The Gentle Giants of Bwindi : Mountain Gorillas Apes of Bwindi

Gorillas, Chimpanzees, orangutans and humans all belong to the order of primates .Human share98.4%of their genetic material with gorillas and 98.8% with chimpanzees. Gorillas ,the largest of the great apes are divided into three sub species that include the western lowland gorillas and the Eastern low land gorillas. The Eastern and the Western low land gorillas were identified for science in 1847 and 1877 respectively. The subspecies- the mountain gorilla was identified for scientific purposes in the year 1903 and has gone on to be the Uganda's star attraction. Mountain gorillas are distinct from low land gorillas. They are larger ,have more hair ,a short truck,a broad chest and shoulders and also have a longer and slightly different noise shape. Mountain gorillas are born small, covered with black hair and usually weigh about 2.3 kilograms. Gorillas develop as twice as human babies with the mature female mother also under going a gestation period of nine months. They are unique species ,as a gorilla with an infant may not have another baby not until four years. Male and female gorillas between the ages of three and six years are classified as Juvenile. They increase in size and weight at similar rates for the first six years. On reaching six years most mountain gorillas weigh 68kg and usually four feet tall. The female mountain gorillas stop growing taller at around six years where as the males continue growing both in size and in weight till they reach the age of ten to eleven. Between the ages of six – ten the male ones have black hair and are referred to as the black backs. On reaching maturity which is usually between 10- 12 years, they develop silvery grey hair on their backs therefore referring to them as silver backs. The silver backs usually leave their parental group at the age of 11and then moves alone or in the company of the other males for a few years before managing to attract females from other groups to him hence forming his own family .Gorillas communicate through vocalizations. Twenty- five vocalization have been so far recognized with each one having its own particular meaning. As an element of their socialization ,they communicate through howls ,grunts ,barks and hoots .screams and roars signal alarm or warning and are often produced by silverbacks . They also communicate by beating on their chests or on the ground .This is done to show stature ,prevent fights or even scare opponents . However, even the infants beat their chests as a kind of displacement activity during play perhaps just to copy their elders. Mountain gorilla life is peace full and quite .It is from this that they have come to be Africa's gentle giants which has promoted gorilla safaris and tourism in general These gentle giants are found in the in the areas of Bwindi Impenetrable Ntional park and Mgahinga Gorilla National park in Uganda while in Rwanda they are confined in Parc des volcans and in Virunga Republic of Congo.

Silver back is a dominant male in a group about 12 or more gorillas that usually include females ,juveniles and other infants. On a good day ,you find them chewing leaves ,laughing and farting not only continuously but with a lot of contentment .They are diumal and nomadic ,sleeping each night in fresh nest built from leaves and branches. Mountin gorillas are primarily vegetarian with their menu composing bamboo, nettles and gallium being some of their favourites. They occasionally eat safari ants which are scooped in huge handfuls to stuff into the mouth until the safari ant bites over power them. Gorillas spend most of their time in travelling and foraging in search for food since plants and trees change with seasons .

10 Days Uganda Holiday Safari Tour

Day 1: Kampala-Murchison Falls National Park

Morning after breakfast drive to Murchison falls. Stop for lunch at Masindi town. Lunch  will be at Masindi and proceed to Murchison falls. Visit the top of the falls an exciting point where millions of gallons of water squeeze in 6-7 meter gap with thunderous sound before falling down 40 meters forming placid river. Dinner and overnight at lodge of your choice. At Paraa Safari Lodge FB or other related budget option cost chosen

SAFARI COST: 2 People sharing

Luxury cost per person: US$ 6330

Upmarket cost per person: US$ 5270

Middle Cost per person  :  US $ 3485

Budget cost per person:US$ 2863

Day 2: Murchison Falls National Park

Wake up early take a game drive looking for wildlife. Murchison Falls is the largest national park in the country and harbors different flora and fauna. Your game drive in the morning with a local guide who will assist you to sight wild game in the northern bank of River Nile where concentrations of game are in common sight of elephants, giraffes, antelopes, lions leopards hyenas and many bird species are a common sight.

