Q&A Caryn Young

Adventure World Travel general manager

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done on holiday?

A couple of years ago, I went on a canoe safari on the Zambezi river. As if the crocodiles weren’t scary enough, we came across some massive pods of hippos, which are one of the most dangerous animals because of their territorial nature. I remember at one point our guide yelling frantically for us to back-paddle because we were so close to hitting one. Avoiding them was like going through hippo chicanes. At night, we slept in pup tents on the sand banks and the hippos would come so close you could smell them. It was terrifying.

Tell us about your most recent holiday?

Earlier this year, I went to Africa for the 25th time in 30 years, but it was my first time gorilla-trekking in

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and chimp-trekking in Kibale Forest Reserve. We walked for about three hours before finding the Rushegura troop, a family of around 21 mountain gorillas. We followed them to a clearing where they feasted on fruit. The chimptrekking was fascinating too, the family interactions and behaviour were not unlike our own. It rained while I was at Kibale, and hearing the chimps calling each other before running for shelter under the forest canopy was a real highlight.

What keeps drawing you back to Africa?

The people, culture, wildlife, amazing scenery, and the smell of the bush touches my soul. In all my travels to Africa I have never had two days the same. Every day, every country and every wildlife encounter has been different. I was really surprised by Uganda this last time: its pristine forests, crater lakes, lush tea and coffee plantations and, of course, the phenomenal wildlife.