There are a number of nature preserves all over DRC, and this is one close to Kinshasa. It's beautiful, and lots of people come camping here. The Boy Scouts did last year.. so Jaffa and I wanted to give it a try before we leave. There was some question about our prowess as campers, but we proved to everyone that we were game, and Jaffa even asked to come back again before we leave :)
We met friends there, and they had staked out a great spot by the river--inner tubes tied to the trees and all!
There isn't much wildlife left in DRC (which isn't a terribly bad thing when all that's between you and nature is a nylon tent), but the butterfly gatherings were beautiful. We also saw purple ones and big black & fluorescent green ones.
Blu came along, and even jumped in the river once!
Betha came along too.. and had a number of outfit changes
The sunset was spectacular, and the stars were just amazing.
Eben expertly toasting his bread on the campfire.
and ease into the day with breakfast
Morning coffee in a plastic wine glass, anyone?
The girls went on a mini hike across the river.
(These kind of bridges always make me think of my mom--because she hates them so much!)
...and then we found ourselves in the savannah, in a bowl - with hills surrounding us.
It was easy to imagine elephants and giraffes and okapi and lions wandering around here
not too long ago.
Nothing now :(
but it was so beautiful anyway, and it smelled just right.
It was a fabulous experience, with good friends!
