The 4×4 bumped along the dusty track, sunlight hot on my face. My name is Bryan, and this was it – my first safari in Uganda– The Pearl Of Africa. Beside me sat my Uncle Charles, a seasoned safari guide with eyes that held the wisdom of the African bush. Across from us were two other tourists, a young couple named Yuri and Trey. They were buzzing with nervous excitement, cameras already poised.
Uncle Charles pointed towards a distant acacia tree.“Look,” he whispered, his voice low and gravelly, “a giraffe.” My heart thumped. A giraffe, a real-life giraffe, elegant and impossibly tall, nibbling leaves high above the ground.It felt surreal. The thrill of actually seeing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat was intoxicating.
We moved slowly, following a winding path through the savanna. The landscape was breathtaking: golden grasslands stretching as far as the eye could see, dotted with acacia trees and baobab giants. The air was alive with the sounds of birds – unfamiliar melodies that filled me with wonder.I scribbled notes in my journal, trying to capture the magic of the moment, but words seemed inadequate.
We spotted a herd of zebras next. Their black and white stripes blended seamlessly with the shadows of the acacia trees, creating a mesmerizing optical illusion. They grazed peacefully, their movements graceful and unhurried. Yuri and Trey whispered excitedly, clicking away with their cameras, completely captivated by the beauty of the scene.
Uncle Charles expertly navigated the jeep through the tall grass, his eyes constantly scanning the landscape. He pointed out different birds – vibrant kingfishers, colorful weavers, and majestic eagles circling high above.He knew each bird’s call, each animal’s track, each detail of the bush. His knowledge and passion were infectious.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in fiery hues of orange and red, we reached a watering hole. This was the moment I had been waiting for. The air vibrated with anticipation. The watering hole was a magnet for wildlife, a place where animals came to quench their thirst.
A family of elephants arrived first, their massive forms silhouetted against the setting sun.They drank deeply, their trunks working rhythmically, creating a gentle splashing sound. A young calf playfully splashed water onto its mother, a heartwarming sight. We watched in awe, the sheer size and power of these gentle giants humbling us.
Then, a tense silence fell. Uncle Charles leaned forward, his eyes fixed on something in the distance.“Lions,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. My breath caught in my throat. This was it, the climax I had been anticipating.
Two magnificent lions emerged from the tall grass, their golden manes glowing in the fading light. They moved with effortless grace, their powerful muscles rippling beneath their tawny coats. One of the lions approached the watering hole, its gaze fixed on the elephants. The air crackled with anticipation.
The elephants, sensing the danger, reacted instantly. They trumpeted loudly, their ears flapping, creating a wave of alarm. The lion paused, assessing the situation, before turning away and stalking off into the tall grass.
The tension slowly subsided. We all sat in stunned silence, our hearts still pounding. The experience was intense, primal, and unforgettable. The raw power of nature, displayed so vividly before us, left us speechless.
The night air grew cooler. We drove back to our lodge, tired but exhilarated. The jeep rattled along, the night sky sparkling with millions of stars. We shared our experiences, our voices filled with awe and wonder.
The next day brought more adventures. We saw playful monkeys swinging through the trees, colorful birds flitting amongst the flowers, and a family of hippos wallowing in the mud. Each encounter was unique, each sighting a precious memory.
On our last day, as we drove back towards the park’s exit, I saw a lone zebra standing on a small hill, silhouetted against the vast African sky. Its black and white stripes, now bathed in the warm golden light of the setting sun, looked like a masterpiece of nature’s art. It was the perfect ending to a truly unforgettable experience.
My first safari in Uganda exceeded all and up to this time is still remember every bit of that excitement i had.
Bryan Muhoozi
