Another Game Drive

This morning we left the Lodge at 6:00 for our second game drive in Murchison Falls National Park. It's the largest of Uganda's parks, at 5,861 square kilometers. Shortly after entering the park before daylight, we saw a small pack of hyenas in the road. They crossed to the side and gazed at us for a little while before heading off into the tall grasses. We tried taking photos, but the darkness made it tough to see them.

We saw huge herds of antelope - much larger groups than we saw yesterday - in open areas where they gather for the evening to have a clearer view of approaching predators and strengthen their protection from attacks. We also saw numerous giraffes as we drove along the dirt roads but no groups of 10 as we saw yesterday. They are so graceful and majestic, each time we see one feels like a special treat.

The Cape Buffalo also gathered in big herds alongside the road (see the dark shapes beyond the brown antelope). They lifted their heads to smell us as we approached, since they have poor eyesight and must rely on other senses to detect danger.

Periodically we also viewed some warthogs, which looked incredibly similar to the Pumba character in Lion King.

Now you see him ...

... and now you don't !

In the distance we could barely see a pair of lions that appeared ready to begin hunting for the day, as nearby antelopes were on "danger alert" and ready to spring into action as soon as they detected which direction the lions planned to take.

And our biggest excitement was seeing two elephants - not that close to our bus, but the closest we have come yet. The tusks on the male were huge and helped us spot him moving among the grasses.

Unfortunately, Uganda once had the greatest variety of animals in Africa, but under the regime of Idi Amin in the 1970s many were hunted and killed for their horns and tusks or as "target practice" for the Ugandan army. Rhinos completely disappeared from the park area, but thanks to a successful breeding program, there is a growing herd that will eventually be re-introduced to the National Park to continue multiplying. The park also shares its revenue from park entrance fees with the neighboring territories, giving locals an incentive to immediately report poachers and help enforce the rules protecting animals.

We came back to the Lodge in time for breakfast - a delicious buffet with a combination of some local African dishes plus American standbys such as omelets, toast, hash browns and waffles. We have some free time now until lunch at 1:00 and then we'll board the boat for a 2.5-hour safari cruise along the Nile River.

On the way into the park, we saw many baboons in the road and in the bushes alongside the road. Our driver Moses barreled along barely slowing down for them - causing all of us animal lovers on the bus to yell out "Get out of the road" to the baboons, as if they could hear us (or understand English, even if they did hear us). We laughed at ourselves afterward and quickly realized that these baboons have plenty of experience scooting out of the way of the tourist buses.  Our host Paul told us these baboons are shy - but the ones near the Lodge are more aggressive, and will climb in the bus windows if left open to look for food that tourists have on hand or even grab purses and backpacks that might have food.  Reminded us of the bears in Yellowstone and Yosemite!

We finally snapped some photos of a baboon when we dropped our off guide this morning - the first time the bus has been going slow enough for our cameras to capture the animals.

Sarah promised the baboons would be out in force when we come back this afternoon, as they will be looking for food they can scavenge from "clients". 

It's hard to believe that we leave tomorrow night to fly home. Meanwhile, we are taking advantage of the free Wifi at the lodge to touch base with loved ones back home (Internet access in the middle of the African jungle/savannah - who knew??).

 We'll be savoring these last hours in Uganda and soaking in as much as we can of the animals, natural beauty and friendly people. If we don't get a chance to send another blog update before we leave, we'll see you soon back in Salem!

Blessings,
The SS Nazarene Watoto Team