Uganda safaris with Travel Hemispheres ltd

Must Do Uganda Safaris !!: Travel Hemispheres is an indigenous Uganda Safari Management Company registered in Uganda .We offer related range of African tours, Uganda safaris for holiday, adventure vacations to Uganda safaris and tours to Uganda including gorilla safaris, gorilla tours to Uganda and Rwanda, birding tours, primate tours, wildlife safaris in Uganda and will carry out hotel and lodge bookings from luxury to budget accommodation facilities. 3 Days Mountain Gorilla Safari: 4 Days Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth tour: 5 Days Bwindi Gorillas and Queen Elizabeth Safari: 7 Days Uganda best Primate tour: 10 Days Uganda Safari Tour : 10 Days Uganda Rwanda safari: Uganda flying safaris

Mount Kilimanjaro theAfrica No1 Leading Tourist Attraction in 2016

World travel Awards have awarded Mount Kilimanjaro the leading tourist attractoin for the year 2016. Kilimanjaro National Park lies at 5,963 meters, and is the highest point in Africa. This massive volcano stands in splendid isolation above the surrounding plains, with its snowy peak looming over the savannah. The mountain is encircled by mountain forest. Numerous mammals, many of them endangered species, live in the park. The National Park and Forest Reserve on Mount Kilimanjaro lie very near the border between Tanzania and Kenya north of Moshi in the north centre of the country. The National Park comprises the whole of the mountain above 2700m, including some of the montane forest, and six corridors through the forest belt below. The whole area lies at 2°45′-3°25’S, 37°00′-37°43’E. The park was declared a game reserve by the German colonial government in 1910s. In 1921 Kilimanjaro national park was gazetted as a forest reserve, confirmed by subsequent legislation. By 1973, the mountain above the tree line (2700m) reclassified as a National Park. The park covers an area of 75,353ha, surrounded by a Forest Reserve of 107,828ha, Administered by Tanzania National Parks. The park has altitude of 1,830m (Marangu Gate) to 5,895m (Kibo, Uhuru Peak). Physical features Kilimanjaro is a giant strata volcano and one of the largest volcanoes in the world. It is the highest mountain in Africa, rising 4,877m above the surrounding savanna plains to 5,895m and covers an area of about 388,500ha. It stands alone but is the largest of an east-west belt of volcanoes across northern Tanzania. It has three main volcanic peaks of varying ages lying on an east-southeast axis, and a number of smaller parasitic cones. To the west, the oldest peak Shira (3,962m) of which only the western and southern rims remain, is a relatively flat upland plateau of some 6,200ha, the northern and eastern flanks having been covered by later material from Kibo. The rugged erosion-shattered peak of Mawenzi (5,149m) lies to the east. The top of its western face is fairly steep with many crags, pinnacles and dyke swarms. Its eastern side falls in cliffs over 1000m high in a complex of gullies and rock faces, rising above two deep gorges, the Great Barranco and the Lesser Barranco. Kibo (5,895m) is the most recent summit, having last been active in the Pleistocene and still has minor fumaroles. It consists of two concentric craters of 1.9 x 2.7km and 1.3km in diameter with a 350m deep ash pit in the centre. The highest point on the mountain is the southern rim of the outer crater. Between Kibosh and Mawenzi there is a plateau of some 3600ha, called the Saddle, which forms the largest area of high altitude tundra in tropical Africa. There are deep radial valleys especially on the western and southern slopes. The mountain is a combination of both shield and volcanic eruptive structures. Over time different flows have produced a variety of different rock types. The predominant rock types on Shira and Mawenzi are trachybasalts; the later lava flows on Kibo show a gradual change from trachyande site to nephelinite. There are also a number of intrusions such as the massive radial and concentric dyke-swarms on Mawenzi and the Shira Ridge and groups of nearly 250 parasitic cones chiefly formed from cinder and ash. Since 1912 the mountain has lost 82% of its ice cap and since 1962, 55% of its remaining glaciers. Kibo still retains permanent ice and snow and Mawenzi also has patches of semi-permanent ice, but the mountain is forecast to lose its ice cap within 15 years. Evidence of past glaciation is present on all three peaks, with morainic debris found as low as 3,600m. The mountain remains a critical water catchment for both Kenya and Tanzania but as a result of the receding ice cap and deforestation, several rivers have dried up, affecting the forests and farmland below. Climate There are two wet seasons, November to December and March to May, with the driest months