Mihingo Lodge

Last night was the last night of camping as we approach the end of our adventure.  So with no need for our camp chairs, table, pillows etc we managed to persuade the camp site attendants to take them away.  They seemed pretty pleased with their new donations, and certainly wasted no time hiding them away from prying eyes.  We had some tins and dried food left too, so we gave these to the restaurant to use up.

We explored the park for a few hours before heading for our last night of African luxury at Mihingo Lodge.  This is a really nice lodge, perched high on a rocky outcrop looking out over the park.  It has a smashing wee pool and very good fresh food.  It is currently being run by a fellow Scot - but not sure for how long.

We were given a tented room down by the waterhole - 200 steps down the hill from the main lodge.  The views are great - even when sitting on the loo!

We gratefully had our first showers since Kigali, with some hot water too.  Before heading back up the hill for a swim and a lazy afternoon on the deck looking out over the park.

The luxury continued with sundowners with chips and dip on the deck and an excellent buffet dinner, after which we were invited to meet the bush baby that frequents the lodge after dark.  The guides use a red light to illuminate the bush baby to ensure it isn't startled as it snacks on some fruit laid out for it.  Not exactly wild, but still lovely to see up close.

The only drawback to this place is the fact that all of the business of the lodge is conducted in full view of the customers.  The owners had arrived and commandeered the best tables and sat with the management staff drinking and eating.  I guess this is ok, but is not something we'd ever encountered before.  It was also strange to see the management calling staff and arguing with them down the phone in full earshot of the guests.  This was our only complaint with the place - otherwise it was excellent.

The next morning we were awoken by a waitress bringing us coffee and heart shaped biscuits in a wicker basket.  What a difference to waking up in a tent and having to get up to put the kettle on the petrol stove.

We had more swims and more food before having to hit the road for Entebbe and home.