The endangered Mountain gorillas

 

Uganda’s star attraction is the endangered mountain gorillas , living primates .it should be noted that  these endangered mountain gorilla share 95 per cent of their genes with humans . these endangered animals are mainly found in Bwindi impenetrable national parks and Virunga  mountains  , with in Uganda there are five habituated gorilla troops  were four of them are in Bwindi impenetrable national park and there other in Mgahinga national park  and this is visited by over 30 visitors every day

Uganda is also a home to the man’s closest relatives the chimpanzee, the chimpanzee communities have been habituated in kibale forest national park, Budongo forest and in Queen Elizabeth national park in the Kyambura Gorge .a community of orphaned chimpanzee most of which were confiscated from poachers can be visited at the Ngamba island which lies on lake Victoria 45 minutes by a motor boat from Entebbe.

Monkeys are also exceptionally well  represented in Uganda indeed  kibale forest boasts the greatest primate variety and density in East Africa, with five or six species or six species likely to be observed over the course of the afternoon walk   elsewhere  Mgahinga  national park hosts habituated troops of the rare golden monkey while Murchison falls is one of the few East African  strong  holds for the spindly,plians-dwelling patas monkeys therefore the better when you can see these primates person and this can be done by engaging yourself in the Uganda safari.

All you need to know about Gorilla tracking in Uganda

 

Gorilla tracking is one of the memorable and unforgettable experience in the field of adventure.uganda offers the best in terms of tracking experience and photography, it should be noted that more than a half of the mountain gorillas in the world are found in Uganda in Bwindi impenetrable national park. Uganda is a must visit country and for sure the pearl of Africa with the most destinations being flooded with tourists. Very many questions have been asked on what time tracking of the mountain gorilla can be carried and it should be noted that gorilla tracking is carried throughout the year. Most clients tend to avoid the rainy seasons but Bwindi impenetrable national park is an equatorial forest. Just because the animals are endangered the price to view them tend to be high compared others. We also organize gorilla filming tours for television crews and production companies. And for any member to carry out gorilla tracking a gorilla permit is required it should be noted that gorilla permits must be booked for in advance like 3 months to avoid problems because gorilla tracking is guaranteed when you get a permit. Gorilla permits are always competitive and not easily found especially during the peak seasons. in bwindi forest gorilla viewing is perfect and most especially the gorilla families of Rushanga ,Nshongi and

Have you ever been to Bwindi impenetrable national park in Uganda

Bwindi national park is located in south western park of Uganda.bwindi is sought about to be among the world class tourist destination in Uganda. Bwindi impenetrable national park harbors’ more than ahaif of the mountain gorillas in the whole world it was elevated to a full national park in1991.this national park is the only place where you can experience the ultimate gorilla experience that is very interesting .the  national park is characterized by tangled vegetation , slippery valleys, and more to that, Bwindi  is a source of five rivers that flow to lake Edward.

Bwindi impenetrable national park is accessed by a number of roads from different places to national park. The park is about 530km from Kampala the capital city. it can also be reached by a road from queen Elizabeth national park Mweya through the southern part hence giving the tourists a chance to view the  climbing lions in queen Elizabeth national park. The park can also be accessed through kabale high way. the national park can also be accessed using air transport from Entebbe international air port to tarmac airstrip in kisoro,visitors to Buhoma can use a chartered plane at kayonzi.

The climate of Bwindi impenetrable national park is always cold during the morning hours and at night and there fore visitors to the national park is always advised to carry heavy clothing’s in order to avoid the cold days. The national park also receives heavy rainfall during the rainy seasons .it should be noted that there sun bathing in the park during the sunny days. Bwindi national park can be visited throughout the whole year.inaddition; the national park has a number of accommodation facilities catering for all groups of people in all kind and suitable for safari in uganda.

