Please will you safari with me?

Saturday we rise with the early alarm, but no-one is shining.  We had booked a morning game drive in one of the park vehicles, so we hasten through the buffet breakfast and climb into the vehicle at 6:45.

Over the next 3 hours we sight lots of birds and animals.  The buffalo are reported to be one of the most dangerous creatures to humans, so no-one leaves the vehicle if any of those are in view.  We are allowed to ride atop the roof, which is rather fun if not particularly comfortable.

the crested crane is featured on Uganda's flag

We find a beautiful lion resting in the shade of a bush.  When he rises to walk away, we notice he is limping, so our guide calls other rangers who will sedate him and assess and treat his injury.  We follow the poor fellow at a healthy distance, so as not to stress him.  We do view one giraffe (neck & head) from a long distance, but never see any up close.  We do, however, spot a few elephants.

water buck

warthog

buffalo

Thrilled but tired, Carly and I retire to our rooms to nap after a swim, and Sue lounges by the pool.  We do, however, book an evening game drive in the hope of spotting some giraffes.

Our ranger guide introduces himself as George of the jungle, and he proves to be very funny and knowledgeable.  We do indeed enjoy some time with giraffes, and also spot some hyenas.  George is disappointed we don't get to see a leopard.

the coat of older giraffes goes very dark and some are spurned by the group and left to fend on their own

great to see a happy family in their natural habitat

Davis, Susan & George

hyena

At dinner we invite over a young single traveler we had met in the lobby.  John, a Norwegian, just finished teaching several days of seminar training to east African businesswomen on the topic of "branding", and is taking a couple of days for some actual vacation during this trip, something he only rarely has the opportunity to do.  It's his first time in Africa, and he is promising himself he will spend more time in this continent in the future.  He is a very pleasant and engaging man.  This time it's early to bed and no festivities.