On our Sunday off, we got up at 3.30am to head into Nyungwe Forest and Cyimidongo. During our visit we were lucky enough to see a few groups of chimpanzees due to our skilled trackers.
Tracking is a full time job for the committed workers. Tracking starts first thing in the morning before the chimpanzees set off for the day. They are then tracked for the day to study their movement patterns, eating habits and where the chimpanzees sleep. Once the chimps have made a fresh bed for the night the trackers will leave them until early morning. The trackers of Cyimidongo are responsible for 45 chimpanzees. However, there are currently 500 chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest.
We also learnt about the importance of the flora for day to day living for Rwandan people, for example how fig leaves were used to preserve food and how various plants and trees were used for medicinal purposes.
We all had an amazing time and the journey home was made all the more special as we witnessed an incredible sun surrounded by an ice crystal halo in the African sky.
Wow - what a photo of the sun!
ReplyDeleteI think that you more than deserved your day off with the chimps! What a brilliant job you are all doing in Rwanda... wish I was there to see it in person.... but your great photos make us feel a part of it and so much is being achieved. A special mention for Beth because with all her talents she is clearly making a very constructive contribution to the team. I love the idea of the murals... what my niece calls 'muriels'. cant wait to see them when I go out in the autumn. Keep up the good work... people like you are the lifeline to Rwanda Aid! Sally C.
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