Bwindi impenetrable national park has a number of attractions the major being the mountain gorillas. The national park has a number of flora and fauna that is the park has 310 species of butterflies,51 repitiles,200 trees species,88 moths and 120 types of mammals, the mountain gorillas are also the major attraction in the national park. They live in structured groups with defined home ranges Bwindi has 10habituated gorilla groups that are tracked by tourists, it also has the primate world. The national park has 10 species of the primates including the mountain gorillas, chimpanzee, babon, red tailed and the blue monkeys, colobus; birding is also carried out in national park. it has over 350 species of birds of birds that are not common and they include the following short trailed warber,shelly’s crimson wing, African green broad bill, blue headed sun bird and many others.

Bwindi impenetrable national park as it is known for its gorilla tracking, it also has other activities nature walks are also arranged and they usually depart in the morning at 9 00 am,Munyanga river trail, waterfall trail,rushura hill trill and many others. Very interesting don’t miss.

The Gorilla forest camp

The gorilla forest camp is located in Bwindi impenetrable national park which is  a UNESCO world heritage site and the a natural habitant for just over more than a half of the world’s last surviving population of the mountain gorillas. The gorilla tracking experience is a unique opportunity afforded to only afew,as eight visitors are allowed to view each habituated group every day ,it is an  opportunity to be among those eight groups. the gorilla forest is a perfect base for your tracking experience, the forest camp also has world class accommodation  in suites and tents with queen sized beds and first class room  that cheap and affordable . and the amazing view of other mammals with in Bwindi impenetrable national park is also offered ,the forest camp provides meals of all kind depending on your choice. it also has a well socked bar with all beverages both alcoholic and non alcoholic, apart from gorilla tracking ,there is birding, cultural interaction and forest walks donot miss an offering luxury in the heart of the rain forest.

The most memorable and adventurous experience in Uganda

 

Gorilla tracking is one of the most interesting activities that makes a complete tourism package in Uganda. Gorilla tracking is so challenging, adventurous through rewarding. it is carried out  in Bwindi impenetrable national park that is located in the south western part of Uganda and Mghinga forest national park, these national parks constitute of more than a half of mountain gorillas in the whole world. the gorilla tracking is done with a gorilla permit therefore it is therefore advisable to book in advance so that the permit is made available in time, the national park has a population of over 320 mountain gorillas with 116 already  habituated and it also comprises a hike to forest were you can other primates like monkeys .the following should be considered when preparing for the gorilla trekking and they include the following solid walking shoes, rain gear or hat, sunscreen, drinks and snacks, Binoculars, a camera and others .to protect gorillas and visitors, the following should adhered to for GORILLA TRACKING to be a success  no one with a communicable disease such as flu is allowed to visit the mountain gorillas, do not  surround the mountain gorillas but remain in a tight group, leave a distance at least 5 meters between you and the mountain gorillas, if the gorillas approach you , move back ward slowly and other should be followed therefore come and enjoy  your safari  trekking the gorillas.

Bonding with a Wild Mountain Gorilla in Uganda

Enjoy an incredible encounter with the wild Mountain Gorillas in Uganda on a gorilla safari to bwindi impenetrable forest.

Visitors can spend the whole day with these great apes and 12 different types of primates found in the forest.All this can be enjoyed on a well organized Uganda Safari

Tracking Mountain Gorillas in Mgahinga National Park

Located in the south western part of Uganda,the mgahinga national park is home to currently one habituated gorilla family called the Nyakagezi group and consists of 11 members.The tracking of the endangered mountain gorillas is the most important activity in this thick jungle which offers you a thrilling and unforgettable gorilla trekking experience to last a life time.

Apart from the gorillas the park is the habitat of the rare golden monkey, the colobus monkey and the jackal plus  79 species of bird fauna ,for example the Rwenzori turaco, the crowned hornbill and the crowned crane. Finally you can explore one of the caves where once the crafty Batwa lived.

You will start your gorilla trekking very early in the morning amid the cold weather accustomed with this this park.after the usual briefing by your guide,you will set off on the 13-km trail that leads you into the forest.along the way,you will get the opportunity of some of the park’s special flora and fauna.The abundant type of vegetation is the bamboo, eaten by the mountain gorilla. Other types of flora include the lobelia, the black-eyed Susan and the red-hot poker.

