Kidepo national park

After travelling from Gulu, on bumpy roads, we arrived at Kidepo national park. I was in the back seat of the bus and my step counter clocked my highest ever number of steps in a day, even though I hadnt walked anywhere!

Katerum Lodge was to be our home for the next 48 hours.  It looked like it should be in a Bond film with a panoramic view, out of this world. A huge expanse of plains with mountains in the background. I definitely felt very insignificant, and loved seeing God's amazing creation.

We were all excited to go on a game drive that evening, for many of the group it was the first time on safari. We didn't have to go far before we saw elephants in the trees, and zebras, warthogs,  antelope and buffalo everywhere. We were all surprised at the abundance of animals and plant life. 

As we were heading back giraffes appeared on the horizon and we were blessed that they came close to us. I still couldn't believe that they were in their natural habitat and that we weren't at a safari park or zoo. 

We headed back to the Lodge where a lot of the group were grateful for hot showers after some basic washing facilities in Gulu. There was also some food different to rice and beans which was appreciated too. 

After a good night's sleep we had another early start to head out on another, longer, game drive. We drove to the rangers hq and picked up a ranger, seeing a fabulous sun rise on the way (very unusual in the Green household!).

I was in awe the whole morning. The ranger spotted elephants on the move, but needed binoculars or a long lens to see them properly. We were able to get out of the truck at times and stopped at a viewpoint with 360 degree vistas. I could have stayed longer, but we wanted to see if we could get closer to the elephants.

We didn't get closer to the elephants, but I still loved seeing other animals in their space with very little interference from humans.

Once we got back we were all grateful for a bit of chill time after a very full on program (and the delays at the start). We were hoping to go out again, but the weather put a stop to that. It was tipping down and couldn't see very far at all. 

Power cuts and no water made it slightly more difficult, but we enjoyed time together around a fire, before heading to bed as there was another early start the next day to get to Kitgum.

Stay rooted 🇺🇬

- Laura