Uganda – Page 3 – Moonlion Safaris

Jinja Nile Resort

Published on September 23, 2017 by Rupi MangatLeave a comment

The enigma of the Nile unfolds

Above: Jinja Nile Resort – in the foyer, pictures of the men whose lives revolved around the mystery of the Nile – from left to right – Baker, Speke, Burton and Livingstone – copyright Rupi Mangat

The Nile flows smooth. Returning 16 years later to the same spot, in my mind’s eye l recall my first spotting of the rapids – the Bujagali – at this spot on the outskirts of Jinja. The cascading waters turned white by the very force of the river, had us captivated. I was with a group of Egyptians – and it is one of the few times l have watched grown-up men overcome with emotion have tears in their eyes. Without the Nile, Egypt would perish. Continue reading “Jinja Nile Resort” →

New golf course at Lake Victoria Serena Resort and Spa near Entebbe, Uganda - copyright Rupi Mangat

On Entebbe Express

Published on September 17, 2017 by Rupi MangatLeave a comment

On the Marina to sail and golf, history and wildlife

Published Saturday Nation magazine 16 September 2017

Above: New golf course at Lake Victoria Serena Resort and Spa near Entebbe, Uganda – copyright Rupi Mangat

The 'Entebbe Express' to Lake Victoria Serena - copyright Rupi Mangat — The ‘Entebbe Express’ to Lake Victoria Serena – copyright Rupi Mangat

“Are you going to Entebbe?” asks the man on the side of the road that’s sandwiched between one of the largest swamps in Uganda that stretches all the way to the north and is home to rare wildlife like Shoebill stork.

Continue reading “On Entebbe Express” →

Caring moment - Mother rhino and calf at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary Courtesy: Angie Genade Executive Director Rhino Fund Uganda

‘Zurprised’ at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Published on September 3, 2017 by Rupi MangatLeave a comment

Above: Caring moment – Mother rhino and calf at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Courtesy: Angie Genade, Executive Director Rhino Fund Uganda

Published Saturday magazine, Nation newspaper August 26. 2017

and chancing upon the rare Shoebill stork

Rare bird of the swamps - the shoebill stork on community land near Ziwa Rhino sanctuary Copyright: Rupi Mangat — Rare bird of the swamps – the shoebill stork on community land near Ziwa Rhino sanctuary Copyright: Rupi Mangat

In 2001, on a visit to Uganda – the land that Winston Churchill in 1907 coined ‘the Pearl of Africa’ – l saw a Shoebill stork that is now a rare bird of the wetlands mostly found in Uganda at Entebbe zoo. Being so rare, l thought l would never see it in the wild.

Mum and Babe southern white rhino at Ziwa Courtesy - Angie Genade, Executive Director Rhino Fund Uganda — Mum and Babe southern white rhino at Ziwa Courtesy – Angie Genade, Executive Director Rhino Fund Uganda

Continue reading “‘Zurprised’ at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary” →

Chimpanzee baby playing in the forest Image by: Michael Nichols

Trying for Chimpanzees

Published on August 19, 2017 by Rupi MangatLeave a comment

Discovering more of the Nile at Murchison Falls and looking for chimpanzees in Uganda

Published 19 August 2017 – Saturday magazine, Nation newspaper

Above: Chimpanzee baby playing in the forest – Image by: Michael Nichols

Part 2 of 2

“When the crocodile jumps into the boat, you jump out,” tells our guide on the sail to reach the base of Murchison falls.

The Nile crocodile on the banks of the Nile near Murchison Falls - copyright Rupi Mangat — The Nile crocodile on the banks of the Nile near Murchison Falls – copyright Rupi Mangat

The Nile crocodile is gigantic – almost 15 feet long lying still as a statue with gaping jaws revealing a set of sharp-pointed teeth. My childhood memory is of the banks lined with crocodiles – we see only four now.

Continue reading “Trying for Chimpanzees” →

Sign to Murchison Falls on the Nile at Paraa Copyright Rupi Mangat

Made it to Murchison Falls, Uganda

Published on August 12, 2017August 12, 2017 by Rupi Mangat3 Comments

Part 1 of 2

Published in Saturday Nation 12 August 2017

Just 20-feet wide and 130 feet down - the whole of Victoria pours its waters into this magnificent river at Murchison Falls Copyright Rupi Mangat — Just 20-feet wide and 130 feet down – the whole of Victoria pours its waters into this magnificent river at Murchison Falls Copyright Rupi Mangat

In 1907, Winston Churchill the English statesman stood where we stand and exclaimed ’10 pounds will suffice to throw an iron bride across’. We’re on top of Murchison Falls, our faces wet with the spray of the water where the mighty Nile, reputed to be the world’s longest river squeezes through its narrowest point – just 20 feet across to crash some 130 feet down over red rocks that gleam in the morning sun.

What Winston said in 1907 – The iron bridge over Murchison Falls built in 1960 but got washed away Copyright Rupi Mangat

At Murchison Falls national Park inthe sturdy Toyota Crown Royal Saloon 1985 model – not a single puncture the entire 2,000km safari – copyright Rupi Mangat

Crossing the Nile – on the ferry near Paraa Safari Lodge Copyright Rupi Mangat

Continue reading “Made it to Murchison Falls, Uganda” →