Showing posts with label primate safaris. Show all posts
Showing posts with label primate safaris. Show all posts

Saturday, October 14, 2023

Where to See Mountain Gorillas

Mountain Gorilla trekking is done in Uganda and Rwanda plus few treks in Congo –Democratic Republic of Congo .Mountain Gorilla trekking is a unique adventure experience that you can do if you love traveling. Uganda is blessed with naturalforests that form natural habitat for these gentle giants of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park. All these parks are famous formountain gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Thus to see mountain gorillas will be visting these parks in Uganda. In order to have a secure gorilla treking will need to book a gorilla trekking permit with tour operator like Travel Hemispheres who have arranged mountain gorilla trekking safaris for the last 20 years with Fred Bukenya a tour consultant. Also can trekk and see mountain gorillas in Rwanda at Park De volcanoes National Park and also to a limited extent in Congo because of insecurity and trekking of mountain gorillas is done at less extent. Gorilla terkking and seeing is done inside the parks in their natura habbitat . Thus will need permit to enter the park . Permision is given when you pay or buy a gorilla trekking permit issued by the park authorities in Uganda or Rwanda, In Uganda , a permit cost US $ 700 while in Rwanda a permit cost US $ 1500 per visist on single day. If you haven’t already booked your tour ahead of time, flying into the capital city of Kampala, Please email us at Travel Hemispheres we shall do it for you. Our email is : info@travelhemispheres.com you’ll be able to find plenty of tour options from our site: www.travelhemispheres.com that would love to do with us. Remember that a permit is needed so it is better if you purchase a tour as soon as possible so is the gorilla trekking permit can be acquired also in time (gorilla permits do run out as there are a limited number of permits available- first come first serve basis) Every visitor coming to Uganda would wish to get into contact with these gentle giants moreover our distant cousins( over 98$ DNA). Uganda should treats gorilla tracking as the pinnacle of the tourism industry in the country. Seeing and trekking mountain gorillas continue attracting more numbers of tourist visiting the country Uganda the Pearl Of Africa which has celebrated her 61st Independence from the colonial Master the British. This has increased passes tourist coming from UK to see these gentle giants of Bwindi.

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four habituated gorilla centers which are Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. Bwindi has over 400 gorillas in ss Each of these areas has gorillas families that have been habituated and opened for tourism purposes. Uganda currently has about 19 gorilla families open for tourism, of which 18 are in Bwindi Forest and another at Mgahinga National Park . Some of these gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include the Rushegura family, Mubare family, Oruzogo gorilla family, Bweza gorillas family, Nkuringo family, Bitukura family, and others. Bwindi is open for gorilla trekking all year long, and is the major activity forming uganda safaris but the best times to go are from June to August and December to February. At these times, the forest trails are drier and therefore less slippery. Also, your chance of a dry gorilla viewing experience is higher during these months. This might result in a better experience and photography will be easier. Mgahinga National Park has one habituated gorilla group that can be tracked by tourists. Gorilla tracking is the most thrilling tourist activity in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The habituated gorilla group in this park is called the Nyakagezi, which consists of 9 members, 2 silverbacks, 3 adult females, 2 juveniles, and 2 infants. Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is open to visitors throughout the year. But it is best done in June, July, August, and September then December, January, and February. During this period, gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is easier because it is a dry season and the habitat remains relatively drier thus making it simpler for visitors to hike through the dense jungles and steep slopes to search for mountain gorillas. However, March, April, May, and October, November are equally good for one to embark on gorilla trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park but these months are characterized by heavy rainfall, muddy and slippery steep slopes which make it challenging for one to hike while in search for these apes. Gorilla tracking is an intensive experience at Bwindi national park that can take the whole day. The guide leads you through the gorilla’s world, explaining aspects of their ecology and behavior along the way. We must stress that, while you have a very good chance of seeing gorillas, success is NOT guaranteed! However, from the past sightings, there are high chances of meeting the mountain gorillas. When tracking, travelers should know that the mountain gorillas are wild creatures with no fixed routine, and finding them requires the skill and experience of your trackers and guides, as well as luck.

