Bonding beyond the Office

The Three Mountains Learning Advisors team had an exciting outing to Nyungwe Forest National Park in southwestern Rwanda, in January 2023. Team outings are essential for building strong teams, allowing members to connect beyond the office. Out of the 11 people that traveled, 8 had never been to Nyungwe. which is home to an array of wildlife, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and various bird species.

Our journey began early in the morning, with two cars carrying the team and cargo. Inside the car, we had a blast telling jokes, sharing personal stories, and listening to music. We discovered that some of us can really dance well while sitting. This time helped us to uncover each other’s hidden talents.

As we approached our destination, we repeatedly encountered monkeys on the road and entered a dark and scary place, surrounded by a thick forest and winding roads. We couldn’t help but think, “Uh oh, we have arrived at the big forest in Rwanda.”

We reached Uwinka , our campsite for the next two days. For some of us, it was the first-time setting tents, others were experienced campers. Thanks to our teamwork, we were able to quickly set up all tents.

Following forest regulations, we had no access to electricity, so we relied on flashlights and smartphones. We built a campfire and spent the night bonding as a team, roasting corn, sharing stories, dancing, and solving riddles. Even though we had to hike the next morning, we forgot to go to bed early and stayed up late.

The forest was silent at night, except for the occasional animal scream, and squirrels and monkeys jumping from the trees above the tents. Some of us were worried they might come into our tents because we had food in there. Don’t worry, our uninvited guests didn’t show up, and we were completely safe.

In the morning, we drove to Gisakura, where we went on a guided hike through the forest, learning about the various species of trees, plants, and animals that call the forest home. We were fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of some squirrels and birds.

Here we are at Kamiranzovu waterfall. Water cascades down from a height of over 50 meters into a pool below. We all took turns taking pictures and admiring the beauty of the waterfall. On our way back, the struggle began. Some of us were already exhausted and in tears. Some had blisters on their feet due to unfamiliar walking shoes. They wished for a helicopter to pick them up. We managed to support each other by holding hands and providing encouragement.

We returned to the Gisakura site for lunch (wraps again) before proceeding to the Canopy Walkway. At a height of about 60 meters above the forest floor, we had an exhilarating and nerve-wracking experience that provided breathtaking views of the forest. Even while some team members were scared of heights, all managed to do the canopy walk and even enjoy it.

As the sun began to set and we grew tired, we returned to our campsite to spend our final night there. After taking turns showering and having dinner, we had a great evening discussing our experiences and preparing for the new year.

On the way back, we visited the National Museum of Rwanda at Huye, where we learned about our history and culture.

The team outing was great to bond, share experiences, connect on a personal level, and it created lasting memories. We are already excited about our next outing and the opportunities it will provide.

See you in the next few months, stay safe!

Abdulkalim Sezirahiga