Best of Africa - Kenya & Uganda

(April 12-30, 2009)

As I have expected, it would be a while before I was able to get connected again. To be very honest I did not expect to be that long (30 days) but well… I guess I should be happy I finally found a place to get a “decent” internet access!

So, based on my “internet accessibility limitation”, I have decided I will be posting things about this “Best of Africa” trip in several parts:

1. Kenya and Uganda (including the Gorilla Trek)
2. Tanzania
3. Zambia and Zimbabwe (and the train ride...)
4. Botswana
5. Namibia
6. South Africa
7. Mozambique

1. Kenya and Uganda (including the Gorilla Trek)

On the afternoon before we started this Best of Africa Safari, all the participants got together to go over the itinerary and its details. The group I was going to be traveling with during this first part of the 63 days trip through Africa was formed by 4 Australians girls (Alexia, Mel, Lis, and Kas), 1 Irish guy (Paul), 1 German guy (Chris), our Italian guide (Laura), our Zambian driver (Phil), and me. P.S: Abbey (Australian), Fergal and Alicia (Ireland) joined our group in Lake Navaisha. They just missed the Uganda part of the trip!

Because I have not read anything about the trip before I came to Africa (What a Surprise!!), it was only during the meeting that I got to know that the trip style was a “99% camping adventure”. I was pretty concerned at first but when I realized I was going to be able to get upgraded in some of the places and get a room with a comfy bed for very little money I was pretty happy and ready to go!

This “Kenya and Uganda” part of the trip was just great. The group got along very well and we surely did have a blast. We went to incredible places, saw so many wild animals, mingled with the locals, partied a lot, drove around more than we thought we could possibly manage, and witnessed the most beautiful sunsets every day.

Kenya

- Lake Nakuru National Park was the first game drive we went to. It is a beautiful place with so many wild animals around. On that day we were able to spot white rhinos, buffalos, zebras, giraffes, warthogs, monkeys, pink flamingos, all types of antelopes, very pervert hyenas (we got a free porno show from them J), and so much more.

- Lake Naivasha was another great place we visited in Kenya. The highlights over there were the walking game experience in the Crater Lake Reserve and the canoe ride to see the hippos.

- Masai Mara Game Reserve was a really great place. Besides the fact we were able to visit a Masai village and learn more about their culture and traditions (very interesting people), we also went for an incredible game drive. In Masai Mara we were able to spot rhinos, buffalos, giraffes, monkeys, pink flamingos, all types of antelopes, warthogs, wildebeests, zebras, lions, snakes, crocodiles, hyenas, elephants, and much more. There, we camped inside the reserve and we sure did have an incredible night. After dinner, we stayed outside drinking beers and watching the stars, and we could hear leopards attacking baby baboons and hyenas wondering around our tents. We could not see them because it was very dark outside, but we could feel them around and actually very close to us (about 6meters/18ft). We thought we were safe out there because we did have Masai guards around, but when they told us that they would run as fast as possible if they ended up being face to face with those animals we realized we were not that protected… But well, we stayed there enjoying that experience anyway.

- Nairobi was a pleasant surprise. Paul and I decided to explore a little bit of the city center before leaving Kenya. The city was very clean, people were extremely nice, and we sure felt very welcomed. We rode the local public bus and a matatu (van) to get back to the camp and both experiences were great!



Uganda

- Jinja (Source of the Nile River and Bujagali Falls). Jinja is a very cute city in the southeast side of Uganda. By far the best thing we did there was rafting in the Nile – the source of the Nile. We went through several levels 3, 4, and 5 rapids and it was so awesome and exhilarating. We did partied a LOT there as well and definitely had a great time!

- Lake Bunyoni is indeed a very pretty place in Uganda. We went there just because it was on our way to Bwindi, where we did the Gorilla Trek. We spend few days there just relaxing and enjoying the view. I did had time to visit a school and see how they were managing their limitations and working with their volunteers. It was very interesting and I’m glad I did that.



- Bwindi National Park – Gorilla Trek – WOWWWWWWWW. Seriously it was a fantastic experience. The movie shows you all about it!!



Ahhh, we did get bogged and it was crazy. Once again, the video will do its job… Enjoy!



Sorry about the very short summary about the places I went to, but I guess the videos are also very “descriptive and illustrative”, no? And aren’t you all glad that from now on you will enjoy more of my pictures than my writings ???

I truly hope all is well with all of you.

Much love, Gi