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

THE EXISTENCE AND HISTORY OF MOUNTAIN GORILLAS

THE EXISTENCE AND HISTORY OF MOUNTAIN GORILLAS The existence of gorillas in Africa’s forests like Bwindi has been known for centuries and not only to local residents. Gorillas were first described 2000 years a go when sailors from North African province of Carthage landed in West Africa and tried to capture some Apes, a bruising encounter that earned the animals the Carthaginian name for ‘scratchier gorilla’. It is not actually clear whether the visitors encountered gorilla or chimpanzees but the name has stuck.
Two species of gorilla the western lowland and the eastern lowland were identified for science in 1847 and 1877 respectively. It wasn’t until 1903 that the third sub species, the mountain gorillas was identified. This was observed to be somewhat bulkier than its lowland cousins weighing up to 210 kilograms with a shaggier coat suited to its chilly montane habitat. This sub species was named after the German officer, Oscar Von Berenge, who enabled its classification. Indeed until just a few decades ago, gorilla received a bad press that dated back to their first unfortunate encounter with Carthaginian tourists 2000 years a go. This ferocious image was deliberately perpetuated to create a myth eventually immortalized on screen Uganda is the home of mountain gorillas at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park. Bwindi has the largest population of mountain gorillas in the world. It is also home of other primates like monkeys and other 120 mammals species like forest elephants a rare specie to see . Over 20 mountain gorilla family groups have been habituated to allow and facilitate mountain gorilla trekking safaris. Buhoma the starting point of habituating gorillas is the home of Mubare gorilla family group that opened gorilla trekking in 1993. It has given birth to other starting points within the park where more gorilla families have been habituated. Today statistics are indicated that over 400 gorillas are found in Bwindi park. The park is also home of many bird species, over 360 bird species are found here. Over 200 butterflies species are also found here. Over 300 tree species are also found in this park Bwindi impenetrable National park is found in the south western part of Uganda on the edge of Great Western Rift Valley.By area is 331 square kilometers in sizeand on an altitude of over 1100meters above sea level. Gorilla trekking is the main activity taking place in the this park. Over 5 points or call them centers park offices have been deloped to allow gorilla trekking start from different points. And these include Ruhija, Rushaga, Shongi, Kisoro and many more . Nature walks also take place to explore the forest what more it offers. Bird watching trails have been developed and give much to birders. Nature walks in the park will offer viewing other primates found this park, bird watching and catching views of waterfalls and pre historic trees in this forest.

Thursday, January 12, 2023

What is Gorilla Trekking Experience

Gorilla trekking started in 1993 in Uganda at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Then the company I was working for was the first to arrange clients to go and trek mountain gorillas of Bwindi national park. Gorilla trekking as requirement you need a gorilla permit and in Uganda a permit today cost US$700.00. You need to have slept near as trekking and briefing start at 8.00am form park offices. Originally gorilla trekking started from Buhoma where the original park offices were established to oversee all activities going in the park. Today the park has many points of starting from as many gorilla family groups have been habituated to allow many tourists in single day to trek mountain gorillas in their natural habitat of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park. Other than Buhoma , Ruhija, Rushaga, Kisoro, Nshongi Have been established and are starting points for gorilla trekking safaris. What is gorilla trekking experience? Gorilla trekking involves walking and hiking hills and valleys of the Bwindi terrain that make Bwindi park as you follow the foot steps of gorillas in their natural habitat with park rangers. Gorillas live in family groups and after each day’s work and feeding they make nests where they will sleep and spend the night. By following them it means that will first reach where they slept and then follow their footsteps as the feed until you come close to them. Usually you are allowed to leave few meters away from them and are give 1 hour to watch them as the feed and juveniles play while the Sliverback is taking a close watch on the new comers if you are likely to cause any harm of if your friendly. You are allowed to take photos and record videos but do not use flash cameras as flash my disrupt the peace of gorillas and tempt them to behave differently. Bwindi is dense tropical forest with different canopies and with lots of undergrowth. Hence impenetrable forest. Just for fun I remember in our course of arranging gorilla trekking expeditions then , some tourists would ask us if they can carry torches in their packaging to help them again in daylight to enter into Bwindi impenetrable forest and then there torches would help them to provide the flash lighting in order to recognized and see properly mountain gorillas in their habitat . However we allayed their fears that by being impenetrable meant that there were thick undergrowth that makes it impenetrable and did not need light but some tools like pangas , slashers to create way so that you can easily reach where gorillas are foraging at that particular day and spend an hour to have nice views while taking snaps video taking photo shooting. So Bwindi Forest by Nature has got many canopies that will not allow sunlight easily penetrate to reach the ground where mountain gorillas could be. Iworked for the company which arranged 1st gorilla trekking safaris at Buhoma Bwindi in 1993. after i ccme up with Travel Hemispheres Uganda safari company. Travel Hemispheres started in 2004 and we have lots of experiennce to handle you let it be budget, mid range, upmarket or luxury safaris .Our niche in safari arrangement experience is unsurpassed

