Simba

Just arrived back from our weekend in Murchison Falls….Amazing.

I felt an overwhelming sense of relief as we left the smog and heat of Kampala early Saturday morning–the chaos and noise of the city dissolving into the intense green hills and red earth of rural Uganda. We zoomed past the familiar scenes of everyday life in Uganda–naked children playing by the side of the road, people pushing bicycles laden with bananas, women standing in line at town water pumps, men laughing in groups under the shade of trees, boys herding cows, women digging in their gardens….

Started the weekend with the boat trip down the Nile to see Murchison Falls. Could not help but doze off in the heat and sun–waking up every once in awhile to catch glimpses of hippos. Only one elephant spotted on the water–a single male whose trunk had been ripped off by a poacher trap. Left behind by the others because of his disability. Very sad. Enjoyed watching Jake’s excitement. Ended the day with a stop at the top of the falls–the power of the water juxtaposed with the peaceful scene of the sun setting over the Nile. Had forgotten how incredibly beautiful Murchison Falls are. Had my first wonderfully hot shower and fell asleep under the breeze of a fan. It was heaven.

This morning started before dawn as we rushed to catch the ferry for our early morning game drive. Picked up a ranger who jumped in our car and immediately directed us to a male lion who was spotted lying under a tree. Our Valentine simba:) We stayed for awhile, watching the lion rest–the sun rising over the savanna behind us, the scent and sounds of morning pulsing around us. It was a perfect way to start a day filled with elephants (including a baby), giraffe, and a rare leopard sighting. Spectacular. An altogether amazing weekend.