National Parks of Uganda

Hello Everyone,

I've now been in Uganda for nearly 4 weeks and am leaving to go to Kenya tomorrow. The last week has involved a lot of travelling, but it;s been worth it. I've seen loads of amazing animals and had even more cool experiences.

9th August

After a brief meeting on the evening of the 8th to meet our guide, Edmond, and all the other people on the trip (2 other Brits, 3 Canadians, 2 Germans, a Malaysian and a Singaporean) we left early on Sunday morning to drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park. We stopped briefly on the equator for photos and to observe the water spinning clockwise in the northern hemisphere and anti-clockwise in the southern hemisphere. I always believed that it would happen, I just didn't think it would completely reverse if you walked 10 metres away.

Most of the day was spent driving, so I didn't do much, but it was fascinating to see the surrounding vegetation and scenery change from trees and forests to lush green tree plantations to dry savannah. Upon arrival at QENP we were greeted by two elephants eating a tree by the side of the road. It was a cool welcome to the park. We got to our campsite about half 6 and put up our 2-man tents where we would spend the next two nights. A couple of warthogs also used the campsite as their home so we had to share with them.

10th August

I woke up at 5.40am! whilst still dark to go on an early morning game drive. I was very excited about seeing loads of animals. We went through the park on the big bus we had travelled in the previous day, which I thought was a little odd, as it didn't seem the most appropriate vehicle (more on this later). There were a number of explosion craters left from volcanic activity countless years ago which were very beautiful, some of which had been turned into salt pans. Otherwise the game drive was a little disappointing. We were out for nearly 5 hrs but only saw a handful of buffalo, a hynena and some more kob.

However before lunch we went on a nature walk around area surrounding the campsite. Our guide, Ben, knew everything about all the birds, plants, animals and we learnt so much about how the whole ecosystem works. In the late afternoon we went on the Kazinga channel boat trip. This was fantastic (I realise by this point I'm running out of superlatives for my trip). Within five minutes we'd seen more wildlife than the whole morning. An elephant had come down to the river to have a drink and was trumpeting at some buffaloes in his way. Lots of crocodiles, water buck, storks, pelicans, fish eagles, hippos, kingfishers and more. I took lots of photos. We recovered from the experience by sitting in the campsite bar overlooking the river.

11th August

A long day travelling to Murchinson Falls National Park. In total it took us 12.5 hrs! We're staying in bandas, which are small chalets. Nice to have a bed again. Hippos and warthogs running free throughout the site. Sat by the fire relaxing in the evening.

12th August

Awoke early again for another game drive. We had to catch a ferry across the Victoria Nile and saw an amazing sunrise over the river. The game drive was much better than at QENP, but still in the bus, and to prove it's stupidity it got stuck in the sand. With no 4x4 we had fun getting it out. We saw loads of giraffes, they were amazing (Mum & Dad:lots of Unklakles all over the place). Whilst waiting for the ferry back we saw some elephants drinking at the river and baboons sitting with the cars.

In the afternoon we went for a cruise on the River Nile up to Murchinson Falls. We had a small 20ft boat for the 11 of us. Again we saw loads of hippos, crocs and birds. Terry and I sat on top of the boat watching the world go by whilst drinking a Nile beer (the most popular brand in Uganda) on the Nile! Up at the falls themselves, it got a bit windy and our little boat got blown towards and grounded on Croc Island! The guide had to take his shoes off and wade in to push us out. The falls were very impressive, the whole 50 metre wide Nile forced through a 3 metre gap. On the way back to the start, we again sat on the roof enjoying the ride and the view.

13th August - 14th August

After a quick drive to the top of the falls, where we again saw the sheer force of the water and got wet in the mist, we drove to Jinja.

On friday we went white water rafting on the Nile. Did everything from grade 1 to grade 5 rapids. Can't really explain what it was like here other than it was mad, slightly crazy and one of the best things I've ever done. I'll find some links to videos on youtube when I'm home so you can see what it was like. The final rapid of the day was called The Bad Place, and all 3 boats yesterday capsized and we were flung into the pounding water. It really is very powerful and pushes you down hard. Without a life jacket it would be difficult to surface again. We had a bbq included in the price afterwards, which we ate overlooking the Bujagali Falls.


Think that's everything for now. Going Quad Biking this afternoon.

Until next time