Monday, October 31, 2022

5 Days Tour to Primates of Uganda and Culture with Wildlife Viewing

Day 1: Entebbe - Kampala – Kibale Morning will be picked from your Hotel at Kampala at 7.00am and proceed to Fort Portal.. The drive follows the lush green countryside on Mityana-Mubende road to Fort Portal stopping at some coffee holdings tea plantations and open swamp valleys. Will stop at Mubende to visit the traditional site Nakayima famous the chwezi dynasty and fortune teller where many locals throng to consult their gods. After will proceed to have lunch in Fort Portal Town. After will be driven to Check in at Tinka Homestay in countryside near Kibale Forest National Park. Dinner and overnight and will have chance to view how some of the traditional meals are prepared and will be served some local dishes Day 2: Kibale Forest – Chimp tracking, Cultural walk , Morning With local guides track chimps in their natural Forest in the shadows of the Rwenzori Mountains (the famed mist shrouded “Mountains of the Moon”) Kibale Forest is rich in animal life, including an astonishing 12 species of primates including chimps in this park have been recorded, the much localized red colobus and L'Hoest's monkeys. Tracking the chimpanzees our 'cousins' is a very interesting experience. The way they feed, climb trees, respond to humans, caring for their young ones leaves an imaginative dream to tell. 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. Afternoon will l explore culture walk tour in the villages nearby by taking village walk interacting with locals as they go their daily chores , can visit local brewing site, traditional healer , some women’s crafts groups in the area. Time allowing will visit some crater lakes for sightseeing. After dinner or during dinner time cultural troupe will entertain you with traditional songs and can participate in local dancing. Overnight. Day 3: Kibale Forest –Bigodi swamp walk Visit to Omukama Palace - Queen Elizabeth Park After breakfast, visit Bigodi swamp Eco- tourism site. Carry out natural walk viewing variety of primates including e.g Columbus & velvet monkeys and baboons, monkeys lots of birds for birdwathers this is another vivid bird watchers area. After will be driven to Fort Portal stop at the Omukama Palace and conducted for short tour around as you explore the Batoro Culture . After will proceed to Queen Elizabeth past Kasese town 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 Simba Safari Lodge . FB Day 4: Queen Elizabeth Park National Park, Game drives, Boat cruise Sightseeing of craters After breakfast, you will take an early morning game drive looking for game. Looking for different wildlife including 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. Queen Elizabeth national park is also site for EQUATOR passing line , am sure will like this and take some snaps around this equator monument. Afternoon take a boat ride on Kazinga Channel where you will see a variety of game mostly marine animals. This waterway joins Lake Edward and Lake George and it is filled with schools of hippos, buffaloes, with elephants at the banks. After boat cruise have evening have game drive to Kikorongo/ Kasenyi and explore the crater area. As you drive you will view the spectacular view of the Rwenzori Mountains. They lie along the western border of Uganda and rise to a height of 5,100 metres above sea level. The legendary Mountains of the Moon, has incomparable, beautiful, mist–shrouded peaks provide a unique backdrop to one of our most magnificent national parks. Will have chance of seeing Gods hand creations of empty craters and crater lakes with captivating eye and picturesque displays. Will return back to Simba safari Lodge for Dinner and overnight. Day 5: Queen Elizabeth – Mbarara Igongo culture center - Kampala After breakfast at will be driven to Kampala. The drive takes you through another interesting countryside fully cultivated with banana Plantations (Matoke – staple food) and coffee plantations decorated with dairy farms. If you are lucky on this day and find a market day will stop and mix with locals as they go shopping. Will stop at Igongo cultural center after Mbarara town . Will take cultiural tour of their museum wih guide explaining Banyakole and Bakiga communities traditions. After will have your lunch here prared and served in some local apparatus . After lunch will continue the drive to Kampala. May stop at sight seeing the traditional long horned Banyakole cows, also will stop at the Equator crossing for other lifetime pictures. Then you driver /guide will drop you at your Hotel In Kampala/Entebbe . END OF TOUR. 3 Day Bwindi Gorilla 3 Day Queen Elizabeth 3 Day Murchison Falls 3 Days Chimpanzee Kibale 4 Days Gorillas & Wildlife 5 Days Gorillas & Animals 5 Days Bwindi, Bunyonyi, Mburo 5 Days Gorillas & Chimps 5 Days Murchison & Queen 6 Days Primates Of Uganda 6 Days Murchison & Queen 7 Days Murchison & Kidepo Pease note the safari cost include: - meals and accommodation - full time safari driver/guides, - park entry fees, game drives, boat/ launch trips, forest guiding walks, all activities while on safari and the applicable Government Taxes. - 4x4 wheel drive vehicle with gas - 1 chimp permit – Kibale/ Excluded are: - Drinks, your bar bills, phone calls, personal insurance and any other services of a personal nature like souvenirs tips and laundry etc. Wishing you a Memorable & Happy Safari MAKE INQUIRY

