Safari

Our first trip to Akagera National Park was amazing!
10 people. 1 vehicle. Bumpy roads.
A few sick tummies. Camping in the wild. Lots of laughs. A few nervous moments.
And tons of animals.


It takes about 2- 2.5 hours to drive from Kigali to Akagera National Park.

Now that we're in Akagera, these kids are ready for a big day.

We traveled with Chris and Jill Shelby and their two youngest children. 

Our friendship sort of began at Harding University years ago. Then, it was solidified in Houston when we were all connected at Northland Christian School. Now, we serve together at KICS in Rwanda.  Who would have thought?

The mini-museum at the south entrance to the park had some super cool skeletons. 

This skull belonged to an elephant. So big!

We entered the park at lunch time and ate at the lodge. As the weather suddenly turned cool and wet, we wondered how this adventure was going to work out. While heading to the car, the Baboons arrived and gave us a show.

      

       Eagle

                   Cape Shoveler

Not too far into the safari, we spotted this pile of Elephant Dung.

We've been told that elephants at Akagera are often hard to spot.
Some friends have been 18 times and seen an elephant only once.
We rounded this corner and BOOM...

ELEPHANTS BLOCKING THE ROAD.
Whoa. We were so excited.

(Except for Wyatt. He was feeling sick and scared right there behind the front windshield.)

We saw two grown elephants and two calves. The young ones were literally lying in the road, wallowing in mud. And none of them were in a hurry.

We backed up, thinking we would have to find another route when rangers drove up in a truck. We followed them back toward the elephants. 

 One of the mamas decided to call our bluff, and stared us down while coming toward us. We quickly backed up (along with the rangers). In a bit, the road was clear and we were on our way again.

 

 

 Warthog

 

 Hippos

 

We were certain that crocs were somewhere in this scene, but we never saw them. The closest thing we got to seeing a crocodile was a Nile Monitor. He was pretty cool.

Waterbuck

Impala

Aren't their markings just beautiful?

And these cuties were totally posing for us.

Zebras

They are so fascinating, don't you think?

 Zebras are born with their stripes.
Can you see how the foal's stripes are brown and fuzzy?






 And the Giraffes...

 

                                                            

                                                    Such variations of pattern and coloring. 

                                                            Our God is amazing.

We had hoped to set up camp before dark, but we took an accidental detour, so our arrival at the campsite happened well after dark. It was also quite chilly. The campsite is up on a hill, open to any animals who feel like venturing up there, but all we saw were antelope, bunnies, and field mice.
Some friendly campers shared hot coals with us and we were set for the night.

 The night air was cool, but we woke up ready for more adventure.

Early birds

 Mutumba Hills is a gorgeous place to witness the birth of a new day.

Our fearless driver. Is everyone ready to get back in the car?

Day 2 ...

did NOT disappoint.

 I don't know what the name of this flower is, but isn't it cool?

Giraffe in the mist

                                 Impala

 Topi

                                                                                    Birds and Cape Buffalo

Photo bomber behind Cy. Can you spot him?

Almost at the northern edge of the park, the road is blocked by
elephant destruction. Those guys are so strong!

Last stop before Kigali- the northern ranger's station.

 

 This ranger was very happy to meet our Wyatt.

Restrooms, picnic lunch, and hand-washing station before the long drive home.







Good-bye Akagera!

No photos to show, but even the drive back to Kigali was a sight to see...
Deep red clay, lush greenery, and beautiful people.


Our first SAFARI was so very cool.
Anybody want to come go with us on our next visit?