Uganda is a country of unbelievable beauty and so many things to see & do, but ultimately, I came here to see the gorillas & the shoebill – and I was not disappointed at all!
“The Pearl of Africa” are some of the expressions used to describe Uganda because of all of natures gifts it has provided. There are various game reserves in Uganda that offer amazing experiences to those who visit. We enjoyed many of the parks but in 1952 the established park named Kazinga National Park was renamed to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth 11. This is the most visited park in Uganda, with over 400 animal species living in the park.
Flamingos are typically found in shallow saltwater or brackish waters. (where saltwater & freshwater mix). Some flamingo species breed and raise their young in extremely salty bodies of water called alkaline or “soda” lakes. The algae found in salt lagoons are pink in color and contain photosynthetic pigments. These are the carotenoids. Once the bird swallows this pigment, it will be transmitted and then retransmitted throughout the food chain.
That is why as flamingos age they will acquire their pink color. This however, is not uniform and varies between individuals. Carotenoids have antioxidant properties and strengthen the immune system. This means, the pinker the bird, the healthier it is and better at fighting infections.
Prior to entering Queen Elizabeth NP, Emma took me to the salt flats where local people have some area within the salt flats that they can manage & sell. It was incredibly fascinating and the following pictures are from that visit.
Moving into Queen Elizabeth NP, I wanted to show you some of the amazing animal sightings we came across along with the landscape.
African fish eagle taking a bath.
Heading towards Bwindi National Park was getting me excited. I was thinking, by tomorrow I will be amongst the gorillas and experience something I have always wanted to do. WOW – doesn’t even touch the surface of how you feel during the entire experience.
As we started heading up in altitude, you could see the vast difference in landscape. Field after field planted with black tea – gorgeous. And lakes everywhere, if you were a hiker – this would be a great place to explore.
Pork supplier
Bwindi from my room
We came upon this adorable baby hippo and his mom. Most likely he was a male baby, because when females give birth to males, they will separate from the group. The dominant male will most likely kill the young hippo so mom moves away and takes care of her little one.
He was brand new and mom was surprised when we pulled up on the opposite side of the bank. She immediately got up and woke the baby up so they could cross the river. It was moving quite fast, she was able to get across easily, but the baby struggled. Here is his journey to cross and join his mom. It is a slide so make sure to hit the arrows right.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
It is called the Impenetrable National Park for a reason. It is definitely not easy trekking, but the community is so involved in the success of these gorillas that they encourage the entire village to partake in the activities.
As we drove up the mountain, all the children came running down to us – what a sight! Next when we reached the location check in, the locals were performing for us and for the love & safety of the gorillas. Remember to leave a tip – this community works hard so we can enjoy this experience. You can also hire one of the locals to help carry your backpack, water or just help push you up the mountain at the end. Well worth doing – you are giving back.
It was tough trekking but so worth it. You are split into groups and led by a ranger along with rangers with guns for your safety. There is no walking trail, instead the man in the front has a machete and slices away the brush. You will be going straight down the mountain which is steep and difficult footage. Obviously, this is all part of the excitement. But when you hear them moving through the brush and maybe some branches braking your adrenaline kicks in and you can’t wait to see your first gorilla sighting in the wild.
The family we were tracking were in very deep brush and difficult to see at times, but I did my best to capture them. Additionally, the baby gorilla was in his glory – showing off for us.
I MADE IT! But it took the help of the man holding the gun – he pushed me up the mountain – I needed all the help I could.
Good bye to Bwindi, but I will be back!
On my last day, Emma asked me if I was still wanting to see the Shoebill Stork, Of Course – I couldnt ask for a better way of ending an epic trip to Uganda. But the journey there was all part of the fun. We drove down a very dusty road with lots of bumps and than rolled into an area where some of the locals were waiting on their boats to take us out.
Our shoebill guide
What a fabulous way to end an epic journey through Uganda
No one would believe I ate this fish.
Journey with me as we travel through the Panoramic Route & Kruger National Park with some amazing animal sightings & my guests from 2 safari tours we did in 2023.
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Of course you would ear the fish! I’m pretty sure there isn’t any adventure you wouldn’t tackle. Traveling with you is a blast. I’d really like to see more of Africa. 🦏🐘🦍🦓🐆
Thank you, I really would like to show you & Toodie more of Africa
I truly love your travels, you have an incredible eye, I admire your love of the adventure.
Thanks so much for sharing xoxoxo
Thank you so much, I really appreciate it.