Friday, May 6, 2022

4 Days tour safaris in Uganda

Besides Mountain gorilla trekking in Uganda , Uganda offers a variety of attractions . Uganda is rich cultural country, lots of wildlife of primates, big five forests for lots of bird watching , mountain trekking of Rwenzoris and mount elegon and many more offer challending terrain. Our uganda safaris will assist you to enjoy our tours and safari holidays around the country. our 4 days gorila and wildlife tour will conduct a sample of many attractions uganda can offer 4 DAYS GORILLA TREKKING BWINDI AND WILDLIFE VIEWING SAFARI Safari outline Day 1: Will be picked by our guide in Kampala & drive to Bwindi National park with a stop at the equator. Day 2: After breakfast shall trek gorillas at Bwindi Day 3: Drive to Ishasha-Queen Elizabeth National park, with game drive viewing climbing lions and a boat cruise at Kazinga channel Day 4: Drive to Kyambura for primate walk viewing chimpanzees and then proceed back to Kampala Gorilla safaris Sliverback gorilla of Bwindi Day 1: of 4 Days Gorilla safari: 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 Gorilla safari: 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. 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 Gorilla wildlife safari: 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 Gorilla wildlife safaris: 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 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 HIGH SEASON RATES: Dec-Mar:, Jun – Oct COST 2 People sharing: US$ 2320 per person luxury lodge : SRS 290 COST 2 People sharing: US$ 1955 per person Upmarket lodge : SRS 250 COST 2 People sharing: US$ 1400 per person Middle lodge : SRS 185 COST 2 People sharing: US$ 1300 per person Budget lodge : SRS 80

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Domestic Tourism on the Picking Trend in Uganda Safaris

Domestic tourism is growing in East African countries Uganda in Particular. East African tour operators and experts say domestic tourism is slowly catching up . All East African tourism experts and government agency, reported that in the first half of 2019, the number of domestic tourists was higher compared to the same period last year. The number of tourism-related agencies also has grown. There are currently increasing number of organisations with a tourism licensed in all 5 countries in East Africa. With more than Organisations are getting established in the past year. “The licenses are very difficult to obtain, and it is even more difficult to keep up with the competition and stay afloat,”said some of the directors of Travel industry. However, according to them, it is worth the risk, because interest is growing and this year has seen the number of customers at his firm jump 25% from last year.
Fred runs Travel Hemispheres his own small travel company, which, in addition to the standard services, offers city tours, gorilla safaris rwanda safaris in East africa “Generally the city tours are offered on weekends, have a special theme, and are quite affordable,” he said. His marketing method has also allowed him cheap advertisement. “I advertise the tours on the company’s website: www.travelhemipheres.com and on a social network page, and generally the people themselves invite their friends and family so they can spend quality time together,” Charles said the marketing director his business has built a solid following. “I almost never miss a tour organized uganda safaris , and there are many others like me. We even organized a Facebook group of tour safari enthusiasts, and as a result people are becoming more interested in the history of our country Uganda interest in the history of the region.”
One may wonder, why travel around your own city when you already pay to see it every day from the window of a bus or car. But as it turns out, taking a tour can lead to the discovery of amazing secrets that even a long time city residents. “I loved history at school, but thanks to these to East African wildlife tours and safaris I have become interested in historical literature, and in addition, it turns out that the ordinary places that are familiar to me from childhood are in fact historical monuments,” said Proffesor of History from Makerere university who added that the tours are appealing because of their low prices. Small tourism companies and mini-hotels, which successfully blend a European standard of service, oriental flavour and low prices. But we need support from the state. International tourists makebackbone of f our industry and tourist are welcome in the country Uganda to enjoy many safaris we offer. Companies also noted that problems with obtaining visas, for example,the number of tourists from abroad are also increasing doing uganda tours.

