Gorillas and mugging

Trip Start Jun 20, 2007
1
11
15
Trip End Sep 21, 2007


Loading Map
Map your own trip!
Map Options
Show trip route
Hide lines
shadow

Flag of Uganda  ,
Sunday, July 29, 2007

So I have had my first mugging experience. While trying to get up to the place where you trek to see the gorillas from we got stuck in the mud by this village. The villagers told us the path further up was impassable and they helped push us out (an entire village of guys pushing the car!) we were sliding all over and most of the girls were pretty scared. after we had been turned around they asked 'where's my money?'. we actually didn't have much money on us at it was all in the safe on our truck which we had left behind and we didn't know what to do as our guides were on the other bus. we had to sit there for what seemed like ages while they told us we owed them and put rocks under the wheels so we couldn't drive off, opened the door (which I was sat next to), and then decided which ones of us they 'wanted'. they also lent in thru the windows and started stroking someones leg. it was pretty horrible. eventually our tour leader gave one guy some money and told the others that it was more than it was and it included their share, so they all ran after him and we were able to get away. when we made it to camp we found out they had taken some peoples sleeping bags, some sunglasses, one hiking boot and all of our bread. it was a pretty bad night.

yesterday I went gorilla trekking, we had to walk for about two hours through the rainforest, with loads of butterflies following us. my group got to see the entire group of 18 that was there, which is pretty rare as most people only see around 8. they walked past us on the path and were so close the guides told us to hold onto our cameras in case they snatched them. we saw a two week old baby as well, which was awesome. they were so human like. unfortunately on the way back my friend twisted her ankle and the guide tried to charge us $150 to help us get back which kind of spoilt it but we refused to pay and eventually they helped us get back without trying to take all of your money. the gorillas were so awesome and the place here is so beautiful, its just unfortunate that people shout 'money' at us when they see us go past and throw rocks at us. I'm glad I cam ehere for the gorillas but I don't think I'll be going back! x
Print this entry Kampala hotels