between August to October. Rainfall decreases rapidly with increase in altitude; mean precipitation is 2300mm in the forest belt (at1,830m), 1300mm at Mandara hut on the upper edge of the forest (2,740m), 525mm at Horombo hut in the moorland (3,718m), and less than 200mm at Kibo hut (4,630m), giving desert-like conditions. The prevailing winds, influenced by the trade winds, are from the southeast. North-facing slopes receive far less rainfall. January to March is the warmest months. Conditions above 4000m can be extreme and the diurnal temperature range there is considerable. Mist frequently envelops much of the massif but the former dense cloud cover is now rare. Flora The mountain has five main vegetation zones: savanna bush land at 700-1,000m (south slopes) and 1,400-1,600m (north slopes), densely populated sub-montane agro-forest on southern and southeastern slopes, the montane forest belt, sub-alpine moorland and alpine bogs. Above this is alpine desert. The montane forest belt circles the mountain between 1,300m (~1,600m on the drier north slopes) to 2,800m. Forests above 2,700m are within the National Park (Greenway, 1965). According to Lambrechts et al. (2001) there are 2,500 plant species on the mountain, 1,600 of them on the southern slopes and 900 within the forest belt. There are 130 species of trees with the greatest diversity being between 1,800 and 2,000 meters. There are also 170 species of shrubs, 140 species of epiphytes, 100 lianas and 140 pteridophytes. The forest between 1,000 and 1,700m in the south and east has been extensively farmed with remnants of natural forest left only in deep gorges. Dominant species of the submontane forest between 1,300-1,600m in the west and 1,600-2,000m in the north are Croton megalocarpus and Calodendron capense; and of the lower to middle montane forest between 1,600-2,200m in the west and 2,000-2,400m in the north is Cassipourea malosana.On the southern and southeastern slopes from 1,600 to 2,100m the dominant lower montane forest species is camphorwood Ocotea usambarensis; from 2,100 to 2,400m the dominant middle montane forest species are camphorwood Ocotea usambarensis with yellowwood Podocarpus latifolius, a large evergreen, with the tree fern Cyathea manniana, sometimes growing to 7m high. From 2,400 to 2,800m the dominant upper montane forest species are Podocarpus latifolius with Ocotea usambarensis. The subalpine southern and southeastern slopes between 2,800-3,100m have forest of Hagenia abyssinica with Podocarpus latifolius and Prunus Africana; and on the north slopes Juniperus procera – Podocarpus latifolius forest with Hagenia abyssinica. Above 2,800m to the edge of the tundra at 3,500m is Erica excelsa forest. There is no bamboo zone, nor a Hagenia-Hypericum zone. Above about 4,600m, very few plants are able to survive the severe conditions, although specimens of Helichrysum newii have been recorded as high as 5,760m (close to a fumarole), and mosses and lichens are found right up to the summit. The upland moor consists primarily of heath/scrub plants, with Erica excelsa, Philippia trimera, Adenocarpus mannii, protea kilimandscharica, Stoebe kilimandscharica, Myrica meyeri-johannis, and Myrsine Africana. Grasses are abundant in places, and Cyperaceae form the dominant ground cover in wet hollows. On flatter areas between the upland moor and the forest edge are areas of moorland or upland grassland composed of Agrostis product, Festuca convoluta, Koeleria gracilis, Deschampsia sp., Exotheca abyssinica, Andropogon amethystine, and A. kilimandscharicus, with scattered bushes of Adenocarpus mannii, Kotschya recurvifolia and Myrica meyeri-johannis. Various species of Helichrysum are found in the grasslands and in the upland moor. Two distinct forms of giant groundsel occur on the upper mountain: Senecio johnstonii cottonii, endemic to the mountain and only occurring above 3600m, and S.johnstonii johnstonii which occurs between 2,450m and 4,000m, and shows two distinct forms. At all altitudes Senecio favours the damper and more sheltered locations, and in the alpine bogs is associated with another conspicuous plant, growing up to 10m tall, the endemic giant lobelia deckenii. Below the tree line, the park includes six corridors through the forest to the mountain foot. Fauna The whole mountain including the montane forest belt, part of which extends into the National Park, is very rich in species: 140 mammals, (87 forest species), including 7 primates, 25 carnivores, 25 antelopes and 24 species of bat (Lamprecht et al., 2002).Above the tree line at least seven of the larger mammal species have been recorded (Child, 1965), although it is likely that many of these also use the lower montane forest habitat. The most frequently encountered mammals above the tree line are