Uganda > The first steps in Uganda

I am a bit more restless than usual as I am dropped off at Schiphol. The question of whether I’ve packed everything keeps running through my mind. I attribute this feeling to the somewhat hasty preparation. As always, I remind myself that I can still buy anything I need once I arrive. Strangely, in the past few days I haven’t really felt the holiday spirit—soon to be standing in the middle of Africa. That will likely change as soon as I board the plane. Yesterday, I discovered in the flight details that I have a stopover in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.

Uganda - A giraffe looks over the bushes

This explains the difference in flight times between the outbound and return journeys. Once everyone is on board, the captain announces a delay. There are too few air traffic controllers available in Greece, so we cannot take off from the Netherlands yet. The captain attempted to fly, but the permits do not allow it. He does mention via the intercom that extra fuel has been loaded, allowing us to fly a bit faster. With about an hour’s delay, the KLM Airbus finally takes off toward Kigali. At half past seven in the evening, I arrive in the Rwandan capital. Passengers for Kigali disembark, and the plane is cleaned extra quickly so new passengers can board promptly. With only a small delay, I take off again toward Entebbe, Uganda. At ten minutes past ten in the evening, I land at Entebbe International Airport. In the arrival hall, a photo is taken, and my fingerprints are recorded at customs. In exchange for a fifty-dollar bill, I receive a visa. I am now officially in Uganda. Outside the airport, I meet Frank, the local tour guide for this trip. He has often guided Dutch Sawadee tours on this route, but now he leads this trip independently. He introduces me to Edwin and Jampa, the two drivers for the journey. They drive me through the dark streets of Entebbe in Toyota minibuses to the hotel. Around midnight, Frank explains the itinerary for the coming days in the hotel bar. Suddenly, the power goes out. Flashlights quickly provide extra light, and Frank continues his briefing. The blackout lasts only briefly. Later, when I go to bed, the power goes out again. I find that perfectly fits the African experience. I turn over and fall asleep without needing any light.