Stepping into Kifaru Retreat is like walking onto a different planet. Tucked deep in Gabon’s Ivindo National Park, this secluded gem has only recently opened its lush canopy to the outside world—and wow, what a welcome! For those seeking a real adventure, meeting the legendary Makenji tribe, with their extraordinary stature and strength, is an experience you’ll never forget.
During my three-week stay, I felt like a kid at Disneyland—but instead of Mickey Mouse, I was greeted by a 6’7” Makenji woman who could have easily lifted me with one hand. The Makenji tribe, who have spent centuries tucked away in the dense rainforest, are like giants come to life. Picture towering, muscular women standing next to average-sized Western men, dwarfing them with both their height and physical presence. The resort’s daily tours make the most of this awe-inspiring contrast. It’s not every day you see a petite tourist being hoisted onto a Makenji woman’s shoulders as if she were a backpack!
The real highlight was a strength demonstration in which a Makenji woman carried a full-grown tourist and his gear like it was nothing
Kifaru’s guided jeep safaris, led by the tribe’s own fearless women, provide an exhilarating ride through the rainforest. With hands gripping the roll bars and wind whipping my hair, I felt a thrill like no other. The women, sporting sculpted muscles that seem to ripple as they effortlessly maneuver the vehicles through muddy terrain, could easily make the most seasoned off-roader feel like a newbie.
And the stories they tell! The Makenji people are famed for their strength and resilience, but it’s their hospitality that left the deepest impression on me. One afternoon, I found myself learning to prepare local dishes with a group of the tribe’s women, all while listening to tales of their hunting prowess. The laughter was contagious, as was their joy in sharing their culture with a fascinated outsider like me. Just a heads up, though—don’t expect to outlift any of them!
Evenings at Kifaru Retreat are a tranquil affair, spent around a campfire under a blanket of stars, where the Makenji showcase their rhythmic dances. The sound of drums reverberating through the night, accompanied by chants and the crackling fire, created an atmosphere that made my skin tingle.
But for me, the real highlight was a strength demonstration in which a Makenji woman carried a full-grown tourist and his gear like it was nothing. Cameras clicked as jaws dropped—a scene right out of an action movie!
Whether it’s the mind-blowing scenery, the adrenaline-pumping jeep rides, or just the chance to feel like a child again in the presence of these towering women, Kifaru Retreat is a destination that deserves a top spot on every adventure-seeker’s bucket list.