Kilimanjaro tree hyrax Dendrohyrax validus (VU), grey duiker Sylvicapra grimmia and eland Taurotragus Oryx, which occur in the moorland, with bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus and red duiker Cephalophus natalensis being found above the tree line in places, and buffalo Syncerus caffer occasionally moves out of the forest into the moorland and grassland. An estimated 220 elephants Loxodonta Africana (EN) are distributed between the Namwai and the Tarakia Rivers (Tanzania National Parks, 1993) and sometimes occur on the higher slopes. Insectivores occur and rodents are plentiful above the tree line, especially at times of population explosion, although golden moles (Chrysochloridae) are absent. Three species of primate are found within the montane forests, blue monkey Cercopithecus mitis, western black and white colobus polykomos abyssinicus, and bush baby Galago species. and among mammals found there are leopards Panthera pardus, as well as some of the species listed above. Abbot’s duiker Cephalophus spavin (VU) is restricted to Kilimanjaro and some neighbouring mountains. Black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis (CR) is now extinct in the area and mountain reedbuck Redunca fulvorufula is probably extinct (Lamprecht et al., 2002). Although 179 highland bird species have been recorded for the mountain, species recorded in the upper zones are few in number, although they include occasional lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus, mainly on the Shira ridge, hill chat Cercomela sordid, Hunter’s Cisticola hunteri, and scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird Nectarinia johnstoni. White-necked raven Corvus albicollis is the most conspicuous bird species at higher altitude. The forest has several notable bird species including Abbot’s starling Cinnyricinclus femoralis, which has a very restricted distribution. The butterfly Papilio sjoestedti, sometimes known as the Kilimanjaro swallowtail, is restricted to Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro and Mount Meru, although the subspecies Patavus is found only on Kilimanjaro. Local community The area surrounding the mountain is quite heavily populated principally by the Chagga people and the northern and western slopes of the Forest Reserve surrounding the National Park has 18 medium to large ‘forest villages’. Although it is illegal these people still use the forest for many household and medicinal products, for fuel wood, small scale farming, beekeeping, hunting, charcoal production and logging. Some 12% of the forest is plantation, some almost reaching to the moorland. The shamba system of tree plantations interplanted with crops comprises over half the planted area but over half of it is not replanted with trees at all (Lamprecht et al., 2002). Conservation management. Although protection is total within the park, and access is restricted, management is still not entirely adequate. A management plan, prepared in 1993, outlines the following objectives: to protect and maintain the park’s natural resources; to increase interpretation and visitor information; to encourage visitor use and development in a sustainable fashion; to improve park operations; and to strengthen the park’s relationship with local communities. A number of boundary adjustments and land protection strategies were described. These include gazetting forest reserve lands to the National Park with the exception of the pine and cypress plantations and the half-mile strip below the forest, which would be returned to village government control under sustained yield practices to provide local resource benefits; initiating an ‘Integrated Regional Conservation Plan’ to lessen the local community’s dependence on the mountain’s forest resources; gazetting the portion of Lake Chala within Tanzania into the National Park; and reaffirming and encouraging full implementation of Mounduli District Council bylaws to provide complete protection for the North Kilimanjaro Migration Corridor. A zoning scheme, defining limits of acceptable use, has been implemented for the National Park and Forest Reserve areas. Seven zones have been identified: intensive use hiking zone (2,700ha), low use hiking zone (summit- bound) (7,723ha), low use hiking zone (non-summit bound) (3,750ha), day use zone (598ha), wilderness zone (150,657ha), mountaineering zone (2,510ha), cultural protection zone (259ha), and administration zone (62ha) (Tanzania Take 6 day hiking of the Mountain 6 DAYS ITINERARY Day 1: Marangu Gate - Mandara Hut Day 2: Mandara Hut - Horombo Hut Day 3: Horombo Hut - Acclimatization to Zebra Rock/Mawenzi up to 4200m, down to 3720m-Horombo Hut Day 4: HoromboHut - Kibo Hut Day 5: Kibo - Summit - Kibo Hut - Horombo Hut Day 6: Horombo Hut - Marangu Gate

