A Day filled with Animals...

Lions and Tigers and Bears…So American…

Giraffes and Antelope and Hippos…So Ugandan…

This morning we went on a land safari and it was quite easy to tell we were tourists. The cameras were out, the heads were sticking out the tops of the trucks and our eyes were all peeled for the next animal is sight. The rains that had poured down on us last night were gone and God blessed us with blue skies and a beautiful sunrise.  It is not often I see a sunrise but it was absolutely beautiful. The roads were bumpy and in many places we were hanging on for dear life but the scenery was stunning. Uganda is so green! We did not see any lions but as for myself, I was not disappointed. We saw lots and lots of giraffes and they just kept posing for the camera. They are such majestic animals and they have always been my favorite! We saw lots of antelope, water buffalo, wart hogs, baboons and the heads of our teammates popping out of their roof. At one point a tree had fallen across the road so our drivers attempted to navigate their own path… unfortunately they got stuck! Their back wheels were spinning and they were going nowhere fast. So we all piled out and out came the shovel. They unburied the back tires and one vehicle managed to make headway. With that he pulled behind the second truck attached a rope and pulled him out. The Mzugus were happy to get back in and head home!! We were also happy we didn’t see lions at that particular time!!!

In the afternoon we set out for a river safari upon the African Queen. With the exception of two other young ladies we were the only ones on board. They had drinks and a bathroom on board so we were set.  Right at the start there was a small herd of hippos in the water so we saw them right off the bat. We proceeded to see many more (that is when you realize you are NOT in Texas anymore), along with more antelope, many different species of birds, elephants (though only from a distance), wart hogs, and crocodiles. The crocodiles we saw were huge and amazingly fast. Made me glad I was on board and not in the water.  As for the hippos we decided they have a pretty good life. They basically stay in the water all day and then according to our guide travel up to five kilometers at night in search of food. In Les’ words, “They play at the pool all day and then go out to dinner!” The boat took us all way down to the Falls we saw yesterday and we had a chance to soak in the view from a distance. Wow! What a powerful sight. The whole trip was so relaxing and just beautiful to take in. And the water was so smooth. After almost two weeks of Ugandan roads it was nice not to be jostled for a change!

Tonight we ate dinner outside and feasted on a buffet. I had medallion steaks and they were fabulous. At one point the waiter tried to take my plate and I almost took his hand off. I still had four bites left! The chef had come by both nights to say hi and he got raving reviews tonight. The food was awesome. For the first night since we’ve been here Hajji did not have fish! I’m still trying to recover from the shock. Then they built a bonfire and had a group perform music with African instruments and singing. We sat down there for a while as a group and listened. I love the excitement and enthusiasm they show in their music and dance so it was a pleasure to sit and listen.

Tomorrow will again be an early day, as we have to catch the ferry at 7:00 to head back to Kampala. I wish you all well and love each one of you with all my heart. Can’t wait to see you.