Chimpanzee experience - Kigale Uganda. And, on to Entebee.

 Post for the 31st of July 2023

 We were a bit late getting into the Chimpanzee reserve briefing point. It was packed with humans !!! Many many more than the 50s we had at the Gorilla forest.

 The briefing started at 0800, and was to the point.

We were all to locate and track a Chimpanzee troop of about 200 individuals. We would be split into groups of 10 humans, to be accompanied by a guide with a gun. 

Our guide for this was a lady called Florence. We were joined by two couples. One who turned out okay. And the other a pathetic team person. The lady kept darting ahead of the team every time there was a chance of sighting a Chimpanzee to get a selfie, scaring the poor animal away. Disgusting behaviour, upsetting the guide and other members. One of the many reasons I like to travel alone even when costs go up drastically. 

 The guide had no words to tell us, except to follow her closely. She led out. The pathetic to her heels.

It took about 15 minutes to get our first sighting. Thereafter, we were amongst the Chimpanzees almost continuously for an hour.

Whereas Gorillas were mainly on the ground, Chimpanzees stayed primarily on trees during the day.

We kept moving, following individuals and smaller groups of animals. As usual trying to watch, observe behaviour and take pictures. 

We also saw a few Baboon troops during the hour.

 

And just like that, the hour was over.

The groups gathered around the respective guides for a Q&A.

My wandering eyes sighted movement. A serious look gave me an idea that it could be elephants.

I called the attention of my daughter. All in the group turned. The elephants were actually heading straight at us.

The guide panicked and got us run back, before she turned and started clapping her hands very loudly, while warning other groups. 

It was a pair of African Elephants. And, I was warmly congratulated by all for the excellent sighting, even by the pathetic who did a high five !!!

The noise made had the elephants change route, and in a minute they were gone, into the foliage. Not a visible trace from where we stood.

Got back to the resort for a quick shower. Packed, grabbed our packed lunch and piled into the vehicle towards Entebee.

The journey to Entebee was loud, full of music and noise in the vehicle.

Once again got into playing wildlife names, then place names.

We crossed the Equator late afternoon.

 Got into Entebee by 2030. Two of the group split, as one had a flight to the USA and the other to Rwanda. We were now down to four, a much closer group.

Found that the apartment we had rented was owned by a Rajasthani lady from Kota. And, the chef was Bengali.

Ordered, on his recommendation, some fish fry, daal, and aloo bhaja. Told him specifically to keep it mild. 

Showered and finished the open alcohol we were carrying as we had a flight the next morning.

The food arrived spicy. But, the alcohol washed it down.

Post for the 1st of August 2023

The next morning was lazy. Our flight was at 1600. Decided to have breakfast, early lunch and leave at 1300, on the advice of the lady.

In realty, had a late breakfast on the banks of Lake Victoria, and no lunch.

 This is one tiny vision of this great lake. Cannot visualize size when seen on a map.

But even this vastness pales in comparison to the vastness of the Savannah forests that bracket Kenya and Tanzania - the Masai Mara and the Serengity.

Left for the airport by 1330. There was a checkpoint a kilometer from the airport where we had to get off the car and  walk thru a security check. And then get back in the car to proceed to the airport.

500 meters from the airport there is a long term parking. A policeman wanted the driver to drop us off at the parking. He insisted even when our driver told him it was a drop off. Finally let the car thru. 

We got dropped at the drop / pick up point. Then had to cart our luggage another 200 meters uphill to the entrance to join the queue waiting for security clearance into the departure area.

In the midst of all this, they stopped the queue to let a sniffer dog loose at the queue.

Well, we got thru all thie in one piece, thru immigration and into the boarding area with our minds still intact.

The flight was an Embraer 90, fully loaded. We were served sandwiches. The crew initially handed out vegetarian ( panneer minced with spices ) sandwiches to which we polited, but firmly protested, stating that it was all a conspiracy by our travel agent in India. The lady crew member took pity and served out beef sandwiches. Which were delicious. 

Landed into Nairobi where we were hoping to buy our alcohol quota for the next 3 days. And, found that there was no inbound duty free !!

Were grabbed by a taxi driver as we stepped out, who took us on a long walk. The parking in a kilometer away. To be honest, he offered to carry all our luggage. Allowed him to take one of the lady's boxes.

Our journey took us past his favourite money exchange place. he walked in as he owned it and told the staff to hand him his fare and give us the rest. 

I had a couple of very very old US 100 dollar bills. Which I found to my surprise that no one accepted - not even small highway shops. This guy was willing to exchange the bills for 110 against the rate of 140 Kenyan Shillings. It was worth it, as the alternate was holding on and giving it to some US bound person to change at a bank there. Which may or may not work.

Got our change and continued in the footsteps of the taxi driver. Arrived at his car, which turned out to be an old fashioned mercedes. With a small boot.

Had to plan loading, which I did. Was given a medal of appreciation by the driver.

Reached the hotel,  Kozi Suites. The rooms were typical overnight at airport size. But, it was close to the airport.

Ordered a taxi for the evening as we had an appointment with the local grill called Carnivore.

 The evening started with some local brew which the others had - a mix of vodka, lime and honey. I abstained. Stayed with what my palate accepts - some good whiskey. Lots was consumed.

As was the grilled food - lamb, pork, beef. Name it. They also brought some crocodile, which I politely declined.

Sleep did not take long in coming.