Bolivia - Salt flats of Salar de Uyuni
Foto: The Nile twists through the narrow Murchison Falls (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Uganda - Anthony assures us with a big smile that the boat is hippo-proof as we approach the first hippos on the opposite bank of the river. Hippos rest in the water during the day and graze on land at night. One hippo is standing on land. Anthony tells us that this female is pregnant and therefore eats during the day as well. As we approach, she drops into the water with a big splash. We follow the riverbank eastwards. Along the shore, there are surprisingly many black-and-white kingfishers. The nervous birds fly up immediately when we approach. Some dive into the water to catch food. The Victoria Nile is very rich in birds. Buffalo and antelopes also seek refreshment by the water. Crocodiles lie on the banks, and numerous hippos are in the river. The final destination of the boat trip is the Murchison Falls. A narrow rock passage where the Nile rushes through and then crashes seventy meters down. Due to the strong current at the base, the boat cannot get too close. We are dropped off at the start of a trail—a narrow path along the shore. As we climb, the view of the falls becomes increasingly beautiful. The path is sometimes steep, and the sun is intense, making the climb tough. Soon, my water bottle is empty. Others also struggle with the climb and the heat. At the top, we are rewarded with a spectacular view of the Murchison Falls. Only here can you truly see the power of the Nile flowing through the narrow opening. Remarkable that the waterfall has existed here for centuries without further erosion of the rocks.
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Uganda - In about three quarters of an hour, we cover the 23 kilometers to the island. On the jetty, Philip, one of the park rangers, is already waiting. In the modest visitor center, he tells us about the origins of the reserve and its inhabitants. He also explains ...
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Uganda - We go to the Safari Lodge. This super-luxury lodge lies in the park along the Kazinga Channel. We have lunch here. For an additional fee, we can use the swimming pool. From the terrace and the pool, I have a view of the Kazinga Channel. On the opposite ...
Sipi Falls
Uganda - The weather is beautiful, with clear visibility. A good breakfast is ready—a solid base for today’s hike along the waterfalls. Two guides accompany us: Moses and Tonio. We walk over the mountainsides in two groups: a faster group and a slower group. ...