Wondering where the Lions are

 

February 19 – Day 5

We meet for a quick 5:30 breakfast then head to the ranger station just over the river, where we pick up our guide, Mary.  She is very friendly and informative and promises to find us lions.  Less than 10 minutes out, we spot a mother with 6 lion cubs in the tall grass, but visible from the road.  As we creep up in our vehicle, 6 little heads pop up to eye us, but in a flash the whole group quickly retreats into the taller glades.

Sunrise in the park is spectacular

Parents and cubs in quick retreat

 

There are, of course, antelopes, water buffalo, Egyptian geese and warthogs aplenty.  We enjoy some spectacular views of Rothchild giraffe groups (called towers), baboons, and a few elephants.  Finally, we spot a lonely female lion who appears to be half-heartedly spotting game and wandering slowly parallel to our path before finally crossing it.

This poor fellow apparently lost a length of his trunk in a snare

Elephant family on the move

 

A tower of giraffes - such graceful creatures

Posing with guide, Mary

Finally we get close to this magnificent Mama

Feeling tired with the increasing heat of midday, we return to our lodge for lunch and a bit of rest.  Carly and Scott opt out, but the remainder of the group make the drive back to the river to board a tourist boat.

We cruise up the Nile, stopping to view hippos, crocodiles, various bird species including the giant kingfisher and an African fishing eagle.  Sue and Alan have taken this tour 5 or 6 years ago, and they note that the river is higher and more turbulent as the boat approaches the Murchison Falls viewing point.  The cataract is impressive as always, and we take the opportunity for photo ops before returning downstream.

 

A giant kingfisher

 

Davis tells us hippos will cross the bridge at night!

Bonnie, Alan and Sue join Carly and Scott at the pool for a very refreshing dip and beverage, while Alicia and Jamie take advantage of the zipline attraction.

Several large groups of fellow tourists have checked in today, so the dining room is packed full at dinnertime, and we are disappointed to find some of the buffet offerings no longer available.  Alicia and Jamie find their cabana infested with ants and also populated by tiny but ferocious looking insects known as pseudoscorpions.  Fortunately, they are harmless and Annie, the receptionist relocates them to a cabin close to the main lodge.