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Uganda receives 1st Airbus to boost Uganda Airlines flights to Big cities of the world

Uganda receives 1st Airbus to boost Uganda Airlines flights to Big cities of the world connecting to Dubai   and China Cities. Many Ugandans fly to these cities for trade links . Uganda  has  already mapped  out long routes that include Guangzhou and Beijing in China, London, and Dubai as the first routes.The A330neo is powered by Rolls-Royce's latest-generation Trent 7000 engines and features a new wing with an increased span. The cabin provides the comfort of the new airspace amenities including state-of-the-art passenger in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi connectivity systems, amongst others.

 

Uganda tourism is likely to be boosted by direct flights from these big cities. If Chinese can get direct flights to Uganda then many  exponential tourists from china are likely to buy Ugandan safari packages to destination Uganda. London is another busy hub that will allow many tourist to connect to Entebbe airport without any difficult.Thus in such cases tourism will be boosted. Uganda has got one major airport Entebbe Airport and receives many flights arriving from flights of Emirates, Ethiopian airlines, Kenya airways. Sn Bruseels, KLM Royal dutch, Egypt air  and many more connect to Entebbe airport on daily basis

Travel Hemispheres brings you special flying tour packages to the Pearl of Africa Uganda. That will help you experience the hospitality of Ugandans both by air and road traveling. Booking and planning tour with us in time will save you the hassle and time to secure a life time experience of Uganda’s beautiful attractions. Among these include gorilla tours, wildlife safaris gorilla safaris, bird watching and primate safaris plus lots of game viewing and bird watching. As Covid 19 continue eating up  tourism industry  dew to social distance issues, when you do flying safari in Uganda will be easily done.


Thursday, October 22, 2020

How Much is Gorilla tracking Permit?

 

How Much is Gorilla Permit?

One can ask himself or herself this question. What is a gorilla permit?  Before we get to know how much is gorilla permit cost , one need to know what is this gorilla permit all about?  A gorilla permit is paper print or virtual/card   document issued by Government body and  in Uganda by  Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and in Rwanda by ORTPN   authorizing the holder to visit the gorillas in the their natural habitat in this case in Uganda gorilla trekking or call it tracking takes place at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National park. While in Rwanda gorilla tracking take place at Volcanoes National park and IN DRC Congo at Virunga National park.

Effective 1st July 2020 a gorilla permit in Uganda will cost US $ 700. While in Rwanda the cost of Gorilla permit has been and is still costing US $ 1500. A gorilla permit is a one day visit to the gorillas . A gorilla permit is usually booked  and paid in advance say for some good months or a year before coming. This is done because gorilla permits at time are sold out and to avoid missing out on trekking mountain gorillas it better booking and paying for in advance. Travel  Hemispheres as a ground tour operator in Uganda , Rwanda and DRC Congo will help you to book and secure for  your gorilla trekking permit in time .


 

8 people are allowed to visit one gorilla family . Mature people are allowed to Trek gorillas  and minimum age is 15 years of age allowed to trek mountain gorillas. 1 hour is allowed to view and stay with gorillas  once gorillas are sited.  Trekking can take many or few hours and all depend on the family trekked. Remember gorillas move inside the parks and are not stationed in one place. Your guides  will help you to  lead all the way through until you are out of the forest back to your Lodge.

Saturday, October 10, 2020

Do gorillas talk or communicate?

 

Do Gorillas communicate among themselves or call it GORILLA VOCALIZATIONS

 

Twenty-five distinct vocalizations are recognized, many of which are used primarily for group communication within dense vegetation. Gorilla Sounds  are classified as grunts and barks are heard most frequently while traveling, and indicate the whereabouts of individual group members (Harcourt et al. 1993). They may also be used during social interactions when discipline is required. Screams and roars signal alarm or warning, and are produced most often by silverbacks. Deep, rumbling belches suggest contentment and are heard frequently during feeding and resting periods. They are the most common form of intra group communication (Fossey 1983).

Because of the extensive research begun by Dr. Fossey and since carried on by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International and other gorilla conservation groups, the mountain gorilla is one of the most understood of all gorillas. The general consensus of those who work closely with the mountain gorillas is that they are generally peaceful and gentle.

