African Safari 2009
March 9 to 10, 2009, Monday and Tuesday
Once you go into Africa the land, people, and animals will forever hold your heart. My husband Steve and I have been going on photo safari in Africa for over ten years. Some safaris are better than others, but they are always interesting. The initials ‘TIA’ stands for ‘This Is Africa.’ This means that something always happens, you just never know what it will be! Our trip in March was no exception. 
This year we promised to take our daughter, Nicole, to Africa with us. I gave her a written list of what to take. I even went to her house to pack her one duffle bag, one roll along, and one backpack for her 18 day trip to and from Africa. I supplied all the camera gear except for her Canon G9. Everyone was in expectant excitement. (For a list of our tried and true ‘Safari Hints,’ be sure a watch for this in the future.)
Traveling to Africa is not an easy trip. We departed from Skyharbor Airport in Phoenix, Arizona. The really long, direct flight into Heathrow needs a sleeping pill. Flights to London are pretty standard if there are not crying babies aboard. For better or worse, you always arrive jetlagged and wanting some ‘real food.’ As Heathrow is not know for this, you just make due. The next flight was to Entebbe, Uganda. We had never flow into Uganda. I should have done a little more research on this part of the trip.
Far Horizons was our transfer company. As soon as we arrived in Entebbe, we were met by their representatives, and driven to our next adventure: the Ngamba Island for rescued chimps. The first thing I should have known was that Entebbe was on the shore of Lake Victoria. I had no idea that this lake was the third largest in the world to the Caspian Sea!!! Lake Superior being slightly larger at number two. Ugh.
The scene: three tired Arizona Americans arriving in Entebbe, baggage loaded into a enclosed Land Rover, and taken directly to the shores of Lake Victoria. It was raining as we sped through town. When we arrived, our pick up boat wasn’t there. We had no idea what cruel twist of fate was to befall us. Our bags were unloaded from the truck and placed on the floor under the bench seats. Since it was raining, I did not think anything of the handing out of yellow slickers. My concern took a new direction when the lifejackets were passed out. For some reason, the the sides of the boat were rolled back up. Introductions were made, and we settled down in our seats. The first minute was fine next to the dock, but the rain and waves became more violent as we pulled away into Lake Victoria. The trip normally takes about an hour lasted over three. Lake Victoria became a big, angry ocean with 10 to 12 foot white capping swells. Every time we were caught on a wave, it dropped us down through the air to a jaw smashing crash into the water. Each time we hit the water, a huge wave of water enveloped the entire boat. I stared down into the cold, gray water wondering if we would get out of the boat alive. Why in the world were we doing this? By the time we finally arrived at Chimp Island the storm was over, but we were cold, wet, hungry, and exhausted. I have been on many boats and ships, but never want to repeat that horrifying trip ever again. Join my Fanpage, Outrageous Red on Facebook!
Tags: Africa, Entebbe, Lake Victoria, Ngamba Island, safari, Uganda
Shirley, you are truly amazing and inspiring!! Can’t wish you success cause you are a success in everything you do. I am still “finishing” my watercolor from your AWA workshop, two years ago, so you see how little I am painting. Hugs!