Memories of Uganda

By Bonnie Hinschberger

The last tour I escorted was to Uganda, “the Pearl of Africa”. At the time I didn’t anticipate a global pandemic and didn’t realize this journey would be the last I would lead for a while. However, if you’ve ever travelled with me, you’ll know I try to make the most of every day, every opportunity and every new experience in a meaningful way. Uganda was no exception and those who accompanied me were equally eager to make this one of the most incredible and memorable journeys of their life.

We began in Entebbe, on the shores of Lake Victoria, where we were graciously met by our local leader Anjelica and our two driver/guides Vincent and Jude. Together we became travelling companions, sharing stories, laughter, and genuine kindness for each other. Vincent and Jude, provided exceptional guiding and shared their knowledge and expertise as we travelled in 4×4’s through the lush, gorgeous countryside.

At Murchison Falls National Park, we experienced the Nile River thundering through the narrowest part of the river, 7 metres—before cascading 43 metres to the bottom.  Beginning on the shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda and ending in the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt, the Nile is the longest river in Africa.   The next day, after observing an array of wildlife in our jeeps, we enjoyed a private safari sundowner cruise along the Nile, viewing the falls from the bottom, and admiring the incredible wildlife from the water’s edge.

In Kibale National Park, we divided into two groups for a Primate Walk through the rainforest to see chimpanzees in their natural habitat.  We did have a few sightings of these humanlike creatures and were mesmerized by their shrilling calls within the troop, but we later learned from our expert guides that the heavy rain the night before likely made them reluctant to come down from the treetops.

Later in the day, mother nature did not disappoint while cruising on the Kazinga Channel.  This channel hosts one of the world’s largest concentration of hippos, along with Nile crocodiles, buffalo, elephants, and hundreds of species of birds.  This was game viewing at its best!