Primate Trekking
A uganda safari is most interesting when venturing into the jungle in search of apes is among the top tourist activities in Uganda, home to Africa's two remaining populations of the highly endangered mountain gorilla. Uganda's gorillas are concentrated in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, designated a World Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park for gorilla tours. The latter alshttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifo harbors the golden monkey. Alternatively, track chimpanzees in the Kibale, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls national parks.
Game Viewinghttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Uganda is home to more than 300 species of mammals, including uganda gorillas in Bwindi and Mgahinga National parks, zebras and the gigantic eland antelope, which are prevalent in Lake Mburo National Park. In Murchison Falls National Park, you may catch a glimpse of a hippopotamus, an elephant, a giraffe or Nile crocodile. Kidepo Valley National Park in northeastern Uganda is home to hyenas, cheetahs, lions and jackals.
Birding
More than 60 percent of all African bird species -- approximately 1,000 -- inhabit Uganda. Murchison Falls, Semliki, Bwindi Impenetrable and Queen Elizabeth national parks are the top bird-watching destinations, according to the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Noteworthy species include the African jacana and the African pigmy geese. To increase your chances of seeing a shoe bill, take a boat ride on Lake Albert.
Geologic Attractions
Hiking is the preferred way to experience the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains, known as the "Mountains of the Moon," where road access is extremely limited. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, the highest peak in Rwenzori Mountain National Park is almost 17,000 feet high. Hiking is also the only way to explore Mt. Elgon National Park, which surrounds its namesake dormant volcano and the Sipi Falls. In Semliki National Park, you can visit two hot springs.
For more information about uganda safaris visit our website at All About Uganda
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Gorillas are 95 - 99% Closest Relatives of Humans
Did you know that the gorillas are the closest to humans? Gorillas are the largest extant species of primates. They are ground-dwelling, predominantly herbivorous apes that inhabit the forests of central Africa i.e Uganda, Rwanda and Congo.
Gorillas are divided into two species and either four or five subspecies. The DNA of gorillas is highly similar to that of a human, from 95-99% depending on what is counted, and they are the next closest living relatives to humans after the two chimpanzee species, but humans have completely forgotten these ancestors by deforesting forests.
Gorillas' natural habitats cover tropical or subtropical forests in Africa. Although their range covers a small percentage of Africa, gorillas cover a wide range of elevations. The mountain gorilla inhabits the Albertine Rift montane cloud forests of the Virunga Volcanoes, ranging in altitude from 2,200–4,300 metres (7,200–14,100 ft).
Lowland Gorillas live in dense forests and lowland swamps and marshes as low as sea level, with western lowland gorillas living in Central West African countries and eastern lowland gorillas living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo near its border with Rwanda.
Would you like to see for your self on the amazing gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo? Just book a gorilla safari in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo today!
Gorillas are divided into two species and either four or five subspecies. The DNA of gorillas is highly similar to that of a human, from 95-99% depending on what is counted, and they are the next closest living relatives to humans after the two chimpanzee species, but humans have completely forgotten these ancestors by deforesting forests.
Gorillas' natural habitats cover tropical or subtropical forests in Africa. Although their range covers a small percentage of Africa, gorillas cover a wide range of elevations. The mountain gorilla inhabits the Albertine Rift montane cloud forests of the Virunga Volcanoes, ranging in altitude from 2,200–4,300 metres (7,200–14,100 ft).
Lowland Gorillas live in dense forests and lowland swamps and marshes as low as sea level, with western lowland gorillas living in Central West African countries and eastern lowland gorillas living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo near its border with Rwanda.
Would you like to see for your self on the amazing gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo? Just book a gorilla safari in Uganda, Rwanda or Congo today!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Gorilla Tourism in Rwanda
Rwanda is well known for its mountain gorillas. First brought to international attention by the conservation efforts of Dian Fossey in the 1960s and 70s, Rwanda’s gorillas have featured in numerous documentaries and have in the recent past been visited, for example, by Bill Gates, Natalie Portman and Ted Turner, who have all participated in the annual gorilla naming ceremony.
Rwanda and Uganda are the only two countries in the world where mountain gorillas can be visited safely at the moment. In 2008, about 17,000 people visited the Volcanoes National Park (VNP) to see the gorillas, a large increase from the late 1980s and an impressive recovery from only 417 tourists in 1999 after the reopening of the park. Rwanda has also seen gorilla tourism as a valuable conservation tool, enforcing strict rules for the habituation and trekking of gorilla families.
Tourists are willing to pay high fees for a limited number of permits, which are usually sold out. Most of the gorilla safaris are sold out early enough. The revenues from gorilla tourism provide funds to the national parks and facilitate conservation activities. Five percent of park revenues are disbursed for community projects.
There are several aspects that have contributed to the successful revival of the tourism sector in Rwanda. First and foremost, the government has shown a clear commitment to the development of the tourism sector and has established itself as a safe destination in the region. The early development of a strategy and policy demonstrated this commitment. Furthermore, the government involved the private sector from the start and has implemented a good strategy to market Rwanda as a destination. The business environment has improved markedly, promoting private sector involvement. In addition, Rwanda has always seen tourism as an instrument to reduce poverty, for example by directly involving local communities.
Rwanda and Uganda are the only two countries in the world where mountain gorillas can be visited safely at the moment. In 2008, about 17,000 people visited the Volcanoes National Park (VNP) to see the gorillas, a large increase from the late 1980s and an impressive recovery from only 417 tourists in 1999 after the reopening of the park. Rwanda has also seen gorilla tourism as a valuable conservation tool, enforcing strict rules for the habituation and trekking of gorilla families.
Tourists are willing to pay high fees for a limited number of permits, which are usually sold out. Most of the gorilla safaris are sold out early enough. The revenues from gorilla tourism provide funds to the national parks and facilitate conservation activities. Five percent of park revenues are disbursed for community projects.
There are several aspects that have contributed to the successful revival of the tourism sector in Rwanda. First and foremost, the government has shown a clear commitment to the development of the tourism sector and has established itself as a safe destination in the region. The early development of a strategy and policy demonstrated this commitment. Furthermore, the government involved the private sector from the start and has implemented a good strategy to market Rwanda as a destination. The business environment has improved markedly, promoting private sector involvement. In addition, Rwanda has always seen tourism as an instrument to reduce poverty, for example by directly involving local communities.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
2012 Bookings for Gorilla Trekking Tours
Well time flies when you are having fun and it is time to look ahead to 2012 already! As many of you will have noticed, most of the 2011 gorilla safaris have been booked up way in advance and therefore many tour companies have released 2012 trip dates already! As with all other tours that have a few permits available, gorilla safari trips are booked on first come first served based and therefore if you are interested in travelling during the 2012 season it is advisable to book right now.
Throughout the below you will see a variety of outline itineraries for up and coming trips; if you would like a detailed itinerary and quote, please get in touch and we would be happy to send you through further details by return.
Gorilla Tours are a must for any wildlife enthusiast, so if you are even slightly tempted, just get in touch with a reliable safari company and reall many tour companies will be happy to help you! For last minute availability for some of 2011 trips, you can as well try out your luck!
Throughout the below you will see a variety of outline itineraries for up and coming trips; if you would like a detailed itinerary and quote, please get in touch and we would be happy to send you through further details by return.
Gorilla Tours are a must for any wildlife enthusiast, so if you are even slightly tempted, just get in touch with a reliable safari company and reall many tour companies will be happy to help you! For last minute availability for some of 2011 trips, you can as well try out your luck!
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