Going to Ngamba Island
in a stormy weather was the typical now or never situation
Last Saturday morning, close to
30 delegates, including officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife andAntiquities, the Uganda Tourism Board and members of the media assembled at
Waterfront Beach, Entebbe to set off for familiarization trip to Ngamba IslandChimpanzee Sanctuary.
But at departure time, the clouds
started developing “mood swings”, giving us a sign that the 50 minute boat ride
to the island could leave us soaked, unless we wait for the clouds to clear. However,
rather than wait for the clouds to clear, we chose to brave the troubled waters
in the 30 – seater tour Boart. Our persistence was, however, not out for the
desire to get to the island soon, but rather because we were adrenalin junkies
who could not wait to experience the rain while on the lake. May be we were
taking this madness too far, as the captain thought, but it was the typical now
or never situation.
The adventure was definitely by
its extremes. First off was a piece of paradise as the boat drifted away from
the slimy green waters at the pier, which looked like they had been polluted. We
beheld the delightful reflection of the forested island and the cozy blue skys
on the calm lake. Evelyn, one of the team leaders of the expedition, kept her
eyes locked to this scene. “Its adorable,”
she exclaimed while doing her best to subdue the excitement that was bubbling
inside her. Herman Olimi, a tourism photographer, remarked that this sport of
the lake was just perfect for taking unforgettable pictures that end up as screen
savers.
The winds caressed my dry skin
and awakened all my senses. However, it was not long before the extreme
downside of the trip interrupted this luxurious moment. The ugly dark nimbus
clouds let loose. Ironically, those we expected to keep up with the macho
attitude were the ones taking cover by burying their heads under the life
jackets. To say they were scared is quite an understatement. They looked
terrified. However, though the fear was contagious, everyone was confident in
the strong build of the boats. In any case, we had life jackets on. Thirty minutes
later, the storm was still lashing the lake. The captain advised us to switch
off our phones, lest we end up being stuck by lightening. Meanwhile, strong
waves whipped upwards from the lake and hit us from the sides. In no time, we
were soaked. This reminded me of the water rafting expedition – the only
difference is that while in rafting you pursue the rapids; on this boat the
stormy and angry weather seemed to be chasing us like we owed it an apology.
Suddenly, the roaring boat
engines went silent. I could feel my breath coming in shorter gasps. Apparently,
the choppy journey had consumed all the fuel. It was right about this time that
I felt something warming my right thigh. If my guess was right must have
loosened his bladder to flash out the fright that had built in him. However, he
was not the only coward cursing for coming on the expedition. It was a relief
to learn there was extra fuel on board, so we were soon on our way again.
After that seemed like eternity,
the dark clouds started to shy away. We approached the landing site of the
pristine Ngamba Island, where we were treated to a warm reception by the
hospitable staff. They gave us hot drinks to up our body temperatures, and
offered us clothes to change, since the ones we had were soaked. Though at
first we were reluctant, we latter obliged. “I insist,” one of the staff
members said “Please change your clothes. We would like to Iron them dry before
you proceed to watch the chimpanzees feeding,” he said.
Getting rain soaked on a boat
ride was a thrilling experience in its own right, though it is not guaranteed
as it is controlled by nature. If I want a repeat I would have to check the
weather forecast and carry changing clothes and a water proof bag to protect
them.
By Bruce Amp
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