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.

POPE FRANCIS’S VISIT TO UGANDA BASED TO PROMOTE UGANDA FAITH TOURISM AND TOURS.

Uganda hosted Pope Francis recently and this has generated several benefits .Infrastructure like Namugongo Road has been renovated and the Catholic Martyrs museum has been refurbished .At the Protestant shrine , a martyrs has been constructed .Ecumenism has been strengthened through enhancing inter- denominational co-operation among Catholics, Muslims and Protestants at Namugongo .The Pope’s visit has given Uganda great publicity as a faith – based tourism destination and will promote uganda safaris if combined. Uganda to be marketded as a land of Martyrs given its status as the land of the Martyrs and other safaris like gorilla tracking by Travel Hemispheres too the destinations. There were also dividends of a re-conciliatory attitude . As Ugandans, we may wish to consider taking these gains a step further .Besides the country’s martyrdom status ,Namugongo could be recognized as a peace ,Reconciliation and conflict resolution centre targeting families , institutions and nations where they could retreat to reflect on their differences and forge an amicable solution for the common good of humanity .In remembrance of Pope Francis ‘s visit ,November 25- 27 could annually be put aside as the for promoting faith – based tourism in Uganda .The commemoration of his visit should , on these days highlight his message of peace, love , forgiveness and care for the disabled. This event could be promoted globally , regionally and domestically in order to generate tourism traffic to Uganda leading business for tour operator and all the other players along the value chain. Uganda’s mission to Rome and the Vatican should be supported to promote Uganda and Namugongo as the land of martyrs through linking up with the Vatican for visibility in their media and publicity programmers which target millions of the catholic faith fuls on the matters regarding the Ugandan to commemorate the lives of pilgrims to Uganda to commemorate the lives of those who have been canonized. The support in promoting tourism may require recruitment of a Vatican based tourism marketing specialist to design packages and messages targeting the millions of pilgrims to the Vatican, production of tourism promotional materials in the languages used in the target market namely Italian, French ,Spanish , etc. Familiarization trips for Italian- based travel writers should be initiated and supported leading tour operator to visit Uganda and generate favourable appeal about the country as the land of the martyrs. The embassy should be staffed with some knowledgeable personnel in tourism promotion and digital marketing for purposes of co- ordinating tourism marketing I Italy and the Vatican .The embassy should be branded to depict Uganda’s unique faith – based touristion destination in which all the Catholic faithful in the world should endeavour to make a pilgrimage to Uganda during their life time, as is the case with other faithful like the Muslims travel to Mecca for the Hijja and Christians to Jerusalem. Since the resource allocation to the Uganda Tourism Board has been significant upscalled coupled with the World Bank Competitiveness Enterprise Development Project loan which also caters for tourism promotion , increased access to this new market should be less cumbersome. Uganda should learn a lesson from Rwanda after going through the genocide of 1994 , the country came with a rebirth of tourism that is almost entirely based of this genocide. Today Rwanda is positioned for this and worldwide through sympathy many people would like to come to Rwanda and share that bad experience the country went through. But in turn the country benefits from these people expenditures.