This doesn’t mean that they won’t occasionally charge, scream or show their teeth, to an outsider or within the group itself. Most of these Mountain Gorilla actions are meant to serve as warnings, to ward off danger or to prevent a fight. Mountain gorillas can communicate in a variety of ways, including facial expressions, sounds, postures and gestures. There is the classic chest beating by male gorillas, which is used to show stature, scare off opponents or even to prevent a fight. When the Mountain Gorilla feels threatened they can make a variety of loud sounds, resembling roars or screams. Facial expressions are mostly used as communication. An open mouth with both upper and lower teeth showing means regressions. A closed mouth with clenched teeth could signal anger.

 

One of the nicest sounds is heard when the group is resting after a period of feeding. Mountain gorillas roughly spend 30% of their day feeding, 30% moving, and 40% resting. At dusk, they prepare to settle down for the night and sleep in nests made of vegetation that the gorillas shove under and around them. Forming of nests is mainly the bending of soft trees, breaking mature bamboo sticks and other tree species that have broad leaves to provide a blanket and shield against the cold. Mothers find a comfortable spot where their backs will be supported as they breast feed and cuddle their babies for the night.

Friday, May 1, 2020

The safari Covid 19 Hangup in Africa Tourism Industry



As I write here in Uganda the country is at lockdown. By the way is lockdown a new word or it has been created because of this pandemic. Uganda has been safari destination country in Africa featuring mountain gorilla safarisand primate tours . Uganda has e featured in the best magazine among the best destination places by CNN that were likely to feature in 2020 -2022 window.
Today as the world is at bay – stay where your are!  Hang up! No flights and I pity the airline  travel industry being the backbone of the whole tourism industry. Anybody without a back bone cannot stand. Simply the safari and tourism will not be back until the airlines can again fill up the skies .   In Africa an increased flights to our airports  from other continents it meant increased number of tourists to that very country. Say departure of British airlines   from some cities in Africa meant decrease of tourists to that destination loss of revenue and loss of jobs.
As  moments of  days and nights pass and , flights are not hovering above Africa  means a lot to our continent. The tourism industry will get shocks of losses in  jobs , loss of revenue of foreign exchange and will see our local currencies  getting devalued. In most of African economies where safari industry has been booming , was the leading foreign exchange earner in our case in East Africa for Uganda safaris , Kenya safaris , Tanzania and Rwanda tourism was the top foreign exchange earner. What does that one mean if the country cannot receive tourists and we don’t know when this will end.  No vaccine yet discovered nor cure so far got. The airline industry most likely to be back in air , there will be when assurance that you will not fear to sit near Chinese whom you think is still carrying the covid-19 virus. Even the Trump American is equally to  be feared and labeled a carrier as we see lots of Americans are being effected and dying than other parts of the world. At one time  the virus was referred to  be Chinese but now all most all countries of the world have tested the wrath of the virus.  So who is safe? May be Ugandan who has not seen single dead body of covid -19.  Uganda as it could be in other African countries not seeing many effected  its because we travel less.
Between January and  February 2020 those countries that had many nationals booked flights and travelled got more chances  for  interaction  with all other global people that were travelling from one point to another and hence got exposed to this virus.  This increased their chances of  getting in contact with those who were effected without knowing . Who does not know that Americans have the highest numbers of people booked in flights in the travel industry and who were in air travelling from different parts of the world around this period. Hence getting many people dying of this virus. So for Africa we had very few people in air  around this period  and less affected .  An American is our tourist, A British is our tourist,  An Italian is our tourist, etc  if these countries are not yet healed, shall then  tourism industry in Africa get healed too.  The answer is BIG NO.
Here in Africa as we if we a wait  the world to get healed and countries to get out of lockdown , local tourism to be  explored  and promoted. Unfortunately African tourism was built on white foreigner –MUZUNGU  mentality  not African tourist citizen. People in tourism industry need to appreciate that Africans have less income to spend on travelling and hence travel less. However this is the time now we  tour operators in Africa start by taking fellow country men to places where we take white people. The earlier we re- designed our itineraries to favor fellow citizens than we shall keep on waiting for Americans who, yes will come but when will this be? Better adjust early and we start promoting internal tourism rather than relying on foreign tourists. Let us turn Ugandans, Kenyans, Rwandans into tourists in their countries in their regions and overcome the safari covid-19  hang up safari doom. Here at Travel Hemispheres we are encouraging now the to be Newly weds should not spend a lot of their money into partying but set it aside and convert that income /funds into Uganda honeymoon tours that will help them understand their country better , We have good honeymoon packages for Ugandans .  Our tours are educative , informative and cultural rich to benefit newly weds. We give you a mature old person to guide you all  along your tour  who has an experience  in Senga and Kojja aspirations that will build your longtime togetherness of your lifetime marriage.

