Rwanda




This picture may not do it justice, but Rwanda is a remarkably beautiful country with verdant hills everywhere.  Even Kigali is far more pleasant than your average African capital.




The fly collecting took us to southwestern Rwanda, including the town of Cyangugu.




Cyangugu's scenic landscape is at the south end of Lake Kivu, and across the border from D. R. Congo. 





East of Cyangugu, tea plantations border the forests of Nyungwe National Park.





From the tea fields, we hiked into a steep ravine lined with tree ferns.




Looking up the fern-and-moss-covered trunk of a tall tree.




The hike brought us to a waterfall, with vegetation lining the surrounding cliffs. 




There we are.





A great blue turaco.





Back at the park office, gardens several species of iridescent sunbirds.






Another bright little nectar-feeder.





I took a break from bird photos when a troop of vervet monkeys wandered past.  This little guy was making mournful noises because he couldn't find where the others dashed off to.





Further up in the park, we had the unforgettable opportunity to visit a troop of wild chimpanzees.





This white-bearded old fellow was the leader.  The other chimps were shy, but the big guy decided we were not a threat.





Here he is again.  What can I call this except "thinking"?