CHAP. XII 
LAKE RUDOLPH 
257 
for ages, and in some parts was worn down into the solid rock 
like a little cutting. Farther on we had to leave it, as it kept 
too much to the right, probably leading to Kulale, and our 
difficulties became greater. Constantly descending, we got 
among still more terribly rugged hills, full of kloofs and chasms, 
the tops flanked by red precipices and the valleys full of 
boulders from top to bottom. The formation is a marvellous 
jumble of different kinds of rocks, chucked about in chaotic 
confusion. By the third day we had reached a very much 
First Peep of Bassu from the South. 
(From a Photograph by the Author.) 
lower level, and it was getting much hotter, while the vegetation 
became scantier and drier. We had to climb over dividing 
ridges and through narrow ravines, picking our way among the 
fallen rocks, which caused much trouble to those in charge of 
the donkeys, overthrowing loads, and cutting their packs. 
At last, on the afternoon of 4th December, on getting on to 
a rough, irregular sort of plateau, we came in sight of Bassu 
(Lake Rudolph) ; and a fine sight it was, looking blue like the 
sea. Beyond the island, near the south end, its waters stretched 
dimly northward until lost in haze. In one or two places 
S 