Thursday, April 23, 2020

The Safari Covid19 Hangup for Africa Tourism



As I write here in Uganda the country is at lockdown. By the way is lockdown a new word or it has been created because of this pandemic. Uganda has been safari destination country in Africa featuring mountain gorilla safaris and primate tours . Uganda has e featured in the best magazine among the best destination places by CNN that were likely to feature in 2020 -2022 window.
Today as the world is at bay – stay where your are!  Hang up! No flights and I pity the airline  travel industry being the backbone of the whole tourism industry. Anybody without a back bone cannot stand. Simply the safari and tourism will not be back until the airlines can again fill up the skies .   In Africa an increased flights to our airports  from other continents it meant increased number of tourists to that very country. Say departure of British airlines   from some cities in Africa meant decrease of tourists to that destination loss of revenue and loss of jobs.

As  moments of  days and nights pass and , flights are not hovering above Africa  means a lot to our continent. The tourism industry will get shocks of losses in  jobs , loss of revenue of foreign exchange and will see our local currencies  getting devalued. In most of African economies where safari industry has been booming , was the leading foreign exchange earner in our case in East Africa for Uganda safaris , Kenya safaris , Tanzania and Rwanda tourism was the top foreign exchange earner. What does that one mean if the country cannot receive tourists and we don’t know when this will end.  No vaccine yet discovered nor cure so far got. The airline industry most likely to be back in air , there will be when assurance that you will not fear to sit near Chinese whom you think is still carrying the covid-19 virus. Even the Trump American is equally to  be feared and labeled a carrier as we see lots of Americans are being effected and dying than other parts of the world. At one time  the virus was referred to  be Chinese but now all most all countries of the world have tested the wrath of the virus.  So who is safe? May be Ugandan who has not seen single dead body of covid -19.  Uganda as it could be in other African countries not seeing many effected  its because we travel less.
Between January and  February 2020 those countries that had many nationals booked flights and travelled got more chances  for  interaction  with all other global people that were travelling from one point to another and hence got exposed to this virus.  This increased their chances of  getting in contact with those who were effected without knowing . Who does not know that Americans have the highest numbers of people booked in flights in the travel industry and who were in air travelling from different parts of the world around this period. Hence getting many people dying of this virus. So for Africa we had very few people in air  around this period  and less affected .  An American is our tourist, A British is our tourist,  An Italian is our tourist, etc  if these countries are not yet healed, shall then  tourism industry in Africa get healed too.  The answer is BIG NO.
Here in Africa as we if we a wait  the world to get healed and countries to get out of lockdown , local tourism to be  explored  and promoted. Unfortunately African tourism was built on white foreigner –MUZUNGU  mentality  not African tourist citizen. People in tourism industry need to appreciate that Africans have less income to spend on travelling and hence travel less. However this is the time now we  tour operators in Africa start by taking fellow country men to places where we take white people. The earlier we re- designed our itineraries to favor fellow citizens than we shall keep on waiting for Americans who, yes will come but when will this be? Better adjust early and we start promoting internal tourism rather than relying on foreign tourists. Let us turn Ugandans, Kenyans, Rwandans into tourists in their countries in their regions and overcome the safari covid-19  hang up safari doom. Here at Travel Hemispheres we are encouraging now the to be Newly weds should not spend a lot of their money into partying but set it aside and convert that income /funds into Uganda honeymoon tours that will help them understand their country better , We have good honeymoon packages for Ugandans .  Our tours are educative , informative and cultural rich to benefit newly weds. We give you a mature old person to guide you all  along your tour  who has an experience  in Senga and Kojja aspirations that will build your longtime togetherness of your lifetime marriage.

Where to See Mountain Gorillas

Mountain Gorilla trekking is done in Uganda and Rwanda plus few treks in Congo –Democratic Republic of Congo .Mountain Gorilla trekking is ...