Omo forest part two

We hit the first obstacle a huge mud pool with a high ridge, the vehicle spinning out of control and crashing into the side of the forest at one stage we were almost only on two wheels. Through to the other side and we all pile out to guide the next vehicle through. With no equipment winches axes or ropes if we got stuck we were going to be there for a long time nobody would come and rescue us we were the only two vehicles in the reserve

Our day consisted of moving logs tress by hand three people lifting trees and a lot of skidding sinking and crashing through trees two obstacles before the bridge which was our final destination the second vehicle was well and truly stuck the wheels had disappeared into the mud and water had got into the engine. Just when we were ready to walk out along comes the mighty tractor with two chaps and a chain

The tractor can go anywhere and the local folks always have one around to pull trucks and vehicles out of the forest so within ten minutes or so we were back on the road we arranged with the tractor crew that they would follow us the entire day and we would pay them when we were back at the camp.

Through all the hurdles hot tired and full of energy we arrived at the bridge a military bridge over a large fast flowing river this was where we would wait for the cyclists as we were the water point and first aid backup under a huge tree we met some locals who were farming and selling plantain we all shared some cold beverages and then decided to go swim in the river. There was lots of fun and laughing as we got into the river the locals all watching us from a large rock on the side of the river.

After the swim the first lot of cyclists started arriving so our little camp was busy handing out water and supplies medical attention as a few of the chaps had dehydrated luckily we had a medic with us. After the last of them were through and we had loaded a few into the bakki we started back to base camp on the way back the road took its toll one vehicle had the front ripped off and the other a tree through the side but we made it back much to everyone’s relief.

There were no bath or shower facilities so we ended up washing in a bucket with water pumped from an underground well. Once everyone was cleaned up we settled down to the serious business of braaing and having sundowners. The forest is a really incredible place tropical with many different types of trees and ferns vines flowers very dense and you can hear the sound of insects all around you elephants have been discovered in the area and there is a small group of people that are trying to count them and look after their wellbeing sadly two elephants were shot last week for eating the local crops

Around the fireside that evening there is a lot of talk about preserving the area and donating to the elephant trust all of the expats contribute to the fund and we are hoping to keep building up the reserve this will be an annual event and this trip was the second challenge with more cyclists taking part. The professor who also holds a gold medal for cycling for Nigeria shows us an elephant tooth from the elephant that had been shot he is very passionate about the forest and what he hopes to achieve in the region. With our tummies full of south African meat that has been brought in we decide it is time to settle down and go to sleep me and a friend decide to sleep on the back of the bakkie under the stars what a bad idea not good in the morning I am covered in mosquito bites my feet are swollen and the ants have been taking chunks out of me.it is a fantastic morning the mist has settled into the trees and the ants are everywhere big ants that are very well organized they have got into our food and anything they could lay their hands on they build bridges to get to where they want to go ant bridges boy these guys are good.

We decide to go explores as everyone is still asleep so into the forest where we come across a natural bamboo section and a running waterfall a fantastic place a slice of heaven

After a can of mielies and a sausage we are back on the road to Lagos after a really memorable weekend