The Big Five

This week I've finally got to see most of the big five animals Africa is famous for along with quite a few others. Is it the big five or the big eight? The original big five are Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhinoceros. However, what about the giraffe, hippo and zebra?

It all started with a trip a Kasese in the South West of Uganda as part of a information gathering group of 17 representatives from national and local government, civil society and traditional leaders. We went to find out about the work they have been doing in the Kasese district around customary tenure of land and to see what lessons could be learnt for Northern Uganda. After a hectic but interesting and thought provoking two days of visits and meetings we headed back to Kampala on Thursday.

The group decided to go the longer way around in order to drive through the Queen Elizabeth National Park. On entering the park we saw a herd of African Kob grazing and then a couple of warthogs in the distance. Finally, when we were nearly out of the park, we spotted a lone elephant in the undergrowth. I wouldn't have believed something so big could hide so effectively. You could only see it when it moved and on the pictures I took it doesn't look as if there is anything there!

So after telling the tale to the other volunteers at our Friday evening get together, a group of 4 of us decided to go for the easy option of a visit to the Wild Life park and zoo in Entebbe on Saturday. One of the joys of living out here is the wonderful 'family' of other volunteers. We meet up most Friday evenings at one of the Kampala restaurants for drinks, dinner and to share our experiences during the week. And if you're planning a trip out there is usually someone to share it with whether it is a visit, shopping or a weekend away.

So Saturday morning saw four muzungus driving down to Entebbe. On arriving first stop was the beach cafe for a proper coffee, well we are muzungus! Then via the supermarket for a pasty for lunch we headed to the Wild Life park. It was great so see all of the local animals close up, but generally in their natural habitat.

So 5 of the 8 so far. I'm looking forward to visiting some of the National Parks, hopefully seeing the animals in the wild and catching up the remaining 3 - Leopard, Buffalo and Hippo.