Jun
HELLO + WELCOME as we drive across three continents.
It’s Kirsty here today, let’s go.
Before we managed to reach Uganda we spent a self-imposed ‘weekend’ doing some housekeeping. We pulled out the fridge and gave it a good clean and tightened up the bolts. Washed our curtains. Dusted everything. Backed-up everything. And had our new best friend Muhozi give our clothes and bedsheets the best clean they’ve had since seeing a washing machine… which was over 6 months ago in South Africa! After shoving down the best pizza and bakery treats this side of the equator we were ready to head into our tenth African country.
The border was swift and we were welcomed by the customs official saying “First of all, you are most welcome. And now we charge you a road tax”. Uganda’s south-western hillsides are cultivated to the extreme and very few trees are left standing. The bright green patchwork hills were a beautiful sight, it looked like a farmers paradise.
A highlight of Uganda was the dirt track we took along Lake Bunyoni. The track ran exactly on the lakes edge and has got to be one of the most scenic drives so far. The welcomes from locals however were varied. The majority just stared at us, the rest smiled and waved and two women told us to rack off.
Early into the track a woman walking by herself started yelling at us in her native tongue and waved us away. It made us uneasy as it’s the first time we have received such a sour response. “Should we be here?”, we thought. No sooner had we tried to stop worrying than some of the oldest village folk welcomed us exuberantly. In African villages age equals authority, so we knew one of these old ducks was most likely the mama-chief. We relaxed immediately.
The views of Lake Bunyoni were straight from the pages of a fairytale book. Deeper into the 4WD track we had children appear out of nowhere to sing a local song, it went a bit like “weee-el-cum we-el-cum, something something something, we-el-cum”. One little lone boy made us laugh out loud, as the little tacker stood bare bummed twisting his shoulders from side side singing for us as snot dripped down his mouth. What a sight.
In these parts the villagers get around in dug out canoes; the school bus being an extra long canoe that packs countless little faces.
:: First sighting of the lake
:: Driving on the lakes edge
:: The 4WD track along the lake was one of our most scenic drives so far
:: Fairytale views
:: Lakeside camp at Lake Bunyoni. With a security camera positioned at the car. Hmmm.
Lake Mboru beckoned, where we got the thrill of watching wild animals jumping about outside of the National Park’s boundaries (something we both love!) Watching a water buck with horns the length of my arms run full speed in front of the Troopy to reach his babies on the other side of the road got the blood pumping.
The drive there took us past rock chippers and some of the worst poverty we have experienced on the trip so far. Evident with children who could barely walk already being put to work.
:: Rock chippers are usually young men. In this impoverished area of Uganda women, men and tiny children chipped away at the rocks.
:: A bazillion spring onions. Not an over-estimation.
:: Lake Mboru National Park
:: Now that’s a sunset
Next post we head towards Kampala in the hope of dodging traffic and sorting some visas.
As always thanks for joining us in spirit guys. We love sharing the journey with you.
Hope all is well in your World.
Cheers,
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