Afternoon go for a boat cruise on the famous River Nile up to the bottom of falls viewing variety of game that throng along banks of the river. Chances of sighting the shoe bill stork are many though not a guarantee and many more bird species continue up to the bottom of the falls where you will see animals like schools of hippos, crocodiles and many species of birds dinner and overnight. FB

Day 3: Murchison  – Fort Portal/Kibale .

After breaking your fast ,  proceed to   Fort Portal /Kibale with packed lunch. Drive in one of the remotest parts of this country enjoying different forest environment and other savannah woodland vegetation plus communities along the road stop where you find local market to mix briefly with local people. Arrival  will be a in the evening enjoy nice views of the mountains of the moon on clear days.

Continue to Kibale National Park where you will settle in at Primate Lodge luxury tent facilities. Dinner and overnight FB

Day 4: Kibale Forest National Park

After breakfast visit Kanyanchu the park headquarter offices for your chimpanzee tracking where you will see other primates like the colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys plus other primates that share this forest with chimpanzees. The park also hosts over 320 species of birds including the yellow spotted nectar, yellow rumped tinker birds etc. It also has colorful butterflies; over 250 species have been spotted. For nature lovers, the dense forest is still intact you can see trees of different species. Track chimps in their natural habitat. Kibale Forest National Park is believed to have most concentration of primates in the world. Over 12 different species of primates including chimps in this park have been recorded. Enjoy a lot plant life with tall tropical tree species.

After lunch drive along the foot of Mountain Rwenzori and on clear days enjoys its nice ice peaks that remain wonder on equator line. Stop for communities along the road stop where you find local market to mix briefly with local people. Dinner and overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge. FB

Day 5: Queen Elizabeth National Park

Early Breakfast in the morning, there after carryout a game drive to catch-up with the early risers and predators returning to their hideouts. You are likely to meet grazing hippos, elephants, lions, spotted hyenas and leopards, bushbuck, waterbuck and stripped jackal, and of-course the several warthogs.

After lunch take boat cruise on Kazinga channel connecting Lake George and Lake Edward viewing different game lion, elephant, buffalo and many more plus plenty of birdlife. Dinner and overnight at Mweya safari Lodge. FB

Day 6: Queen Elizabeth – Ishasha – Bwindi

After breakfast you will drive Kyambura gorge to track chimpanzees. After picnic lunch, drive towards the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth national park. – The Ishasha sector famous for climbing lions. And precede to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park the home of Mountain Gorillas. It is estimated half of the world’s surviving population of mountain gorillas –300 live within Bwindi boundaries. Dinner and overnight at Buhoma Luxury Lodge FB

Day 7: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Early morning breakfast and head for gorilla trekking with guides together with other tourists trackers on this day. The trek is strenuous but enjoyable. This is the major tourist attraction in Bwindi. Carry packed lunch with you that will have at picnic site in the forest. The thrill of your encounter with these gentle giants will erase your difficulties of the potentially strenuous trek. Spend time in awe watching gorillas go about their activities. Each encounter is different and has it’s own rewards. You are likely to enjoy a close view of adults feeding, grooming and resting as the youngsters frolic from vines in a delightfully playful display. Return from tracking gorillas, have dinner and overnight At Buhoma Luxury lodge. FB

Day 8: Bwindi – Bunyonyi

After breakfast will be have a Batwa forest  walk  taking back many years when pygmy communities used to stay in this forest as as forest gatherers around, or do village walk  of Buhoma Community where you will see different local people as they do their day to day activities, visit the local/traditional healers, local brew distillation points, after the village walk will return back the lodge for lunch,  or to the community hospital or ca even donate to the community. After lunch will drive to Kabale and continue to Lake Bunyonyi, check in at you lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 9: Bunyonyi – Lake Mburo

Morning take a boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi a seeing plenty of bird life and visiting communities as they go their daily activities. Enjoy this Switzerland of Africa scenery. After lunch drive to Lake Mburo national park or Mbarara town. Lunch will be on the way transfer to Lake Mburo Diner and overnight at Mantana Safari Lodge.

