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.

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

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

Dear Adventurers to" Pearl of Africa" - Uganda

Uganda is one of the untamed African Safari adventure country to visist and explore different uniqueness that is scenic beauty and traquility. Our beautiful country offer lofty of mysterious forests that are habitats for mountain gorillas, chimpanzee and many primates.

Uganda contains lots and variety of ecosystems from open graslands to swamps, marshy forests and lakes, mountains undulatils hills disapearing to horizons. Vegetation is composed of natural tropical rainforets which supports number of primates , lots of bird species and tropical trees. Uganda is renowned for magnificient national parks of Murchison falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo valley, Lake mburo park and many more offering exciting wildlife for prolific game drives offering many wild life of elephant lion, girraffe, bufullo etc. by visiting of websit www.travelhemispheres.com will learn and know variety we offer.

Gorillas were considered worthy protection and the American Carl Akeley persuaded the Belgians to protect their Congolese and Rwandan Volcano slopes in the new Parc National des Albert, Africa’s first national park in 1925. The Uganda slopes were declared a gorilla game sanctuary in 1931 but it was still not until 1960 that anyone bothered to observe gorillas sufficiently to appreciate their true nature.

The Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund (MGCF) is devoted to the preservation and protection of the highly endangered Mountain Gorillas in Africa, their habitat, and working with the people around the National Parks. The Denver Gorilla Run is a charity fun run with a difference. Everyone who takes part wears a full gorilla costume - from feathery head to hairy toe and helps raise funds for the Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund, the international charity working to save the world's last remaining mountain gorillas and keeping Dian Fossey's dream alive for the past 21 years. The World Bank and the UN have recognized the initiative of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in the protection of the globally endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda. Uganda is the only country in which gorilla populations have been time after time on the rise and where the population is part of effective matter. Legislation that recognizes its habitats within a gazetted national system of protected areas. An excellent way to help protect the last remaining mountain gorillas is to adopt a gorilla. The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International (DFGFI) makes this possible with profits from adoptions directly going to support research on the mountain gorillas and the local communities living in the periphery of protected areas. How you are contributing to the conservation of the mountain gorilla The threats to the mountain gorilla population and its habitat are many. One of these threats is the possibility of disease transmission to the gorillas and reduces behavioral disturbances to this fragile population; these gorilla rules have been developed. By following these rules and through the purchase of a permit, you are contributing to the conservation of the mountain gorilla. The protected area authorities use the funds generated from the sale of this permit for the management of national parks and wild reserves. A percentage of the funds raised from the park entrance fees and community levy permits is shared with the local communities living adjacent to the parks to contribute to their development projects and to improve natural resource management in the region. Goals of the conservation The detection of the Mountain Gorillas took place in the Virunga Mountains, on October 17th, 1902, by Captain Robert von Beringe. In festivity of this event and to promote the preservation of the Mountain Gorillas, the Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund (MGCF) is undertaking several projects to achieve the celebration of this event and to promote the preservation of the Mountain Gorillas, the Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund (MGCF) is undertaking several projects to achieve the goal of saving these gorillas from extinction. The Current Projects section gives a brief description of eight of these projects. The "Preservation through Visualization" portion of this project promotes the number one task set before the MGCF. In 1987, only 248 Mountain Gorillas lived in the wild. Because of projects coordinated by the Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund, there are now over 700 living in the wild. The Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund is devoted to ensuring the future of the Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. By providing a partnership of business, wildlife conservation, and community development, MGCF addresses the single biggest challenge facing preservation of these animals today; how do we help communities in developing areas grow and prosper without destroying precious habitat or the Mountain Gorillas, who call it home. Read more facts about gorillas: Mountain Gorilla Diet Breeding of the Gorillas By Fred Bukenya

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

3 Days Murchison Fals Safari itinerary

3 DAYS MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK FOR ANITA BELLKOM X 2 PAX 1 TWIN Day 1. Kampala - Murchison Falls National Park. Your driver/guide will pick you from Kampala at 7:- 8.30am from where you will start the drive to Murchison Falls National Park with lunch en route in Masindi town. Murchison falls National Park covers 3,840-sq km and has recorded 76 mammal species and 450 bird species. The altitude is 619m at the delta and 1,292 at Rabongo Hill. The mean temperature is 29 ºC-high and 21 ºC-low. Overnight at Red Chili camp budget facility bandas.

Day 2. Murchison Falls National Park. Morning after an early breakfast, cross with ferry and drive in the northern bank of River Nile start the day with an early morning game drive. You will most likely be able to view those animals that are unique to the African Savannah like giraffe, antelope, lion, elephant, hyena, buffalo and the Uganda Kob.. After lunch you will take on a launch cruise on the Nile River. The cruise takes you to the Bottom of the thundering falls where you will see huge crocodiles, schools of hippos, buffaloes, elephants and a variety of water birds like herons, cormorants, ducks, bee-eaters, kingfishers, skimmers, fish eagles and sometimes the rare shoebill. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight. Day 3. Murchison Falls National Park - Kampala. After an early breakfast, visist top of the fall if you do not do it on day 1 and later Continue to Kampala with lunch stop on the way and be dropped at your home stay in Kampala. END OF SAFARI: