Fortunately, the Corona test results of both of us were negative and so we could board the newly booked flights. The flights were not bad in themselves – just a bit unusual when you sit 2 times 6 hours with mask and face shield in such a plane, want to eat and maybe also get a cap of sleep.
The change in Doha went quite well despite the short time and so we got closer and closer to our destination.
Arrived in Entebbe we were already expected by our companion for the next days – Hamza – and very warmly welcomed. First of all, we exchanged some money and organized local SIM cards … by the way, the payment should turn out to be a bit more difficult than expected.
Our first stop was now Kibale Forest – 6 hours drive from Entebbe. So there was some time to get to know each other and catch up on some sleep. It was a miracle that Andreas’ neck was able to cope with this. Again we were warmly welcomed and moved into our first “budget room”.
The next morning, well rested and strengthened (not least because of the local beer “Nile Special”), we started for our first adventure – chimpanzee tracking. Accompanied by a ranger (the AK-47 always at hand) we started into the jungle. On this day, besides us, 3 other groups were on their way to find the chimpanzees. If a group had discovered something, “the noose was pulled tighter” and finally all groups met – after nevertheless quite strenuous march by the jungle, undergrowth and mud and we could admire together approx. 2 hours the chimpanzees from next proximity.
The chimpanzees are not skittish and are hardly interested in us – the alpha male walked about 30cm past Mel and did not dignify her with a glance. We could watch the animals eating, sleeping and other “activities” – who is not careful gets a “warm shower” from above. To crown the end of the tour, a certificate was handed out – apparently it came to a “lightning wedding” by the rangers of the national park, because Andreas is now Andreas Marek.
After a short refreshment we went back to Hamza in our vehicle and started towards Queen Elizabeth National Park – our next stop. More reports will follow when the internet allows us.
Recent Comments