Sally shares glorious encounter with gigantic gorillas

Standing in the thick of the Rwandan rainforest, Sally Matthee of Lakefield could feel her heart drumming in her chest.

With shallow breaths, she watched as guides quietly sliced through the towering brush to reveal a family of gorillas, who appeared to have been waiting patiently for their visitors to arrive.

In celebration of her 70th birthday, Sally’s daughter, Sam Holler, also from Lakefield, surprised her mother with an unforgettable trip to the Volcanoes National Park, in May.

Describing herself as a bush baby, the talented photographer said that a gorilla encounter has always been at the top of her bucket list.

“Having the opportunity to trek through the park and sharing this experience with my daughter is unforgettable,” Sally said.

Gazing off in the distance, as if she is still could still hear the grunts of these magnificent creatures, Sally trails off, her eyes capturing the excitement and emotion of the moment.

“Did you know that genetically speaking we share 98% DNA similarities with gorillas? That is mind-boggling as many would argue that they are merely primates, just animals,” she said.

“Yet in their presence, I became subservient to them. I saw gentleness and kindness in their eyes, which I have not seen in many human beings.

“Gorillas have the strength to rip a human from limb to limb, yet in those miraculous moments that we were granted permission to stand as equals in their home, they graciously shared their energy.

“It is difficult to put into words but there was a connection, kinship that filled the space between us.”

With her down-to-earth nature she continues by saying that although the gorillas were the stars of the experience, she was in awe of the complex biodiversity of the forest they trekked through.

“We were surrounded by 70m mahogany trees which first anchored their roots more than 350 years ago,” she said.

“Various animal species live in the canopies of those wooden giants while others shelter in its life-preserving shade.

“I was in awe of the lush flora and the fauna. Within the confines of the forest, everything is in perfect harmony and despite the country’s stark history peace has spilled over onto the streets of the villages and towns.

“Rwanda is a testament of the human spirit, overcoming adversity and finding a way of weaving a tapestry of empathy, care and most importantly respect.”

Of the adventure, Sally further says that despite having completed numerous hikes throughout the Kruger National Park, she knew that the volcanic terrain would require her to push beyond some of her physical boundaries.

“Walking is a breeze,” she said roaring laughter.

“I didn’t want to risk falling as we walked up and down some of the steep inclines, so I slowly started incorporating lunges into my daily routine.

“I would wait until late at night, puffing and panting as I lunged on the driveway, hoping my neighbours would not catch a glimpse of my laboured efforts, but by the time we boarded the plane, I could confidently say I was able to do sets of 200 per leg.

“At 70 that is no small feat!”

Hear Sally’s story
The Garlands Ladies Luncheon Club will be the first to hear about Sally’s Rwandan adventure.

They will gather on August 22 at the Katse Room, Ebotse, and guests are invited to join in on the fun.

For more information email Margie Kostlac at margie.h@mweb.co.za

She will again take to the podium on October 8 at the University of the Third Age (U3A) meeting, at Northfield Methodist Church, at 10:30.
Entry is R20 to non-members and enquiries can be directed to Cheryl Paterson on 082 346 479.

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