Vipond Adventures: Gorillas in Uganda

We are back from our Ugandan experience. This trip was one of the most rare opportunities most people will ever get. After landing in Kampala and overnighting at the Cassia Lodge, which overlooks Lake Victoria, our driver picked us up and we headed to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

It was a 10 hour drive that took us through the heart of Uganda. We saw village after village and banana plantation after banana plantation. Our accommodation in the national park was 5-star with amazing meals and complementary massages after daily treks. Our first day was a trek to the "H" group of gorillas. Kelly and I were the only people in the group so it was sort of our own private gorilla trek. The "H" group (family) was deep in the forest so to get to them we had to hike 10 kilometers over a mountain and down the other side. Total time to the gorilla family - 3 hrs. When we approach them the guides go ahead and cut the bush for us to get a better view. They also make a grunting sound, which sounds like someone clearing their throat. This sound calms the silverback and lets him to know who we are.

There are 32 different gorilla families within this park, which covers parts of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The rangers track only 7 of these 32 families and use them for tourism. The other 25 families' whereabouts is unknown but can be anywhere at anytime. We did not get as close as we would have liked to this group but the rangers did a good job cutting vegetation out of the way to get the best viewing opportunities. The next day we trekked the "R" group with two other people from the US and a father/daughter from Holland. This was a 20 minute hike and there they were in a clear area all hanging out eating and playing. We were able to get the best photography opportunities as well as some amazing video. Each visit with the gorillas lasts a maximum of 1 hr then we have to leave them alone.

We were able to walk into the nearby village where we purchased some great souvenirs. On the last day we did a guided waterfall hike that took us back into the rainforest. It was a relaxing hike and we were back within 3 hours. That night we went to the nearby orphanage to watch school children do traditional African singing and dancing. Afterwards we purchased some crafts made by the children and donated $130 for clothes and school fees. It was an amazing experience and we only wish we could have done more.

In the morning we loaded up and made our way back to Kampala. The drive took us through Queen Elizabeth National Park where we tried our luck at spotting 'tree climbing lions'. None were spotted. We did, however, spot a few groups of African Elephants and many baboons.

The next morning we met our tour guide, John, who drove us to an orphanage/Sunday school in Kampala. I should add in here that before we left for Uganda Kelly talked about our intentions with her students and they decided to make donate some supplies to the kids we meet. So this orphanage was where we brought the suitcase (full) of pens, paper, toys, teddy bears, games, pencil crayons, and other assorted goods. When we arrived we got a tour of the whole facility which was pretty nice by Ugandan standards. There were many classrooms divided by age groups, teenagers were in one, small children in one and so on. We went into one of the classrooms with some adults from the orphanage and made the announcement to the children. They were so happy they all cheered and clapped for us. Apparently this year they are having a Christmas gathering at the orphanage so they were told that the toys and supplies would be given out at Christmas for all the children.

School is out for the summer in Uganda right now so this orphanage serves as Sunday school only. This basically means that ANY young person within the area is very welcome to walk into the orphanage and have a seat in class and begin to take place in singing songs, reading, writing, and more importantly socializing with others. This is a very special day of the week and time for these children as they are also served a meal of one boiled egg and a cup of porridge. May not sound like much but for many it is the only meal they have had in 3 days. The excitement and smiles on their faces while they were eating said it all. We were also told that many of these children love this place so much that they get up at 3 am to begin walking up to 10 kilometers to get there. It was very moving and if I may add Kelly did tear up at one point and had to leave the classroom. As for myself.....well someone had to hold it together, but it wasn't easy. Right before we left Kelly got a big hug from one little girl and before she could let go Kelly handed her 3000 Shillings. The equivalent of $2, but in true economic equivalency about $150 so you could imagine the look on her face. She followed us to the car and ran down the road after us with the biggest smile I've ever seen. You may now take a break from reading to wipe the tears from your eyes.

Now, later that afternoon we headed for Entebbe to catch our 6pm flight back to Kuwait. The flight took us to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where we met up with friends who were traveling there at the same time. A quick layover and we were on our way to Dubai and then to Kuwait. Cannot say enough about Uganda and can't return soon enough.

From Kuwait, Ryan