The Gentle Giants of Bwindi: Mountain Gorillas of Uganda

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 .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 . 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.

ON THE LOOK OUT OF THE INHIBITED SHOE BILL STOCK.

Whale Headed stork is unusual ,impressive and captivating and main concern number one for any birding safaris in Uganda . With a world population estimated of 12000- 15000 individuals , the bird belongs to Appendix ii of cities and is classified as a globally near - threatened species . Shoebills are initiate only in nine African countries and their range extends from south Sudan ,through Uganda and western Tanzania to south east Democratic Republic of congo and north west Zambia .In Uganda the shoebill has turned out to be the chief tourist attraction which leads to uganda birding tours . It has been recorded in the following areas. Queen Elizabeth National park and Lake George. Frequent in the swamps north of lake George and the shoe bill swamp west of the Hamukungu fishing village as well as swamps on lake Edward. Kyambura Wildlife Reserve. Commonly on the shores of Lake Goerge and occasionally recorded on a fresh water crater marsh ,kineraSemliki Wild life Reserve.It has recored on the edge of reed beds near to the mouth of Semliki Riiver close to Ntoroko fishing village and on lake Albert. Lake Mburo National Park. Quite a lot of pares recognized to crop up in the papyrus swamp elongated in the river Ruizi. Unusual bird within the park, but encountered in the flooded seasonal grass swamps as well as clearings in stable swamp. Nabugabo Wet Land, Masaka District. recorded in marshes nearby to Lake Nabugabo and expected to be normal. Mabamba Bay, On the sea shore of Lake Victoria, is the Mabamba Bay wetland casing about 17,000 hectares of an breadth of miscanthus—a type of grass inhabitant to tropical and subtropical region—but more regularly known as papyrus. The open water in a shape of a canal, is worn to trail birds and away in Busi island that is a dwelling to over 40,000 people. Murchison Falls National Park. It is one of the most excellent places to see shoebills and wildlife safaris.In 1997 a total of 15 birds were counted in one day. Ajai wildlife Reserve ,Nebbi district –reported by local people from swamps near to the Nile River. Lake Nakuwa,soroti,Kamuli district –common in the swamps but highly mistreated by the local people for food and for sale. Lake Bisina, Kumi district - the far reaching swamp has not been surveyed .The most recorded were four pairs with young at the edge of the lake. Lake Opeta,Katakwi,Mbale ,Kumi and sorotiMajorswamps along Lake Victoria shores The predictable shoebill population in Uganda birds is between 350 – 400 breeding pairs however the population of sparse available information shows that shoebills have very specific habitat requirements in terms of vegetation cover. They mainly roost inside papyrus swamps but feed in fairly open places with thick but short floating vegetation. In addition to that about 3.2squarekms of appropriate habitant to breed. A mixture of these factors hinders the allocation of shoebills to curbed areas within apparently fit habitant .even here, the population size can only remain small .Like all long-lived birds shoebills have low recruitment rates requiring many years before becoming and will easily abandon their nests with eggs or young at the slightest provocation.

A key threat to the continued existence of the species is a lack of information a bout the birds .In addition to this ,habitant loss is a particular problem .This results mainly from conversion of wet lands to agriculture .Also swamps are burnt for cultural reasons in search for grazing ,hurting and fishing among other reasons .These fires are mainly set during the dry season , but is not un common to find a wetland burning in every month of the year. These fires decimate any eggs or chicks that may be on the nest. Up till now ,another problem the birds face is direct harvesting for food and trade –shoebills are trapped and / or shot in some areas of Uganda .This is especially true in the areas a round Lake Bisina and Opeta and the northern fringes of Lake Kyoga.Shoebill hunting for food is more widespread than hunting for trade. There is also some persecution of the birds due to a belief in the fishing communities on Lake Kyoga that sighting a shoebill casts a bad omen on fishing endeavors. Therefore , in order to minimize the chances of sighting shoebill ,they are usually hunted and killed. Travel Hemispheres arranges birding safaris for anybody that may be interested.

Uganda has almost unlimited appeal on tourist attractions

Uganda has almost unlimited appeal thanks to it's pristine natural areas,exceptional ecotourism development potential , many opportunities for all kinds of sports (including white water rafting as well as hiking,mountain-climbing and much more) ,an English- speaking population, and an off - the beaten track location that ensures that visitors will not have to cope with swarms of other tourists.Uganda has an international airport , which is serving a growing number of international flights. Uganda safaris definitely needs a private investment to make the most of its tourism potential .The Uganda investment authority points out that the unrivalled collection of game and its unspoiled scenic beauty are its greatest tourism attractions.Uganda covers over 240,000 sq km but in this relatively limited ares a great variety of landscapes can be found, from mountains to rain forests, plains and grassland, and each area has its own unque flora and fauna. Bwindi is well known for the Gorillas safaris.. However when you visit the park you find that it's not only about the gorillas! The land scopes the people neighboring the Bwindi ImpenetrableNational Park make your whole experience memorable stop overs on the sharp cliffs visiting the communities and interacting with the local people gives you a break off from "Home" compared to the city hustle! .