Once in the forest,the challenge of trekking the gorilla starts.the gorillas reside on the slopes of the 3 volcanoes makes it easier to trek yet challenging due to its steepy slopes and heavy vegetation which tends to make some areas inaccessible for trekkers.

Once you arrive at the bamboo forest, which covers 58% of the park,you hear rustling, and some branches moving heavily which signals that the gorillas are within sight.Here is where you will enjoy a thrilling experience by spending 1 hour with these great apes.watch in awe as young gorillas play among the tress while the dominant silver back reveals himself in full glory While enjoying the sun and his breakfast.Uganda Safari

UN-WTO Secretary General Praises Uganda Tourism

 

The United Nations World Tourism Organization  Secretary General Mr. Taleb Rifai has described the tourism sector in Uganda as a star in the making waiting to rise to the top

Addressing the tourism fraternity at the Kampala Serena Hotel last Sunday on his first visit to Uganda, Mr. Taleb said that tourism is oil that runs the economies and  never runs out if well preserved. He was accompanied by the UNWTO regional coordinator for Africa Mr. Ousman Ndiaye and the UN Resident Coordinator Ms Aziakwona Ononchie.

Mr. Taleb implored the political leadership of Uganda to place tourism sector high on the national agenda describing it as the investment for Uganda’s  future with activities like Gorilla Trekking taking the world by storm. Politically, it is the most important tool for creation of peace when people travel and rub shoulders, he stated.
The Secretary General noted that travel and tourism play a central role in the socio economic transformation of the country by creating jobs and promoting better understanding. He said globally tourism generates 5.2 trillion dollars a year and is the third largest industry. In 2012,on billion tourists crossed borders to visit other countries ,he said adding that it is now time for Uganda to shine.

Mr. Taleb said Uganda was endowed with tourism potential arguing that what “you do with what you have is what matters” .He said that the UN system in the country will work together to improve and foster tourism growth.

Uganda Vice President Mr. Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi said Uganda is great full for the technical Assistance that UNWTO and UNDP is currently giving Uganda in shaping our tourism policy improving of the tourism master plan and the development of inclusive Markets in Tourism sector Project”.
He also  said tourism is one of the sectors driving the agenda of creating jobs, and developing a productive and competitive labor force. Car Rental in Uganda being one of those areas.
The Ugandan  minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Dr. Maria Mutagamba said government is working with UNWTO to Brand – the Pearl of Africa by harnessing her natural and cultural endowments. She hailed the UNWTO for the technical help to develop the Tourism Policy and Master plan 2003 which has expired in 2013 and Uganda is embarking on a new ten year plan.

Mr. Taleb also later  met the President at State House Entebbe and other development partners during a breakfast business meeting.

How to Plan a Mountain Gorilla Safari in Uganda and Rwanda

Few animals have sparked the imagination of man and caused so much excitement as much as the gorillas, the largest of the living primates and the last member of the ape family known to science. Most gorillas live in inaccessible regions in the various dense forests of the Virunga national park in Rwanda and Bwindi impenetrable forest of Uganda Which is known to offer the best gorilla trekking tours.

Where to Trek the Gorilla
The most ideal option for value and almost guaranteed sightings is the mist-capped Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, while Volcanoes National Park, in Rwanda is also known to offer gorilla safaris

Weather/Climate
In both Uganda and Rwanda, it’s a rainy season from March to May, with a lighter rainy season from October to mid-December. Rwanda is slightly cooler than Uganda due to its higher altitude.

What to Carry(Essentials)
Due to the slippery and rough surface in the forest, it’s advisable to pack a pack a pair of Hiking boots with ankle support; a dry pack for camera gear; waterproof pants and jacket; gaiters; gloves; binoculars for proper view.

Book Gorilla Permits First
Bwindi national park offers Only 64 permits per day in Bwindi therefore its advisable to book your permit in advance.