The Great Primate Handshake – Volunteer in Africa, working to conserve monkeys and apes through film and educational content production

Today was Steph’s birthday, and what a fabulous day we all had!

We woke up at 5am and went to Murchison National Park for a Safari. For many of us it was our first Safari, full of excitement. After sighting antelopes and warthogs, we stopped near the river for breakfast – expectation and excitement sweating from our pores as we gazed out at the river at hippos (well just the eyes) wallowing in front of us. Suddenly, we were surrounded by Baboons trying to steal our food! Steve had to make a dramatic entrance Indiana Jones style with his whip.

After getting back our sugar from the baboons, we carried on the safari and finally had the opportunity to see some of the great five. The park was full of buffalos, giraffes and elephants. Unfortunately we didn’t see any felines (lions) but we still had a great time admiring the Ugandan wildlife.

After the safari we started our journey back from the north to the west of the country, again on bumpy red sand roads – our destination, Hoima. Unfortunately, our journey was interrupted due to a blown tyre on our truck, so we had to stop to change it. We arrived at Hoima exhausted and hungry. Luckily, once at the hotel we had a nice buffet to celebrate Steph’s birthday and the food was delicious.