7 Days Apes Uganda Safari Circuit

7 Days Apes Uganda Safari Circuit D ay 1: 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 of your choice for dinner and over night as you prepare for tomorrow’s event! FB Budget: Buhoma Community Bandas: Bwindi View Bandas: Nkuringo campsite tents or Virunga Hotel or Nkuringo safari centre Middle: Nkuringo camp site: Wagtail Eco lodge: 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 Lodge: Gahinga: Volcanoes Bwindi Safari Lodge Day 2: 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 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: Bwindi National park to 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 picnic lunch drive to Mweya Peninsular all the way to the northern sector of the park arriving in the early afternoon. Then relax at your lodge, dinner and overnight. Budget: Albertine Camp: Farmland Resort. Moderate: Hippo Hill Camp: Simba Safari Lodge: Bufallo Safari Lodge: Bush Lodge Up market: Mweya Lodge standard rooms: Katara Lodge Luxury : Mweya Safari lodge: Jacana safari lodge: Wilderness Safari Camp Day:4: Queen Elizabeth National Park. After breakfast, you will go for Chimpanzee trekking in Kyambura Gorge where you will see not only the chimpanzee but also other primates like the colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys plus baboons. Then take an afternoon boat cruise on the 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 and a wonderful diversity of birds. Because of the different habitats of the lakeshores and the broad Savannah, the variety seems endless. Catch a glimpse of water birds diving for fish, the Marabou stork, bee-eater and cheeky bronze-tailed starling as well as the majestic crowned crane. Retire to your lodge for Dinner and Overnight Day 5 Queen Elizabeth National Park- Kibale Forest National Park After breakfast carryout game drive viewing herds of elephants, buffaloes and antelopes and some predators- lion’s leopard’s hyenas etc. Watch different species of birds. Over 500 species have been identified here making it a Mecca for bird -watchers. They include Black-bee eater, 11 different species of Kingfisher, several falcons, eagles and raptors. Depart this interesting unique part of the world and head to Kibale Forest National Park another primate concentrated families. Check in at your lodge for dinner and overnight. Luxury; Kyaninga Lodge : Ndali Lodge: Primate Lodge Kibale Up market: Fort Motel/Mountains of the moon Lodge: Kibale Guest Cottages Moderate: Ruwenzori view guest house: A taco Budget: Toro Resort: Nyinabulitwa Country Resort Day 6: Kibale forest National park- chimpanzee tracking After an early breakfast you will be driven to Kanyanchu park headquarters. With local guides trek chimps Kibale National Park in their natural habitat nestled 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 very localized red colobus and L'Hoest's monkeys. Tracking the chimpanzee our 'cousin' 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. In the afternoon visit the surrounding- Bigodi swamp eco tourist site or enjoy unique view of crater lakes and other volcanic features. Overnight will be at Toro Resort (this provide mid range clean facilities) dinner and overnight : Day 7: Kibale - Kampala - Entebbe After breakfast drive to Kampala or Entebbe via Mubende stopping at interesting forest and swamp spots with lunch on the way. End of Safari. Please Note 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, 2 tracking chimpanzee permit, - safari driver /guide and 4x4 vehicle - Park fees - Applicable government taxes - Drinking bottled water while driving on safari Excluded are: - Beverages and bar bills, phone alls, personal insurance and any other services of personal nature like souvenirs, tips, laundry etc

CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY AND ENVIROMENTAL SERVICES IN UGANDA

Uganda is blessed with a rich diversity of natural habitats ,species and genetic resources in its forests which has enhanced tourism in form of Uganda gorilla safaris. It is one of the most diverse countries in Africa with ie 11% and 7% of the world’s bird and mammal species .This biodiversity as a great intrinsic valve .It is also important to human health and wealth , for example by providing traditional plant medicines , wild relatives of domestic plants , a variety of ecosystems and species important in the tourism industry which has promoted Uganda safaris. And potential opportunities for Ugandans to adapt to local and global change. The heart of Ugandan’ s approach to habitant and species conservation lies in a protected areas system of National Parks , Wildlife Reserves and forest Reserves. These areas are currently managed under two different administrations (The Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Forestry Department ) , under different Acts (principally the Wildlife Statute and the Forests Act )and generally focus on different components of biodiversity (Wildlife and trees) Uganda’s rich forest biodiversity is under threat from: -Unsustainable harvesting , habitat conservation , the introduction of alien species and pollution. -The illegal trade in plants and animals , including poorly regulated access to genetic resources . -Split administration between the Forestry Department and Uganda Wildlife Authority to address similar management issues (forest protection , beneficiary participation , sustainable utilization ) Forest also provide important environmental services in the protection of watershed and soil .There are increasing pressures on important watersheds due to their high agricultural potential .Poor crop and livestock management practices , including the cultivation and over grazing of steep slopes and riverbanks, have contributed to extensive soil erosion , and in some areas landslides. The destructive harvesting of forest resources in watershed catchment forests is further contributing to soil erosion and sedimentation , and to a reduction in the quantity and quality of water.

