I was thrilled to be able to personally visit Sambora Kinigi last December. The trip was even more meaningful, because prior to going, I had recently broken my ankle and had undergone surgery to have a plate and 9 screws put in and I wasn’t quite sure how I was going to trek up a mountain to see the gorillas in Rwanda. One of the key reasons, I managed to fulfill this dream of mine was because of the Sambora team. They were so connected, helpful and made sure everything for my trek was carefully planned out.
And I made trek! We got to have the most special up close experience with the Amahoro family of gorillas on our trek. Amahoro means peaceful and that is just what I felt during that hour with those magical animals. A moment I wont forget, was when the little two year old decided he wanted my phone and tried to come take it from me. The wardens, trackers and porters were world class – displaying respectful behaviors with the gorillas, looking after us so well and teaching us so much during our day with them.
While we were there, the Sambora team were exceptional – Khai the lodge manager, with many years of experience was wonderful. On the afternoon after the trek, when we returned elated, she offered to make me a personalised cocktail to celebrate, and all I had to do was tell her my favourite fruit – which was of course tree tomatoes ( if you haven’t tried one, you must when you are in Rwanda). She pulled it out the bag!
I cannot rave enough about the food – one evening was coriander ice-cream with dark and white chocolate for desert, culinary genius, and we all asked for seconds! Not only that, the packed lunch they gave us for the trek was fit for a king!
My morning teas, sitting in their garden listening to the birds singing and evenings enjoying the crackling fires after a blissful massage was the perfect beginning and end to the days in this secret hideaway. We loved that is was small, so close to all the key experiences and that they offered so much more than just gorilla trekking. The cultural activities included in the price, are so rewarding and the area itself is teeming with more active adventures like hiking to see the golden monkeys, early morning runs with the Sambora patisserie chef ( if you are up for it), or the opportunity for guided nature walks.
When we left, the over riding feeling was we wished we could of stayed longer, and that I promise is how your guests will feel, so make sure to book that extra night and allow them to really gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Rwanda’s unique environment and the many worthwhile activities to enjoy around the bucket list Volcanoes National Park.
Rwanda is a country of hope, and it was a fitting place for me to see out 2024. Lots more to come on this gem of a country and on Sambora in the month’s ahead! I am thrilled to welcome them into the Africa Hidden Gems portfolio, they are a vibrant team committed to Africa’s future and they have created something very special at Sambora, which we cannot wait to share with your guests.
Image credit: Gem Finder
