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.