This was not my average campfire. It was ignited in a metallic furnace, powered by charcoal. The fire wasn’t the only thing I wasn’t used to. The campsite itself has amenities I didn't expect from such a wild escapade.
I didn’t use my own tent. Sometimes, a combination of fatigue, darkness and banana wine makes it hard to assemble my camping gear late at night. This time around, I didn’t have to worry about building my own makeshift shelter under the influence of urwagwa. Every thing was all set up before I showed up.
The said campsite is on top of Mount Kabuye, in the Northern Province of Rwanda. The facility was set up by Beyond the Gorillas Experience (BGE), a social enterprise established to offer unparalleled ecotourism, cultural and community-based experiences with an emphasis on activities partaken outside the national parks.
Reaching an altitude of 8,800 feet above sea level, Mount Kabuye gave me a great hiking experience. I made it to the camp late. Darkness had enveloped the sky around the elevation and the landscapes beneath it. Illuminating lights from the surrounding settlements in the districts of Gakenke, Burera, Musanze, Rulindo, Gicumbi and parts of southwestern Uganda looked like little diamonds sprinkled on a dark surface.
Upon arrival, I took a warm bath and looked around, hoping to see the campsite’s most celebrated landmark. I am talking about the bonfire. I expected to sit by the fire in the woods, but my fellow campers preferred the warmth of the cabana near the kitchen.
Speaking of fellow campers, their itinerary gave me some ideas. They had trekked from Kinihira area in Rulindo to Gakenke through trails meandering from one hill to another enroute to Mount Kabuye.
The second day of their memorable weekend would see them ramble to the twin lakes and spend a night at Lake Ruhondo Beach Resort. From there, the plan was to cross the lake by boat and board taxi-motos to downtown Musanze.
Around the campfire, we exchanged stories while chewing some corn from the neighboring farms. The corn delicacies were served as the first round of appetizers before the main course was placed on the dinner table. Adequate drinking water and fresh juice, not to mention aromatic and alcoholic beverages, were at our disposal throughout the night.