Giant Cockroaches and the Equator: An Unforgettable African Adventure

May 20, 2010 – As I bid a bittersweet farewell to the enchanting melodies of my primate companions in Kibale Forest, the anticipation of embarking on a new journey to Queen Elizabeth National Park ignites within me. With a heart full of excitement for potential lion sightings and the allure of the unknown, I was ready for what I thought would be a brief, one-hour drive to my safari camp. Little did I know, the day had quite the adventure in store for me.

After an unexpected five-hour scenic detour, thanks to my driver’s unfamiliarity with the newly minted safari camp I had booked, we finally arrived at our destination. Along the way, we made a pit stop at the Equator, where I indulged in the quintessential tourist photo op—straddling the hemispheres, a moment of geographical wonder captured forever.

Upon arrival at the Simba Safari Camp, I was greeted by the serenity of seclusion—being the sole guest at the camp was a traveler’s dream, though as night fell, the isolation took on an eerie silence under the vast African sky. Then, I met my unexpected roommate: a cockroach of such impressive proportions it could have its own zip code.

With no one to turn to (and my safety in mind), I faced the intruder alone. Armed with an arsenal of makeshift weapons, including plastic coat hangers and personal care products, I emerged victorious from the epic battle. The final showdown? Me versus the behemoth bug, with my trusty Lonely Planet guidebook delivering the decisive blow.

Despite the victory, sleep eluded me, with thoughts of more gargantuan insects lurking in the shadows. The absence of air conditioning or fans in the banda only added to my restless night. Yet, as dawn approached, my adventurous spirit couldn’t be dampened. I ventured out with a flashlight, only to encounter another colossal creature—a beetle rivaling the size of a tennis ball.

Giant Equator Bug

As the first rays of sunlight pierced the horizon, I set out on a game drive, hopeful that the day’s sightings would include more than just the night’s insectile giants. (Spoiler alert: the African savanna did not disappoint. Stay tuned for tales of majestic wildlife and breathtaking landscapes!)

Join me on My Adventure Bucket as I continue to share the unexpected twists and turns of globe-trotting, where even the smallest encounters can lead to the grandest of stories.

Happy travels,
Leslie Price