The following account of our time in Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda, is the result of a combined effort when we all sat down at the Nairobi Park Services Campsite, recalling the events of the past three weeks over a nice cold drink.
"Gondor was the first town we reached in Ethiopia. It was strikingly poor, with a multitude of lepers and beggars: Still, the locals were friendly and the younger generation ever-helpful in return for a Coke. In Gondor, I spent a day visiting the towns, monasteries and castles before heading off into the Simien mountains for a two-day trek. The mountain scenery is spectacular but the highlight of the trip was spending a couple of hours surrounded by Gellarda baboons." - Andrea (AKA Big Bird)
"Some of us were glad to enjoy the chance to relax and do very little in both Gondor and then in Bahir Dah. The sandmatting experience across Chad and Sudan was extremely tiring and made harder by the fact that Sudan is a dry country. Ethiopia offered (cheap) beer and sitting on the truck roof overlooking Lake Tana was a good place to rediscover the taste. Crossing the Blue Nile Gorge in Ethiopia was an amazing experience and it is easy to understand why it is known as the African Grand Canyon." - Noel (AKA Dwayne)
"Things are completely different and easier now that we are down in East Africa, staying in campsites nearly every night, trips to do most days and handy bars with ever-increasing bar tabs. The only poor point is that we have now entered the rainy season, causing everyone to get drenched in wet weather trekking to the mountain gorillas in Uganda or getting lost wandering around the middle of 'Nairobbery'." - Tim
"Tracking mountain gorillas is an amazing experience that I would recommend to anyone. The scenery is incredible and when you eventually come across the gorilla group, you spend an hour with them. For me, the most amazing bit was when the silverback walked straight past me. Four hundred pounds of pure muscle! The guard said, "Don't move!" No worries there - I was frozen to the spot. - Adam
Uganda and Kenya are by far my favourite countries to date. The people and scenery are amazing! The animals are the main attraction for me. I think the highlight of the trip is actually three highlights: The Gorillas; Elsamere - home of George and Joy Adamson and cycling through Hells Gate National Park. - Matt
I had green poo in Sudan! - Nancy
Well, we survived North and West Africa but are sad to leave the sandmatting and desert behind us. I'm loving all the animals in east Africa: This is why I came to Africa. AND I promise to get clear pictures next time an elephant tries a few mock charges from ten metres away. - Dale
Ethiopia was a fascinating country - very religious. Unfortunately we were there for lent and couldn't sample much fine cuisine. Things have been easier since arriving in Kenya and Uganda. No more sandmatting, no more heat. Now all we have to deal with is the rain and all the animals. Gorillas in Uganda, rhino in Kenya... the list goes on. Things can only get better as we head further south and visit more game parks - bring on the big cats! - Karen & Colin
Only some photos for the moment from our time in Uganda, Ethiopia and Kenya
Talk to you soon - Andi & Co.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
