We were up before 05:00 and finished our final packing well before our meeting time of 06:00 so took our cases down and waited in reception. Due to the very early start 2 Friends had kindly provided us with a sandwich breakfast and when they brought out the bags I realised the sandwiches were toasted and still warm so I ate my cheese and tomato one immediately - delicious.
We're travelling in a Toyota Landcruiser which although has seats 8 apparently one half of the back seat is needed for luggage when we're going from one destination to another. I don't think Gerald was very impressed with my Samsonite case as it was awkward to pack, but when I have a computer with me (for downloading/backing up images) and other fragile items like ipads I don't want to risk them getting broken with another bag being chucked on top. We'd compromised bringing one hard shell and one soft, but in my defence if it's a problem then soft luggage should be stated as mandatory like on Safarilink and not "if possible but please don't feel you have to buy a new case".
The drive to Mbamba wetlands is about 1 1/2 hours by road but what the itinerary didn't say was that we were catching a ferry across Lake Victoria which would save us about 1/2 hour. The Nakiwogo ferry terminal was only about 15 mins from 2 Friends and the sun was just beginning to rise when we arrived. For some reason, maybe because we were tourists, Gerald was allowed to drive to the very front of the queue. We all then had to go into a little hut and fill in a large ledger with our names, addresses, dates of birth and signature and we were definitely not a common sight judging by the wide eyes staring at us. A few shots whilst we waiting for the incoming ferry.
The sunrise was fabulous.
Casting a beautiful light on the water.
African Open-billed Stork
Yellow-billed Stork
Just as in Kenya, motorbikes are the main form of motorised transport and these are Boxers (Chinese)
I didn't notice the incredible light on the water as I was taking this, I was concentrating far too much on getting the whole net in shot (I'll fess up here, I missed it on the LHS but thanks to Photoshop’s new generative expand I was able to create it)
Here comes our little ferry.
By now there were quite a few people waiting, including these two school kids who were really keen to have their photos taken - what a fabulous smile the smaller one has.
We had to wait for the vehicles and passengers to get off and despite this looking like a death stare, the guy had actually given me a nod of ascent as I wouldn't have been so brave otherwise given the close proximity.
As we embarked first I was able to quickly go upstairs and get a couple of shots looking back along the queue.
It really was a cracking sunrise.
A couple of minimalist bird shots. Northern Grey-headed Sparrow.
African Pied Wagtail.
The crossing was only about 20 mins and before long we'd reached the other side.
Hitching a ride!
