| We’re off on an adventure that’s less ‘roughing it’ and more ‘rouged it’ with the finest silks. I’m talking about a five day ultra luxury gorilla and golden monkey trek in Rwanda. Yes, you read that right. Luxury. Gorillas. Rwanda. It sounds like something out of a very chic fever dream, doesn’t it? Picture this: you’ve flown in, likely on a private jet, because darling, we’re not slumming it with the masses. You’re whisked away to a lodge that frankly puts your finest country pile to shame. Think sprawling views, infinity pools that seemingly spill into the jungle mist, and staff who anticipate your every whim before you’ve even had the thought. My personal butler, Bartholomew, bless his impeccably starched heart, managed to brew me a cup of Earl Grey at precisely 7:03 AM, the exact moment I started to crave it. It’s an almost unnerving level of pampering, but hey, if you’re going to get sweaty in the jungle, you might as well do it in Egyptian cotton sheets, wouldn’t you agree? The real magic, of course, is the wildlife. And let me tell you, meeting these magnificent gorillas is an experience that will rearrange your soul. We’re talking about private viewings, naturally. No jostling with selfie sticks here. Your guide, a font of knowledge and possessing the patience of a saint (essential when dealing with us city folk), will lead you through emerald forests so lush they look airbrushed. And then, there they are. These gentle giants, so powerful and yet so incredibly serene. You’ll find yourself just sitting there, mesmerised, perhaps shedding a silent, champagne fuelled tear. It’s humbling, truly. You realise that all those little dramas back home – the lukewarm latte, the unanswered email – suddenly seem rather insignificant when you’re face to face with a creature that embodies pure, unadulterated nature. And then, the golden monkeys. These little acrobats are a delightful contrast. They’re playful, mischievous, and frankly, rather photogenic. Watching them dart through the trees, their golden fur catching the dappled sunlight, is a joy. They’re like tiny, furry rock stars, full of energy and charisma. My attempts to mimic their playful leaps were, shall we say, less successful. I think Bartholomew is still recovering from the sight. Evenings are a symphony of indulgence. Think gourmet meals under a canopy of stars, accompanied by the distant, evocative sounds of the jungle. Fine wines, conversations that range from the profound to the utterly ridiculous, and the knowledge that tomorrow holds another extraordinary encounter. You’ll be pampered with spa treatments that soothe away any lingering jungle aches, leaving you feeling utterly rejuvenated. Honestly, if you’re going to do a safari, and let’s be clear, this is not your average safari, this is *the* safari, then this is the way to do it. It’s about experiencing the wild in unparalleled comfort and style. It’s about those moments of awe, punctuated by exquisite cocktails. It’s about reflecting on your place in the world, all while enjoying the finest linen. So, yes, pack your designer hiking boots and your most elegant evening wear. You’re going to need both. And if you see Bartholomew, tell him I said hello. And to keep the Earl Grey coming. |






















