Hunting Hippos

The sun is setting!

The hut where I've laid all day under the brilliance of its overhead fan is a fortress from the smothering heat the hot season sends, it was time.

Two weeks ago, a few of us biked the 3k out of Kedougou along the banks of the Gambia River to a spot known as the playground for the hippos who inhabit those waters. Unfortuanetly, we arrived too late. They had floated along. With all of my determination, I not only want to be a great volunteer, but I also don't want to leave Africa without seeing at least one exotic animal in her natural habitat, not behind bars at the local zoo.

One of my Senegalese counterparts who I work with in my village lives in Kedougou. For weeks now, we've discussed hunting hippos, or "gabbies" (in Pulaar) together down in Kedougou. I called him to announce the time had come, and we made the trek on our bikes once again. Along the dirt road we soared ducking around mangoes and billowing trees. We arrived at the familiar spot. He stood at the top of the hill, while I trotted down to the banks. Not even two seconds later, he whistled. I ran up the hill and, there in the distance...water was shooting up along with the perky ears of nothing other than: a hippo.

I insisted on a better look, so we ran up down the bank, searching for the best view. We finally stood on hill that overlooked them straight on. Not too close to danger, but a view visible enough to see the gargantuan creatures coming up and down for air, ears perked and making a sound related to a bellowing yawn. We stood on the banks and watched for an hour, skipping rocks and arguing over which was more life threatening; a croc or a hippo.

"Fatou, I think you should just swim over there and give them a nice pat on the head," my friend says with a smirk, "I sit and watch from here, and then we will know for sure which is more dangerous."

"Sure," I reply, "but please be sure to jump in and collect my bones after they're finished and send them back to America for me."

What a picturesque afternoon in Senegal. It's what we all dream about when we think of Africa. Adventures, sunsets and wild animals. Of course, no experience is never enough if not shared with a friend-my African friend at that!