Uganda to be among Africa leading Safari destination for year 2016 and beyond.

CNN Travel has named Uganda as one of the top 16 emerging travel destinations in the world for the year 2016. According to the American based news organization, meeting eye to eye with a silverback mountain gorilla across a misty jungle, after an arduous hike through Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, leaves everlasting impressions of arguably the best wildlife uganda safari in the world. “But there's much more to Uganda. Rich in nature, it's an outdoor sanctuary of crater lakes, white-sand beaches on lake islands, thundering waterfalls and national parks,” says CNN’s travel writer Anisha Shah. A top highlight is Ngamba Island Chimp Sanctuary, where rescued and orphaned chimpanzees live out their days on an island in Lake Victoria. Visitors can cross the equator by boat there, slicing through Africa's largest lake. Besides CNN Travel, LONELY PLANET describes Uganda as follows: "Emerging from the shadows of its dark history, a new dawn of tourism has risen in Uganda, polishing a glint back into the ‘pearl of Africa’. Travellers are streaming in to explore what is basically the best of everything the continent has to offer. For a relatively small country, there’s a lot that’s big about the place. It’s home to the tallest mountain range in Africa Mount Rwenzori that offerbest challenging mountain trekking options, the source that feeds the world’s longest river and the continent’s largest lake. And with half the remaining mountain gorillas residing here, as well as the Big Five to be ticked off, wildlife watching is huge." River Nile which is the World’s longest river begins its 6,670 Kilometer journey to the Mediterranean Sea through Sudan and Egypt in Eastern Uganda and it is at the spectacular Murchison Falls National Park where this river explodes violently through a narrow cleft in the Rift Valley escarpment to plunge into a frothing pool 43m below. The Nile River has the best white water rafting safari experience in the world. Other notable attractions are Queen Elizabeth National Park, The Rwenzori Mountain - Ptolemy’s fabled “Mountains of the Moon”, Semliki National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park which boasts of untamed African wilderness north of the country. In a nutshell, Uganda is a bird watcher’s paradise with 12 per cent of the world’s bird species found here, half of the World’s Mountain Gorillas inhabit Uganda and so does more than 7% of the world’s mammals. Uganda is an adventurer’s paradise, an explorer’s perfect haven and a country where those keen on Eco- tourism will find the ultimate destination. Please feel free to contact us : Travel Hemispheres:info@travelhemispheres.com for any safari or holiday requests to Uganda, or any information or assistance that you may need in order to understand and start selling this wonderful destination to your client base. Uganda, "The Pearl of Africa" was in December 2015 the proud host to a team of world famous FC Barcelona Football Legends. The delegation, led by former player Rayco Garcia comprised of big names like Patrick Kluivert, Gaizaka Mendieta,"Deco", Edgar Davids, Simao Sabrosa, Ludovic Giuly among others. During their stay, the players coudn't resist the temptation to enjoy an activity which is now arguably in every adventure traveler's bucket list, Gorilla Tracking deep in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest as well as enjoying game drives and a launch cruise at Murchison Falls National Park. The coverage of their visit is definitely going to increase the awareness of the awe inspiring tourist products that the country has, increase demand for leisure travel to Uganda from across the world and hopefully promote sports tourism. Kindly contact us on: info@travelhemispheres.com for more details, bookings or request for more tailor made safari packages to Uganda.