Day 10: Lake Mburo – Kampala

After Breakfast take a game drive  or later do natural walk or take boat ride on Lake Mburo . After proceed to Masaka road to Kampala. Stopover on your way could be for Ankole grassland where long horned cattle are common sight. Continue northwards breaking at the Equator crossing. Continue to Kampala. END .

SAFARI COST: 2 People sharing

Luxury cost per person: US$ 6330

Upmarket cost per person: US$ 5270

Middle Cost per person  :  US $ 3485

Budget cost per person:US$ 2868

All cost options are based on full board all inclusive.

Please note the safari cost include:

• meals and accommodation as indicated in the itinerary
• full time safari driver/guides,
• park entry fees, all game drives, boat/ launch trips, forest guiding walks, all activities while on safari and all the applicable Government Taxes.
• 4×4 wheel drive vehicle with gas
• Airport transfers.
• 1 gorilla permit per person
• chimp permit per person – Kibale/Kyambura

4 Days uganda Gorilla trekking safari

Overview of the 4  days Uganda gorilla trekking and wildlife safari
Our 4 days Uganda  gorilla trekking and wildlife safari  safari in Uganda,  combines gorilla trekking ,  chimpanzee trekking & gorilla trekking tour is one of the popular safari tours in Uganda. The 4 days safari in Uganda features  Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park  and Queen Elizabeth national park Wile on this safari trip  will enjoy the sight seeing of the Great Western Rift valley , Mountains of the moon- Rwenzori mountains snow capped tops on Equator.  This a safari to south western  Uganda and  Western Uganda. It features , game drive and boat cruise and  chimpanzee trekking at Kyambura gorge .

4 Days Gorilla trekking Bwindi and wildlife viewing Safari

Day 1: of 4 days Uganda gorilla trekking: Kampala – Bwindi National park.
This Morning, you will be picked from your hotel/residence in Kampala at around 7.00 am and proceed to the south western part of the country. Stop at The equator for land mark photo taking and continue to Mbarara. Break for lunch on the way then proceed to Bwindi National Park the home of Mountain Gorillas. It is estimated to half of the world’s surviving population of mountain gorillas –300 live within these boundaries shared by Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. The drive is long but enjoyable. Proceed south to Buhoma viewing the terraced hills of Kigezi Highlands once known as Switzerland of Africa.

Arrival at Buhoma will be in the evening. You will then settle in at your lodge for Dinner and overnight as you prepare for tomorrow’s event! FB

 Budget: Buhoma Community Bandas: Bwindi View Bandas: Nkuringo campsite tents: Virunga Hotel: Nkuringo safari centre

Middle: Nkuringo camp site: Wagtail Eco lodge: similar/Gorilla Mist Camp: Shongi Gorilla Resort

Up market: Lake Kitandara Lodge: Engagi lodge: Mahogany Springs Lodge: Gorilla Resort Camp: Traveler’s Rest Camp: Silver Back Lodge: Gorilla Safari lodge

Luxury: Gorilla Forest Camp: Buhoma Lodge: Clouds LodgeGahinga: Volcanoes Bwindi Safari Lodge.

 Day2:of 4 days Uganda gorilla trekking: Gorilla Tracking  Bwindi

Morning after breakfast with packed lunch, you will be escorted to the starting point for briefing by your guide. you will be allocated guides to track gorillas with, and then will be off to begin your adventure. A briefing from your local guides and then it’s off! the time taken and the terrain vary (1- 8 hours) this depends on the movement of these gentle giants. the thrill of meeting face to face takes away the pain of some times long and arduous trek.  Each encounter is different and has its own rewards, but you are likely to enjoy the close view of adults feeding, grooming and resting as the youngsters frolic and swing from vines in delightfully playful manner.

