African Safari

Remember what I was saying about God's timing in our school.... in the schedule it was suggested that we visit the African section of the local zoo. Well.... we don't have a local zoo, but we do have access to some AWESOME animals!This past weekend 10 adults and 4 kids piled in to our van and headed to Murchison Falls National Reserve. We drove around the park most of the afternoon & evening and then at dusk we crossed the Nile......

On this thing...... it's called a "ferry" but I think it should be called a barge. When I think of the word ferry I picture I paddle boat floating down the Mississippi River.

Once you cross the Nile.... yes we are talking about the real NILE river. The Red Chilli is just a few short minutes away. At the Red Chilli (if you have called in advance and made reservations) You can stay in a nice bonda hut for a few American Dollars. If you are spontanous like us and DON'T call ahead and make reservations and then show up with 10 adults..... well

You might get to stay in a tent like one of these. OK.... I know I say this alot.... BUT >>>> GOD is so good! Even though we showed up with a boat load of people and there were NO vacancies we still were able to acquire a place to stay for the night. We put four of our group in the large 4 man tent, two had a tent to them selves and the two guys roughed it in a real camping tent. Problem Solved! (A group of 30 had cancelled earlier that day, but some how the owners didn't get the message....). As a family we had planned on sleeping in our van and had brought our "bed" with us, and it was a GREAT learning experience. It rained that night and we discovered that the cool extension on the top that we LOVE.... leaks. And the top is a little too crowed for three small bodies. Not a problem. So what if our friend learned that the Red Chilli tents are a little leaky too... or that it is hard to sleep in a camping tent in Africa, in the rain, with no tarp or sleeping bag, or jacket, or.....

It was all worth it for THIS...... It is very affordable and unbelievable!! There are tons of Elephants, a plethora of Antelope, Impala and other deer like creatures.

Water Buffalo.... yep we got em... and NO you can't possibly see them with out breaking out in song.... "Every body's got a watter buffalo....." (don't shoot me if the song stays there all day ;)

What are they looking at you ask.... Hippos... in the water chillin. Everyone jumped out and started taking pictures.... then we had the chance to take pictures of this.....

The worlds second largest lawn mower... with the Rhino coming in at 1st. There is a sign at the Red Chilli that says : "beware of the Hippotrotomus" under which is a picture of a man being chased by an angry hippo. (and no that is not an typo I know that I make lots of mistakes, but that one is not mine)

Can you say amazing..... all this is just two hours from my house.....

OK so how many of you have started looking at you calenders to see when you can plan a visit to Uganda?!?! We would love to have you!