Road to the Chimpanzees - to Kigale Uganda

Post for the 30th of July

Departed Ruhija after an early breakfast. Our vehicle had been changed again, from the land cruiser plus a Toyota, to a weird version of a van.

This driver was not as chatty as the others, a bit grumpy actually. Most probably because he had to drive us to Kigale and then go on to Entebee.

Given the early start, we got to see a bit of wildlife in the hills down to the main highway.

We first saw a primate called L'hoste. Then a inquisitive Side Striped jackal walked casually across the road. As we stopped midway to admire the dense foliage of the Bwindi forest, we sighted an African Crested Eagle. Called as such because it has a magnificent crest.

The highways in Uganda were generally in good shape. Two lane either way. Once you got off these highways, it was all mud.

The drive was getting so boring that we started playing anthaksari. That was changed to playing names of wildlife, which was extremely good fun as I learnt so many new names. And that birds get the weirdest of names, often detailing what they look like.

We expected to get into Kigale by lunch. In reality, it took longer. Lunch was late.

On the approach to the reserve forest we saw a lot of Baboon by the side of the road. 

Checked into Chimpanzee Forest Lodge, which is a bit past the turnoff to the Chimpanzee forest, for late lunch. The cottages were excellent. Set on a gentle slope, surrounded by tea gardens, on the edge of the forest. 

Our check in briefing warned us not to get nervy if we heard gun shots at night. There were times forest guards fired their guns on the air to turn elephants that were wandering out of the forest. We did not hear any shots. Though, we did come close to seeing a guard fire her gun at the sight of the African Elephant. That was the next day, and I will come to it.

Around 4pm, we set out for a swamp walk. A longish walk accompanied by a forest guide that took us around a swamp at the edge of the forest. 

The weather was great, with a hint of rain. As we walked along the edge of the swamp, we got a fantastic look at the primates in the area, in addition to many different types of birds.

The primates included the Olive Baboon, Ugandan Mangabey, Red Tailed Monkey,  Ugandan ashey Red colobus, Black and White colobus. The last two are called colobus as they only have four fingers and toes. They lack the thumb.

The birds inculded theBlack and White casked Hornbill, Lizzard Buzzard, Great Blue Turaco, Hadada Ibis, African Open bill stork. 

As we were to leave, I realised that my camera was out of battery. Had to rely on my phone for most of the pictures here. So, missed out on those of primates and birds at a distance.

 

 
It was drizzling halfway thru the walk. But, we were enjoying the sights so much that we just carried on.

Got back to the cottages by 7PM. 

Had decided to have a vegetarian dinner.

 That dish that looks like a sausage, is a steamed plantain, with the cover on. It is a staple diet for the locals. And, tastes good. The vegetables were wiped clean.