Roadtrip Uganda - Part 4
Ruijga Today we leave for Ruijga, a village in Bwindi National Park. Some of the roads are very bad and we have to tap into our driving skills quite a bit. Fortunately, after 1.5 hours we get another stretch of paved road. Unfortunately, this is only short-lived and the road becomes even more challenging. Half-broken bridges over a deep abyss we have to cross only to be told, after several kilometres, by locals that we are driving the wrong way because the road gets worse further on. Even worse? In our opinion, this is impossible but given the condition of the path, we are sensible and listen to the locals. Over that rickety little bridge again, with by now sloshing armpits. After half an hour, we get on the right path towards Bwindi National Park.
Another 30 km to go and we are Ruijga. We still have to find a campsite. The second campsite is a hit. A lovely spot with a beautiful wide view over the Bwindi jungle. Ruijga is an authentic village with a hint of tourism. After a short walk, we check out a shop but have to flee inside immediately as it starts raining terribly. Packs of water come down and we can't see our hands in front of our eyes. We are offered a chair and are fortunately allowed to wait out the shower inside. The lady from the shop continues her weaving. After about 45 minutes, the worst is over and we move on. We make another stop at the local pub. It is all so simple. A little bar with concrete iron barriers a few plastic chairs and wooden tables. We have a drink and meanwhile the pub is preparing dinner. A pot with an open fire with a large wok on top. We too are allowed to eat something from the pot. A local dish is served. Boiled potatoes with avocado.
Back at our little tent, we first put on dry and warm clothes. It is cold, it is raining cats and dogs and the wind is terrible. Sometimes camping is a bit of a bummer.
This morning we slept in a little. It is still heavily cloudy when we have breakfast. After breakfast, we walk to the Rangers Post to check our trek to the Gorillas for the next day. First we ask if it is safe to walk outside the village without a ranger. However, this is no problem at all. After more than half an hour, we arrive at the post and are kindly received by Mr Sunday. He takes a lot of time to brief us.
After the clear information, we walk back to the village and spot and photograph many monkeys. At a small shop we buy some tomatoes and avocados and further on freshly baked chappati for lunch. By now, the weather has turned bright. We have lunch at our tent and enjoy the sunshine for a while longer.
Later that afternoon, we head to The Gorilla Mist Lodge for a cold drink. A nice place to sit with an ice-cold beer, we chat with the staff and get a basket of delicious salty popcorn from the boss. Very tasty all round. By the way, an ice-cold beer is an exception in Uganda. Generally, there are two varieties. Hot beer; right out of the sun or cold beer; out of the shade.
On the way back, we visit an orphanage. We are warmly welcomed and shown around. Again, it is a sad state of affairs. The children are crammed into bunk beds. Moreover, there are two children in each bed. Here, too, we are surprised with music and dancing. Very nice and very cheerful. After an appropriate donation, we return to the hotel to make preparations for the next day's trek.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest At eight o'clock we report to starting point for the Gorilla trek. We are welcomed with local music and dance. This is followed by the briefing. It is explained to us that we, along with four other tourists are going to a large Gorilla Group (Oruzogo Group) in the mountains. In total, the group consists of 16 gorillas with three silverback gorillas. Around half past nine, we enter the jungle. Up and down, climbing and scrambling, sliding and stumbling. This is not for pussies!!! Fortunately, our backpacks with cameras are carried by porters. Moreover, these porters help with pushing and pulling which is no luxury. When we have walked for 2.5 hours, we get a signal that the Gorillas are nearby. When we get to our destination, we soon spot a Gorilla. And just after we take the first pictures, the big boss Bakwate himself shuffles past. What a huge Silverback! A silverback weighing at least 200 kilograms, less than five metres away. Imposing it certainly is! The various Gorillas are scattered around the area. Each time the rangers manage to spot new Gorillas again. We struggle through the Gorilla's rugged habitat from one place to another. Very intense and by now we are not wearing a dry thread. But how indescribably cool to see the gorillas in their own environment. Generally, the Gorillas react stoically and look right through you. Nibbling on branches and leaves, they growl contentedly. Very special to see these large animals with their huge leathery hands carefully eating from the plants. It is even endearing.
It makes you speechless to come face to face with these giant hairballs with their endearing eyes.
After more than an hour among the gorillas, we unfortunately have to go back. By now the legs are pretty tired and then we still have more than 2.5 hours to go back. It is really tough to climb in the jungle and if your legs are a bit weak. Fortunately, I am well supported by the porter. This man is more than worth his money.
We drive back to the campsite after this super trekking, pitch our tent, wash the dirty clothes and select the photos of the day. What a memorable Gorilla encounter this was. We will never forget this! Goosebumps!