Mountain gorillas of Bwindi

After tracking will walk back to your lodge for overnight stay fb.

You will need to carry long pants like light type, sturdy shoes to help you hiking steep and slippery slopes, long sleeved shirts and blouses to protect your bodies from thorns and itching plants. You may not rule out raining on you and at least a rain coat is needed to protect your bodies and any equipment carried along with like cameras. Also carry insect repellants and sun cream

 Day 3 :of 4 days Uganda gorilla trekking: Bwindi national park _ Ishasha – Queen Elizabeth National park

After early breakfast head for ishasha, which is the southern sector of Queen Elizabeth national park, carry out a game drive where you may sight tree-climbing lions and viewing other wildlife like elephant buffalo, hyena etc. Ishasha sector is dominated by acacia woodland and scrubland and features the meandering ishasha river, banked by a riparian forest. After Game drive in Ishasha sector proceed to Mweya peninsular where will do most yielding boat cruise on Kazinga channel. Will have chance of viewing at schools of hippos,herds of elephants,lots of birds and many more . After check in at your lodge for   dinner and overnight.

 Budget: Albertine Camp: Farmland Resort

Moderate: Hippo Hill Camp: Simba Safari Lodge: Bufallo Safari Lodge: Bush Lodge : Engazi lodge
Up market: Mweya Lodge standard rooms: Katara Lodge
Luxury: Mweya Safari lodge: Jacana safari lodge: Wilderness Safari Camp
Day 4:of 4 days Uganda gorilla trekking:  Queen Elizabeth park – Kampala

This day will be driven to Kyambura gorge for Chimpanzee tracking while doing a nature walk. The   Kyambura gorge is famous for a primate walk where you will see chimps and other primates e.g. Columbus & velvet monkeys and baboons. After the chimp walk drive back to Kampala with your packed lunch. Arrival will in the evening END OF SAFARI

Please Noe the Uganda safari cost will include:
Meals and accommodation at full board for the agreed dates
Gorilla permits 1 permit per person
Game drive — Ishasha , park fees, 1 tracking chimpanzee permit per person
safari driver /guide and 4×4 vehicle
Park fees
Applicable government taxes
Drinking bottled water while driving on safari
 Excluded are:
Beverages and bar bills, phone calls, personal insurance and any other services of personal nature like souvenirs, tips, laundry etc

Safaris to do while visiting Uganda

Uganda “The Pearl of Africa” now “Gifted by Nature” was once  described by Sir Winston Churchill at the start of the  last  century in 1908,.. “has  a unique description which cannot be close to the truth….situated in the fertile heart of Africa, astride the Equator boasts of wide diverse landscape, from  rugged snow capped mountains, the vast flatlands stretching to the horizon, Uganda  offers visitors a wealth of breathtaking scenery” in his book “My Journey  to Africa”.

Uganda gorilla Safaris and tracking form the pinnacle of the tourism  Industry in Uganda and East Africa – Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda.

In terms of size, safari in Uganda  is the richest country for birds in Africa and forms best  birding safaris in Africa. No other area in Africa can match its amazing diversity of habitats and this  richness is reflected in its ever-burgeoning bird list of over 1000 species. Among est  these are many special endangered birds such as shoe bill stork, standard winged  Night jar, the great blue Turaco, the Green broad bill and numerous endemics of  the Albertine Rift Valley that are rare to find elsewhere. Uganda birding safaris and tours offer  a lot and in single day can list more than 300 bird species.

 

Uganda has a unique description which cannot be close to the  truth…situated in the fertile heart of Africa, astride the Equator boasts of wide diverse  of landscape, from rugged snow capped mountains, the vast flat lands  stretching to the horizon, Uganda offers visitors a wealth of breathtaking scenery ,  with range of broad savannah, rain forests to arid – semi desert , plenty of  wetlands and abundant fresh rain forests. It is within such charming climate that  has natured and protected the mountain gorillas that still survive on earth. 

