Ishango-Hanging with Hippos at 0 degrees

When people think Africa, they think “safaris”. I don’t so much. But, I have an immense admiration for wildlife, the natural environment in general. One of our student’s father works with the Virunga National Park. He joyfully encouraged us to visit a place known as Ishango, about 3 hours south of Beni. I’ve been itching for another escapade, so we arranged a van, packed some kalangiti (beans), and headed out of Beni.

The road takes us closer to the Ruwenzoris. The jagged mountain top grew as we approached. We drove through some forest areas, but mostly along grass and agriculture land. Papaya plantations lined the road along with mud-thatch dwellings and slow villages. After an hour or so on the road, we entered an area where forest followed on the right and grasslands on the left. This natural exchange provided for the gathering of countless butterflies dancing along and across the route. For miles, we drove through this butterfly haven.

We picked up a wildlife park range on the side of the road and took a two-track road through savannah lands. Antelope were seen scattered through out the tall grass. The guide raised his voice to indicate we reached the equatorial line. The sun beat down hard on the land. It was “Africa”, as perceived by most people. For me, it was another setting in Congo to appreciate, breathe in, and admire.

We came to the campsite consisting of 3 family sized tents situated under grass-roofed shelters. Old colonial buildings remained untouched for years, but a few new buildings indicated progress and a glimpse of tourist hope. It was rightfully modest, as it’s location was the catalyst of admiration. Situated on a bluff over looking Lake Edward, the mouth of the Semiliki River, vast forest, and highlands in the background, the frame to small and feeble to capture.

An appreciation of my roots was exposed on this trip. The thrill of seeing Safari-like Africa and the eco-scene it brings did not leave me in a flippant, enthusiastic, response or frame of mind. My eyes stared quietly and my mouth spoke without magnification. It was gentle appreciation, engrained in the same admiration for the natural world witnessed in my youth. Whether watching Hippos lay indolent in a DR Congo river, or embracing the change of life expressed during the fall in Northern Wisconsin, there is something constant and respectful in it’s wonder.