The game viewing was not as spectacular as on safari in Kenya and Tanzania, a trip I made in 2001. The numbers of animals are not as great (Idi Amin killed off animals as well as people during his regime), and there are no zebras in Murchison Falls National Park (there are in other places in Uganda). But we saw a variety of antelope, the different names for which I often forget, but which are beautiful and here in large numbers. I think the names, in order of the pictures, are oribe, waterbuck, Jackson's hartebeest, and kob -- but an antelope expert might correct me on this. I think I have the names down, but the next one I see I can't remember.
We saw a number of Cape Buffalo, large and generally mean. One doesn't want to cross a cape buffalo! There are birds which love to perch on their backs in order to eat insects; good for both bird and beast, I guess.
We saw elephants on the drive but got much better views later in the day. (Nile boat trip and pool -- more on that later.) The same was true of hippopotami. We did see several giraffes, my favorite animal, although most were pretty distant. There was one reasonably close. Uganda giraffes are Rothschild Giraffes, a type not widespread in Kenya or Tanzania so I'd only seen this type in the giraffe sanctuary in Nairobi.
There were red colobus monkeys and a few types of birds, including the African fishing eagle that we saw several times at spots along the Victoria Nile.
We returned to the lodge a bit after 11:30 where some folk rushed to the pool. Patty, particularly, was eager to begin the celebration of her 60th birthday today with an adult beverage at the pool bar.
After lunch we went down to the river to begin our afternoon river trip up the Victoria Nile to the base of Murchison Falls. The one-way distance was 17 kilometers. Robert was our guide/pilot/game spotter.
We saw a lot of hippopotami, mostly as lumps at the waterline, but occasionally one yawned or stood for us to see them better. Backside views were especially common.
There were also a number of crocodiles. Apparently they rest and digest with mouths open.
A large flock of African Skimmers went flying all around us with a clap of the hands of one of the boat crew. After briefly circling, they once again settled on the shore.
We got several close views of elephants as they came down to the river to drink. Since they can't run well in water, we could get closer than would be wise on land.
About 4:30 p.m. we reached the falls. There was a narrows beyond which we couldn't go with the boat -- too dangerous. But we had the chance to enjoy the beauty and take pictures. Zoom lenses helped.
After returning in slightly shorter time (going downstream), it was time for rest and relaxation in our luxurious lodgings. The reception is lovely (and the staff very pleasant). And look at the room and the bathroom. There's a real shower, with a shower curtain!
In addition we had a very nice patio which overlooked the pool -- and which, of course, my roommate Pat could use to dry her laundry.
The restful nature was changed to exciting as we noted two elephants climbing up the slope from the Nile and beginning to munch on the lodge foliage. I got fairly close but definitely kept the fence between the elephants and me -- and was watching the hotel staff closely for direction. Both elephants went from the one side to the other side of the pool. At one point it looked as if they were going to walk down the path in front of our patios, but staff scared them off.
Apparently the elephants do this 2 or 3 times a month. We were all thrilled they'd chosen a day we were there to visit, especially Patty who was certain it was a planned birthday present for her!
After that, it was time to shower and dress for dinner. I decided to wear my Mbale-purchased outfit. Two other members of our group did the same so we had African-dresses pictures taken.
After a glass of wine and a glass of champagne (to celebrate Patty's birthday), sleeping was good.
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