Wake up with tea at 5am, breakfast at 5.30 and away by 6 - what a way to spend a holiday. By 7 we are being sorted into groups at the VNP HQ at Kinigi. We are lucky and get the Susa Group - a chance to see the largest group of gorillas in the national park. Reputed to be a tough walk but one of the most spectacular groups.
The steep walk up to the forest boundary is a good chance to see the fields and farms up close. After cresting a steep slope we cross a field and reach a wall marking the forest boundary, an hour after leaving the car.
The rain starts as we enter the forest. We duck and weave through creepers and bamboo as we climb the steep, muddy slope. Eugene, our guide points out gorilla droppings and explains how the gorillas strip and eat the bamboo shoots which are in season. This is mildly alcholic - gorilla beer!
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