Lunching at Tembo Canteen was outstanding; there were scores of cheap, tasty cuisines and cool beers within spectacular lake view surroundings; but only a non Ugandan would stand the marabou stock being in close proximity.
A simple "go away" gesture wouldn't work; they were extremely determined to get a piece of the pie, especially the leftover food by the dump site.
Perfectly seasoned and fried Tilapia fish, rice with Kachumbali (raw, chopped onions and tomatoes) on the side were a perfect fit for lunch.
The next itinerary on the day's agenda was the "boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel."
After lunch, the group and I, led by the tour guide, headed for "Mweya safari lodge" where the boat cruise tickets were to be purchased.
The scenic view at Mweya safari lodge was breathtaking; surrounded by the Rwenzori mountains, to the East lay the great rift valley hills: spaced from the Rwenzori, by the rambling Kazinga Channel.
After gawking at the beautiful surrounding, the group and I arrived at "Mweya Information Center." Lots of dried up, preserved carcasses of birds and animals were on display.
The center was so busy and helpful; we acquired some maps and purchased tickets for the 10-seater "Sunbird" ferryboat; that came with experienced guides and crew, well equipped with necessary safety tools and above all comfortable.
I was rapturous, I had my binoculars set, the life vest on and so ready! My minimal aquaphobia, like everyone else! was of no issue; adventure was on my mind.
At first, it was convenient to presume that cruising on the Kazinga Channel waters was a smooth sail. But it was a windy evening and the waters were a bit wavy!
The wide Kazinga channel was 32 kilometers long, linking the 2000 sq km Lake Edward on the West, to the 250 sq km Lake George on the East.
Sailing on the wavy waters was a once in a life time safari experience.
I wasn't sure why the area was dubbed the Crocodile hub until a bask of approximately 6 meters long, rough skinned Nile crocodiles sunbathing on the banks came into view.
Riparian vegetation along the Kazinga channel banks were perfect habitat for the over 100 water bird species, Like;
The white headed; dark taloned, beaked, and eyed African Fish eagle. With wingspans of approximately 6 ft, and yellow faces, hunting for prey.
The white, long legged Spoonbill; swinging its bill from side to side in the waters in an effort to catch food.
A pair of Goliath herons that flew by; with their heads, faces, backs and neck sides of a medium reddish shade of brown and chins, throats, and upper breasts all white.
And lots more...
The Epic voyage had the group and I marveling at the bloat of hippos taking a dip in the cool Kazinga Waters.
Shortly after the hippos, the majestic elephants graced our view. As they took turns to sling mad all over their bodies using their long, flexible trunks.
When we made it to the other end, the experience was worthy the pay.
In retrospection, the boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel was one of a kind.
After the boat cruise, the group and I turned back and headed for "Simba Safari Camp for dinner. Along the channel tracks, all eyes were glued to the outside in hopes of sighting the over advertised "Tree Climbing Lions", the prize possessions of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
But had no luck that evening...
I hoped it would be next on the trail...
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