Wildlife Animals Keep our world lives Alive

Plants and animals contribute much to our lives and life would not be possible without them. Oxygen, clean water and soil, and our earliest tools, food, and clothing came from flora and fauna. Yet increasingly, we fail to acknowledge the tens of thousands of creatures with whom we cohabit eate, the wildlife upon whom our very existence is contingent. Without plants and animals, our lives would not be possible. Even our fossil fuels are the result of Paleozoic Era ecosystems that captured the sun’s energy-the same energy that we are now using billions of years later. Yet increasingly, we fail to acknowledge the tens of thousands of creatures with whom we cohabitate, the wildlife upon whom our very existence is contingen Today Tourism is taken to be the largest industry employing many people. It isbeleivedto help many communities to fight porverty worldwide . Many safari companies have come into exixtance based on wildlifeandworldwide many people are making money As science progresses we continue to draw inspiration from our wild relatives — a bird’s wing, a spider’s web, the complex architecture of ants. Through biomimicry, the innovations of wildlife have allowed us to develop technology that improves our lives, and to create medicines that save millions of people annually. We derive blood pressure medication from viper venom and borrow insulin from the pancreases of pigs. In this Anthropocene era, the age of humans as the dominant force on our planet, our population numbers are soaring above 7 billion. Because of us, it is estimated that there is 50 percent less wildlife on earth today than there was as recently as 1970. We are killing our wildlife and ecosystems in an unprecedented extermination that is now commonly referred to as “the sixth extinction.” And so we come to perhaps the most pressing question of our time as a global society: what will become of us, and all of life on earth, if our wildlife uganda tours becomes extinct? Despite the dizzying number of species headed toward extinction, however, there is still hope. The past has shown us that protecting wildlife is possible. Just decades ago the whaling industry brought the global number of humpback whales down by 90 percent, putting the species on the brink of extinction. Today, because of continued conservation efforts, they are bouncing back and nearing pre-whaling numbers. Similarly, the bald eagle — national bird of the United States — came dangerously close to extinction a few decades back, but is now recovering. Against all odds, the gorillas of Virunga National Park continue to thrive, because people are committed to saving them.

HOW MOUNTAIN GORILLA CENSUS IS DONE.

Mountain gorillas are found in Uganda, Rwanda and Eastern part Democratic Repubublic of Congo.Mountain gorillas population has been reducing due to diffrent issues that threaten their life. Of recent mountain gorilas in Uganda and Rwanda have started increasing .Hence the gorilla census requirement to ascertain their numbers from time to time.This has helped to promote gorilla safaris in both contries. The census begins with the individuals following the gorilla trails until they locate a nest site. Every evening gorilla make nest in which they sleep. They never return to those nests. Even if they return to the same site they ,they make new nest next to the old one. Each nest contains the one gorilla and considering as used when a gorilla dung is found in it. The first duty after finding a gorilla nest site is to establish how old it is .If it is older than five days ,then it is useless because most of the DNA is gone. “One site can have many nests, so the nest is labeled with a small piece of paper. Then protective gloves are worn and begin establishing the size of the dung”. Depending on the size of the dung found , the data collectors can conclude , using age classification strata, whether an adult male , medium range or baby gorilla was in the nest. “During measuring 7.2cm,with silvery hair in it ,means an adult male gorilla (silver back )slept in the nest. Other dung is classified as medium size ,though not specify the sex” While measuring the dung ,the sample collector has to ensure that his gloves do not touch it because that particular DNA can be transferred to other dung, thus making it hard for the laboratory to have conclusive findings .Also ,sample collectors are not allowed to speak while handling the dung because their Silva can mix with the gorilla’s DNA . After measuring the dung , a sample of it is placed in a tube containing ethanol .The tube is then transferred to a Ziploc bag. Ethanol preserves the dung for an average of 24- 30 hours before the sample is shifted to another r tube containing silica to keep it dry. The laboratory analysis to establish the individual DNA of the gorillas is done in an American lab. After collecting data samples from one gorilla site ,the team follows the gorilla trail to look for more nesting sites. From at least three consecutive nest sites, you can tell the average number of gorillas in that particular group. If the first site had 19 nests, the second one might have slightly less or more and this is important because what you missed in the previous site can be found in the next site . Once a good number of samples have been collected ,it is shipped out of the forest for storage until the end of the exercise when the samples will be transferred to the USA