It is estimated that not more than 1000 still survive on earth and that  those still surviving live in the environs of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest  National Park in south western part of  Uganda. And Uganda has more than half of the gorilla population.

Every visitor coming to Uganda would wish to get into contact with  these gentle giants moreover our  cousins. Uganda should treat gorilla  tracking as the pinnacle of the tourism industry in the country if they are to continue attracting more numbers of tourist visiting the country and increase  passes to  isit these gentle giants. Below is my gorilla experience.

  

The spectacular scenery of undulating hills, the legendary mountains of the  moon- Rwenzoris that provide challenging climbing expeditions and the Nile  offering challenging white water rafting. The warmth of Equator and the  cool  breezes of Natural forests and mist mountains generate a tender climate throughout  the year not to be enjoyed anywhere else in Africa.

Our tours are fresh and focused. They offer fun, adventure curiosity in

 Our outstanding national parks in the country. Our protected areas offer  outstanding beauty with a variety of fauna and flora. The geographical position  Uganda in the   shadows of Great Western and Eastern Rift Valleys give the country   special climate zones of  temperate, hot and wet, cool and dry, rainy climates.

 Throughout the year and adversely supporting a variety of vegetation covering  range of short savannah grassland, tall savannah grassland tropical rainy forests  to  high altitude moorland vegetation.   It has been quite unbelievable to find  ice caped tips on the mountains of the moon at the same time lying along the  Equator.

Uganda’s tourism wealth  can be discovered in the following national  parks:

•           Queen Elizabeth

•           Murchison Falls

•           BwindiImpenetrable Forest

•           Mhgahinga,

•           Semuliki, Kidepo .

•           Lake Mburo National parks.

•           Fresh water Lakes, and Rivers and Islands – Ssese Islands

•           Other than parks there are natural forests- Budongo,Maramagambo,etc

Uganda’s cultural history has made it one of the most visited by  tourists. Culture here is rich and dynamic dating  from from 15th century when  the interlucustrine kingdoms were formed. People here are very hospitable  and  receptive to foreigners.  Cultural sites such as Kasubi Tombs , Uganda  Museum and  Namugongo martyrs shrines have attracted both local and international  tourists.

Where is Uganda

Uganda is land locked country in Africa. Uganda is located in the East African region that borders Kenya in the East, Tanzania, Rwanda in the south , Sudan the north and in the west DRC  Congo. 

 Uganda lies along the Equator  and the famous lake Victoria the largest fresh lake in the world is located here shared by the 3 east African countries.  Uganda is  a beautiful  country  with enviable flora and fauna showcased at different spots and corners of its boundaries. It is home to the biggest population of the prized Mountain Gorilla, the primate chimpanzees, beautiful weather, source of the mighty River Nile, Africa's largest fresh water body- Lake Victoria, lush greenery, landscapes, vast wildlife, birding experiences, cultural showcase, Uganda is good for  adventure safaris ,  peaceful the with the happiest people in the world. This can be seen where you travel at beaming faces and throughout with  enviable nightlife and much more.

 When you encounter  the world,  yet  you asked this question “where is Uganda” For us who are marketing Uganda for Uganda safaris tourism this question keeps on coming and this tells us that less is  known  about Uganda. A more serious marketing strategy could work to the advantage of the Pearl of Africa. At the Uganda stands in different Travel Expos  this question arises  in the  tourism expos.  However tour operators try to sell Uganda to  buyers from  all countries of the world. At one time Uganda was known for bad past associated with its dark past, identified with fallen statesman Idi Amin.

