was "Rhino trekking."

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, it's known, is the only place in the pearl of Africa, Uganda, that the Southern white rhinos call home.

To find that spot, to track through the bushes, to lay gaze upon the beautiful, horned beasts - that was the aim and, if it was achieved, was a price beyond rubies.

In fact, the sanctuary gazetted 7000 hectares of land as habitat to the rhinos, and this was well thought.

Every time we, the travellers, purchased the $50 rhino tracking permit, that was more money in the bank for Rhino Fund Uganda and Ugandan Wildlife Authority.

A well-trained ranger was handily available and that eased the bush track.

To drive at first was necessary to get closer to the Rhino zones. Having traveled without a personal car, my singular option was to team up with others and jointly hire the Rhino Fund Uganda's vehicle and driver.

On getting closer to the Rhino zones, the experienced ranger guided my comrades and I through the small, and the woody and stemmed shrubs, and grasslands; On foot! Chances of sighting the Rhinos were maximal.

To track hurriedly meant risking the agitation of the Rhinos and their retaliation.

The safest way was careful and gentle tracking, then remain stationary on coming in close range with the animal.

This was the expert advise as per the safety briefing the tour guide gave and adherence to it would keep us safe.

Once close to the Rhinos, the silenced cameras, binoculars, journals and pens came into play; but mostly the gaping!

These southern white rhinos were flat, broad mouthed and socially munching on the short, green grass; extremely large, with immense bodies, large heads, broad chests and short necks.

Two horns, the front horns being larger than the others, adorned each snout; 5 rhinos in total, in the "Crash" (group of Rhinos) the group and I came across.

They were slate grey in colour, with most of the body hairs on their tail bristles and ear fringes; and rather sparsely over the rest of their bodies.

These 7000 hectares not only offered rhino tracking opportunities. 

The reddish brown, sturdily built Uganda kobs, and the dark brown coloured Bushbucks were both dwellers and roamed through the daylight on land.

So did the Oribis, having long limbs and necks, sightly raised backs and yellowish brown coats. So dense on the grassland that the ground tremored with movement.

And even numerous were the waterbucks...

All these were breathtakingly awesome; most honour, however, went to the Rhinos, whose magnificence put the "Rhino" in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Image Source: Instagram

Shoebill Trek, Canoeing in Lugogo Swamp At Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary: Day 10 Of My 11 Ugandan Tour

In the wild, a mere 10 kilometer stretch harbouring the essentials of water, food and shelter can seem like Heaven for wildlife.

Thus it was with Lugogo Swamp in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary. At 6 am, the Canoe ride on the swamp waters started; more, the cold of the outdoor camp got me up before 6, with ample time for the morning rituals.

Lugogo Swamp, a 10 kilometer wide wetland at the border of Ziwa Rhino sanctuary, catered to a battalion of animals; with over 300 bird species calling it safe haven.

Embracing that early morning cold paid off with the heavenly vista of the Sun rise. I had opted in for the early morning canoe ride specifically for that reason and was amazed by the panorama.

The Swamp was then churning out fog at masses a minute. An hour after setting sail, the voyagers and I, under the leadership of an experienced guide, navigated through shrubs and interposing thickets to locate the shoebill nests.

These, among other birds, called Lugogo wetland home. I, too, had earlier been enticed into the opportunity to sight these rare birds. 

And within two hours it was clear that once the rare shoebill storks came into view, they were spectacular.

These very large stork-like birds, deriving their name from their enormous, bulbous, straw coloured bills, were tall with wingspans of approximately 7 - 8ft.

They had dark coloured, fairly long legs, exceptional large feet that aided hunting in this aquatic vegetation.

Other easily spotted birds included:

The small chinspot batis: A rather Stout bird, with a black mask on its face, short white eye stripes and a grey cap.

The yellow eyes and, black legs and bill made this songbird extremely cute!

The Booted Eagle: A medium-sized bird of prey. Eagle like in shape with a wingspan of approximately 130 cm; having a mid-brown plumage and grey flight feathers.

Nesting up in the trees, in nests made of sticks and leaves.

The African Marsh Harrier: yellow eyed, adorned with a brown plumage, pale streaking on the head, breast and rufous on the thighs and belly.

This bird of prey was patched up in the trees with a stare that one could only deduce as a hunting stare.

And last but no least,

The Abdim's Stork: This black stork had red knees and feet, grey legs and bill and white underparts.

Its red facial skin in front of the eyes was striking. It was pecking at what I hoped to be caterpillars inside the bark of a tree; had a kind of sense for danger, like all birds do, for it kept  on taking note of our every position.

Lots of bird species could be sighted, and before anyone of us had reached his or her fill of bird watching, the tour guide had realized  that the allocated time was done and added a few extra.

The cool swamp waters were generally calm and the surrounding informatively enriching.

Being only 10 kilometer, this patch of Ziwa Rhino sanctuary was packed with wonder. For those 4 splendid hours, I had managed to do away with much of technology and returned to primal man.

Just a pair of binoculars, life vest, a book and pen; the wild and I.

Image Source: Pinterest

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Night Nature Walk: Day 9 of My 11 Day Uganda Tour

On day 9, I greatly unanticipated the long bus drive to my next destination; as was the only means of transportation my travel expenses permitted. I took it anyway for what was in store, I massively anticipated.

By 5 o'clock in the morning, I was up. I prepared, bid farewell to Queen Elizabeth National park, and started the 9 hour journey from Kasese district to Kampala, then to the Albertine region.

Along the Kampala - Gulu highway, in Nakasongola district, the outstanding Rhino signpost caught my attention. I branched off at Nakatoma trading center and headed to "Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch."

The Rhino sanctuary was established and funded by Rhino fund Uganda under the Uganda wildlife authority. The Ugandan government discovered a great source of tourism wealth with this special place. 

With the Rhinos none existent in all Ugandan national parks, the government of the republic of Uganda gazetted this site for the breeding and conservation of these magnificent wild animals.

There was no way of fighting Ziwa rhino sanctuary's call for any nature lover!

The sanctuary that's 14 years old, offered opportunities to take a gander at the Rhinos in their natural environment and lots of other exciting wildlife.

There was only one way to appreciate the existence of this sanctuary, that's to Pay it a visit...

One needed closed shoes, insect repellants, flashlight and trousers (long jeans) for the jaw-dropping activities at the sanctuary.

Camping outside was available, the perfect accommodation for one traveling on a budget. The immaculately clean camp site was adjacent to the sanctuary headquarters and wholly fenced.

The wealthy, exhibitionists, and look-at-mes had the private and shared indoor facilities.

Us, who opted for the outdoor camp, were the quiet, soft-spoken and self-contained personalities. We had to be very cool, possessed of icy nerves and almost immune to panic, slumbering on the outside in blue canvas tents.

By the time I arrived at the Rhino sanctuary, it was coming to 4 O'Clock in the evening and the only day's itinerary left was the "Nighttime nature Walk" that commenced at 8:30pm.

I paid the required dues; with some help, I pitched my tent on the neatly trimmed grass, surrounded by trees and headed to the restaurant for dinner, awaiting the night, nature walk.

The wait was worthy it, the guided nature walk experience of the nighttime sounds and sensations, unexpected and unpredictable nocturnal animals like the wild cats, bats, frogs and lots more; the dreamy scenes of fireflies, was spectacular.

Completely unknowing of what my comrades and I would bump into on that walk was unnerving, yet awesome within those 2 and half hours.

By 23:00pm, we came back to the camp site and called it a night. The rest of the night was characterized by chirping of crickets, and the occasional hoot of the Owl as I drifted off into the much needed slumber.

Image source: Instagram