UGANDA A UNIQUE SAFARI TOURISM DESTINATION IN AFRICA

Uganda is a comparative newcomer to today’s international tourism scene, which has benefited both the country’s natural environment and the tourism experience it offers. We have avoided the trap of courting the mass market and have instead followed the path of eco-tourism. Uganda boasts of some the most stunning scenery on the continent from shimmering lakes, lofty mountains, mysterious forests and game parks teeming with game. National parks contain a wide range of habitats, while the private sector is setting up new safari lodges, sympathetically built to blend in with the surrounding scenery. Often referred to as the ‘Pearl of Africa’, Uganda is endowed with a vast array of landscapes of incredible aesthetic beauty. The geographic features of Uganda range from glacier-topped mountains, rain forests, and Savannah and dry deciduous acacia bush-land to wetlands and swamps.These, along with a wide variation in climate and soils, combine to give the country an impressive range of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The pearl of Africa has two interesting animals, the mountain Gorilla and the Uganda Kob So interesting! in 2012, the lonely planet declared Uganda as the World’s number one tourism destination confirming Churchill’s historic finding that Uganda was truly the Pearl of Africa. Indeed, the country’s wide range of habitats supports a very high and rich diversity of both animal and plant species. With a recorded 18,783 species of fauna and flora , Uganda ranks among the top ten most bio diverse countries globally. Our population is united in providing a warm welcome to foreign guests. You will find that even in the smallest of villages local people will go out of their way to make you feel at home The Ugandan people are traditionally hospitable. . Uganda is host to 53.9% (377 Individuals) of the World’s remaining population of mountain gorillas, many peoples’ minds drift to the mountain gorillas which this country boosts of. Many people flock into this splendid country to carry out gorilla trekking in the wild forests of Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks which has led to gorilla safaris .The best time to go gorilla trekking is during the 2 dry season of Mid-December- February and June – September. However, there are other primates which a visitor can enjoy while trekking these rare Apes like the chimpanzees, golden monkeys, baboons, colubus monkeys and others. Trust me; spending a day with the primates is one of those experiences that you will never forget because of the adventures that come with it. Game viewing is another thrilling activity which will enable you have a glance at some of the rare-mammals like the tree climbing Lions, leopards, cheetahs, African Elephants, a big number of hippos, Rhinos, Warthogs, endangered Rothschild Giraffes, and others. These animals can be clearly viewed in any of the 10 National Parks of this “pearl of Africa”. A wild safaris to Uganda is the best in terms of adventure that is more rewarding because it takes you closer to the animals in their natural habitats. . 11% (1063 species) of the world’s recorded species of birds (50% of Africa’s bird species richness) .The presence of over 400 bird species in Uganda makes it the leading bird watching paradise in Africa. Birding safari to this great nation guarantees a chance of seeing the rare species which cannot be found in any other country in the world. It doesn’t matter what time of the year to visit specifically for bird watching because even during wet seasons, many birds are seen in plenty around the various water bodies. The best birding spot is around Lake Victoria where various birds including the migrants converge making it hard to see the sky as the birds roam over the whole place, 7.8% (345 Species) of the Global Mammal Diversity (39% of Africa’s Mammal Richness), 19% (86 species) of Africa’s amphibian species richness and 14% (142 species) of Africa’s reptile species richness, 1,249 recorded species of butterflies and 600 species of fish.. The country’s immense biological diversity is important both nationally and internationally,and offers good opportunities for cost-effective multiple species conservation. Uganda’s endemic species are primarily associated with high mountains, forests, and the major Pleistocene refugium of the Albertine Rift Valley. Among the larger mammalian species, Uganda is endowed with relatively stable populations of among others elephant, buffalo, hippopotamus, eland, zebra, hartebeest, water buck, reed buck, and Uganda kob. The country is also home to the Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards, Hunting dog and hyenas among others. Uganda therefore hosts all the ‘Big Five’ animals. Because of this great diversity, Government has designated wildlife conservation and other protected areas to protect this endowment and harness environmental and tourism development benefits.The geographic features of Uganda range from glacier-topped mountains, rain forests, Savannah and dry deciduous acacia bush land to wetlands and swamps. These, along with a wide variation in climate and soils, combine to give the country an impressive range of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems

Uganda is flat with Mountainous areas in the western part of the country.Travelers are drawn to Uganda by stunning landscapes green rolling hills, snow-capped mountains, rainforests, majestic rivers and massive lakes. There are also a number of outstanding national parks for a safari encounter with the wildlife for which Africa is renowned. Uganda’s altitude is at 1500 m above sea level in the South and 1000 m in the North. It’s one of the most beautiful countries in Africa with fantastic scenery beyond imagination. One of the things that have marketed Uganda’s tourism is its nomination as the leading tourism destination in Africa and Kidepo National Park’s nomination as the best game viewing park in Africa. These put this East African country to the world scene and many visitors have been convinced to transfer to this wonderful nation. On their arrival, they get surprised with what they see while moving around touring the various destinations. Apart from wildlife, culture is another attribute you should not live the country without exploring , Ndere toupe center 0ffers you the variety of indigenous cultures plus a number of other night life entertainment centers in Uganda. Enjoy Uganda’s local dishes like Luwombo dish. Every 3rd June Christians make pilgrimage to Namugongo to commemorate Uganda Martyrs who were killed in 1884 by King of Buganda by then, Kabaka Mwanga. “In 1884 Mwanga the son of Mutesa, ascended to the throne of his father and demanded total obedience from his subjects. When Mwanga, who, like his father, had embraced Christianity, converted to Islam, he issued a decree stipulating that anyone caught reading the Bible would be executed. Each year on June 3, the Episcopal Church commemorates the Martyrs of Uganda, the 32 men who were killed between 1885 and 1887 for failing to renounce Christianity – 12 of whom were burned to death on June 3, 1886. The Rev. Canon Petero Sabune, the Episcopal Church’s officer for Africa, explains:“In 1884 Mwanga the son of Mutesa, ascended to the throne of his father and demanded total obedience from his subjects. When Mwanga, who, ike his father, had embraced Christianity, converted to Islam, he issued a decree stipulating that anyone caught reading the Bible would be executed. The Uganda Martyrs shrine in Namugongo was built in 1973, with a group of Catholics and Anglicans at the royal court of Buganda which started reading the bible in preparation for baptism. the king’s executioner pleaded with him to say just a few words so that his life might be spared. My prayer during this season is

” Almighty God, by the Foresight of the blood of the Martyrs who shed the blood of for the good of the church, grant that we who remember before you blessed martyrs of Uganda, may, like them , be steadfast in our faith in Jesus Christ, to whom they gave obedience, even to death, and by sacrifice brought forth a plentiful harvest; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy spirit, one God, for ever and ever”.Amen The country has over 40 ethnic groups each with its own beliefs and customs and this avails a wide collection of cultural atmosphere which you can easily explore while on a trip. Believe me; this country will help you know the true lifestyle of an African as you tour the different villages from different cultural settings. Forget about the sky scrapers in your country, Ugandans have their own style of building which talks much about their history and trust me you will be amazed by this rare building design. You can easily arrange your trip to this “pearl of Africa” with the help of our credible company with all the necessary experience. We can arrange for you a classic, moderate and tailor-made itinerary which you will follow while on a Uganda tour. It is as simple as inquiring with us on this website telling us what safari package you are interested in and we shall give you an immediate response.

SPECIAL PLACES FOR BIRD WATCHING IN UGANDA BIRDING SAFARIS

Many people are yet to appreciate that bird watching is the fast growing tourism sector that is worth more than $ 5b .From the source of the white Nile on Lake Victoria to the snow capped Rwezonri range,the montane forest of the virunga volcanoes to the desert plains of Karamonja .Uganda is famous for birding uganda safaris an Equatorial country of astonishing contrasts No other area in Africa can match its amazing diversity of habitats and this richness is reflected in the ever-burgeoning bird list of over1000 species .Amongst these are many special birds , such as she bill and the numerous spectacular endemics of the albertine rift valley that are difficult or impossible to find elsewhere. Today many tour operators and guides have included them in their itineraries and travel hemispheres limited is one of the tour operators who use them and some of them includes; Mabira Forest where one can see more than 300 bird species .Within an hour one can see more than 100 birds in the forest. Mabamba at lutembe Bay on lake Victoria , as you head to the air port is ideal. It is home to the shoe bill ,one of the most attractive birds to tourists. It is a small area but is a place where migrant birds rest Bwindi Impenetrable National Forest in the south west offers some of the finest montane forest birding in Africa and is a key destination for any birder visiting Uganda safaris. Amongst the numerous possibilities are no fewer than 23 of Ugandans 24 Albertine Rift endemics, including spectacular , globally threatened species such as African Green Broadbill and shelley’s crimsonwing ,many known from no other site in East Africa .some of the birding areas in bwindi are Ruhija and buhoma area. Semliki National Park in the western side known as the true birders haven. Sempaya and Ntandi provide excellent viewing of the birds including the white – crested Hornbill Dwarf Hornbill ,piping Hornbill ,Yellow – throated Nicator ,Great blue and Ross’s Turacos .The shoebill stork is regularly seen at close quarters on Lake Albert and forest walks are good for tracking water birds. Kibale Forest National Park. It boasts 372 bird species of which 60percent are recorded Uganda’s Forest Birds.The forest is superficially similar to Budongo although a number of species are more easily a vailable here.watch for flocks of the rare and localized white – naped pigeon in fight overhead or sunning themselves in the teetops in the early morning .fruiting trees attract aplethora of frugivores including Afep pigeon ,Nrina Trogon and Pied.