Some of the people who have visited our stall are ignorant about Uganda. Some of the tourism agents have asked us if Idi Amin is still living . Some still have stories about our dark past so we are telling them that that is part of our history but it is behind us and that we have a stable country and a diverse tourism product we as Travel Hemisphere as an indigenous tour operator  we usually explain to potential tourists tending to come to Uganda.
 Uganda needs all the showcasing it can get because it is under marketed and under exploited. "We have a diverse product. We have only been selling the primates, that is, the chimpanzees and gorillas but we have Mountain Rwenzori, the Victoria Nile, name it, the white water rafting in the Famous River Nile , the Ever best climate along the Equator where can find temperate conditions, the vast Savannah grasslands, Uganda is home of primates – mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys lots of monkey species and a 1000 bird species.   

http://www.travelhemispheres.com/tours/where-is-uganda.html

Ugandans and Namugongo Martyrs

Its time again 3^rd of June  when many people from all walks of like throng to Namugongo to pray for the Uganda martyrs. 

Many people have walked the entire distance from  Gulu district about 300km on foot . Gulu  people are the chosen celebrant of year 2019. However its not only Gulu people but people from al parts of Uganda as far as Zombo, a district near DR Congo, to Kampala to honor the memory of 22 Catholic saints and the 23 Anglican martyrs who lost their lives because of their faith between 1885 and 1887.

Many people have been walking to this area place for last 3 – 4 year consecutively showing how determined they are with their faith. James said “I last walked in 2016,” he has told  us , adding that “I walk because I want to identify myself with the martyrs who were killed at Namugongo”.

“I also want to pray to God to help me in some of my problems. Last time I got what I prayed for at Namugongo”.

James Ato  is among thousands of pilgrims – some older, most younger – who are trekking from within Uganda and beyond for the annual Uganda Martyrs Day observance, set for June 3.

The Uganda Episcopal Conference, the umbrella assembly of catholic bishops in Uganda noted that apart from Ugandans, pilgrims are expected from the United States, Nigeria, Mexico, Malawi, Italy, Zambia, Australia, Singapore, South Africa, Ireland and United Kingdom.

The construction of the Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine began in 1967. It was completed and formally opened by the special Papal envoy, His Eminence Sergio Cardinal Pignedoli on 3rd June 1975. Thanks to the late former Archbishop Emmanuel Cardinal Nsubuga the author of the project, Dr. Danhinden the Architect and the ROKO Construction for the wonderful work done. When Pope John Paul II made a Pilgrimage to Namugongo on February 7, 1993, during his six -day visit to Uganda (5th -10th February 1993), he elevated the Shrine to a rank of a minor Basilica.

History

There are 24 Catholic Uganda Martyrs. The 22 martyrs were killed between 1885 and 1887 by Kabaka (King) Mwanga of Buganda in the South of Uganda; 13 of the martyrs were burnt to death at Namugongo. The twenty-two martyrs were beatified by Pope Benedict XV on 6th June 1920 and canonized by Pope Paul VI on 18th October 1964. The other 2 martyrs were speared to death in Paimol, Gulu in the North of Uganda in October 1918. They were beatified by Pope John Paul II on 20th October 2002.

There are also Anglican martyrs that were killed by King Mwanga between 1885 and 1887 together with the Catholic martyrs. While paying tribute to the 22 Catholic martyrs  Pope Paul IV also paid tribute to the Anglican martyrs in his homily at the canonisation. “And we do not wish to forget”, he said ,”the others who, belonging to the Anglican confession, met death for the name of Christ.”

All these martyrs are honoured on 3rd June every year and that is the best time to visit Uganda for safaris and enjoy , pray for yourself for blessings. Uganda is therefore blessed with many other religion sites mainly in Buganda and Busoga

Uganda’s cultural history has made it one of the most visited by

 tourists. Culture here is rich and dynamic dating  from from 15th century when  the interlucustrine kingdoms were formed. People here are very hospitable  and  receptive to foreigners.  Cultural sites such as Kasubi Tombs , Uganda  Museum and  Namugongo martyrs shrines have attracted both local and international  tourists