Camping in Africa!

I had to make this event a separate entry because it was just that important!
Our weekend trip this week was up to northern Uganda, 6 hours away from Kampala, to a national park called Murchisson Falls National Park. Before leaving our resort in Kampala, the camp instructor tells us all the rules and advice for traveling safely up north. We were told that OUR CAMP GROUND is located IN THE MIDDLE of the national park. SCARY-roaming wild animals. She goes on to explain that our packed lunches (provided by the camp) are heavily recognized by the baboons and that they are not afraid to grab them right off your lap. Matt and I laughed because we figured that happened only once every blue moon- HA JUST WAIT
So we get up there, and come to find out, WE ARE REALLY CAMPING. There are tents everywhere, as well as two bed rooms. Nothing like the resort we just left. As soon as we arrive we see baboons and hippos and wart hogs just roaming the camp grounds and not paying us any mind.

FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT DON’T KNOW, THE ANIMAL KINGDOM AND I DON’T EXACTLY GET ALONG.
Please keep this in mind.

Anywho, we settle into the camp grounds its RAINING and storming and I am freaking out. Lights camp wide went out at mid night and we got there around 10 pm. I cried myself to sleep that night--- I was so out of my element. I can do this whole Africa thing, but CAMPING in Africa- I don’t even camp back in the states- let alone on a brand new continent. It was dark, there were INSECTS EVERYWHERE. Africa insects aren’t like the US ones--- everything is ENLARGED and have extra limbs, legs, heads--- the beetles, mosquitoes, hornets—they all slept in my room with me. I wrapped myself like a cocoon in the mosquito nets and boo hooed to bed.

(((IF YOU READ NOTHING ELSE, READ THIS1!!))Wake up was at 5:45 am the next morning because we were set to do a game drive in the national park. We took nice pictures of the sunrise and took a ferry across the Nile to reach our game drive vehicles. This is where it all begins. The crack of dawn, we are all loaded like sardines 10 to a van and started making our way through the park….. next thing you know, because there we are 4 vans deep, we begin a little traffic in the park. We were the last van, on a bridge. Let me tell you about these vans. Windows all around as well as a huge sky roof above us so when we see animals we can stand up and take pictures. Mind you, we all had our packed lunches with us for the day, you know, the packs that the monkeys supposedly recognized. Well, Matthew Brown Hancock sees some baboons and decides to whistle at them. 3 of these bad boys came running to our van while we are parked. I remember the lady saying something about the brown sacks and how they love women- I close my WINDOW QUICKLY because the biggest baboon was staring me directly in the eyes. Next thing you know he comes CHARGING my window is slammed shut – but who cares because this MONKEY WAS ON TOP OF THE VAN REACHING IN THE SKY ROOF FOR MY LAP. I USED MY HANDS TO COVER MY HEAD FOR PROTECTION AND THIS CREATURE WAS PULLING ON MY FINGERS WITH HIS NASTY HANDS! Matt and I are in the back screaming like little kids!! Matt throws a banana and I throw my entire sack lunch at the baboons head we both missed because we were too busy kicking and screaming and trying to avoid to monkey above our heads! The other 8 people in the car were stunned because the baboon only attacked our back seat! SCARIEST THING SINCE I HAVE BEEN HERE. Our bus driver jumps out and starts throwing rocks at it! I am still screaming my head off while the 3 vans ahead of us turn around to see the commotion!! Mind you, this is all at hmm 6:30 in the morning. Welcome to camping in Africa.

The rest of the game drive we saw giraffes, more damn baboons, elephants, water buffalo and many more 4 legged creatures of this earth. Later that day we went on a boat tour to see this beautiful waterfall-good times. That night I cried myself to sleep once again- Matt had to tuck me in like I was a little baby and waited for me to fall completely asleep because I was seriously having an anxiety attack. I am not exaggerating here people, I was hyperventilating and sobbing and paranoia overtook me- It was INTENSE and only occurred at night. Note to self, to parents, to boyfriend and to anyone else; CAMPING IS NOT FOR ME.

The next morning we woke up once again, but this time went hiking to the top of the waterfall. It was a beautiful sight to see! There really is a God and that is proof right there--- nothing else could have made a scene so surreal. Got lots of good snaps, can’t wait to show ya!

Finally, tonight, we are back in Kampala after our 6 hour travel back down south. We have one more night here in Kampala in the cottages at the Red Chilli resort. I enjoyed my time spent here.

Tomorrow we go on our “vacation” since we have had so many educational events. We are traveling to a place called Jinja where we get to view the source of the nile and Bujanoyi Falls. It should be another great sight to see!

3 more days. 3 more days. I have enjoyed my time here--- but it is time to get home!
We leave Wednesday at 9:00 pm and should arrive back in Des Moines around 1:30pm. Hopefully I will be able to update one last time before we leave!


Love and Miss you all!