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Chinko Wildlife Experiences in Central Africa

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There is something very exclusively beautiful about the Central African Republic. This region in Central Africa is a land with absolutely no human encroachment and is the place where the Congo rainforest meets the lovely picturesque hills and also the savannas in the north. Stretching from the beautiful streams and the lovely majestic mountains, this region has the Rivers Chinko, Mbari, and the Vovodo flowing through the region. These rivers flow across the most fantastic swamps and the most mesmerizing plains.

Spanning an area of around two million hectares in the middle of the best kind of verdant expanse, Chinko is a lovely place where one would surely get the best visual delights. Natives have never hunted this place and even if it is very far away yet, the area is very special and thus also increasing the interest of the tourist here. So forest hunting and savannah sights are very unique here so you could be ensconced in the surroundings of the best wildlife pleasures. This is truly an adrenalin rush experience and the entire place is replete with the most vivid travel luxury.

The adventure tours here are so arranged that most of your experiences would be filled with excitement and thrill. So if you want the experience of true wilderness and want to have an unforgettable experience then come here to the land of Kocho and enjoy the best ever wildlife experience.

Chinko is the main region, in the camping pleasures of Central Africa and is located on the River Siriri. Situated in the center of the hunting area and is around half an hour from the airstrip this is a great location to begin your adventurous escapades. The luscious green vegetation and absolute presence of equatorial forests here is a total amalgamation of savannah and the best green zones in this part of the world. The entire camp breathes in peace and is laden with the most memorable adventure ecstasies.

There are bungalows here where you can live and this experience of being in the most private zone with the comfort of living with ease makes the presence of the natural ambiance even more magical. The bungalows are constructed with woven grass mats and burnt bricks and have a bedroom and a bathroom too. There are toilet facilities and also provisions for a cold or hot shower. There is a sink which overlooks the lovely river. Light facilities are also provided for the tourists who like the special experience of burning the oil lanterns. Today however you have 220-volt lamps which give light to the tourists.

There is a dining mess is located at the meeting point of the Chinko and the Siriri. This gives a fantastic view of the banks on the other side. On this side, there is a saltlick which totally attracts the bushbucks, waterbucks, baboons, warthogs, and many other such special living beings. There is a dining area which is a natural granite rock that is in the center of the water which is joined by a wooden bridge. There is a campfire that is lit here and as the sun sets in the evening, the trees and the stars seem to be in tandem with each other.

There is a greatly convenient bar which gives the much-needed refreshment that the tourist needs at noon and so the hunters who come back from the camp after a hard trek enjoy the relaxation that they get here in the bar. They have their favorite drink and with the campfire in front the entire experience is unbelievable. Hear the hyena laugh and enjoy the entire experience.

The Chinko camp in Central Africa is not just a hunting camp in the midst of greenery but is a great Eden of adventurous pleasures. The hunter as well as the non hunter enjoys his experience here and so it is a great idea to be in this part of the world and enjoy the wildlife travails here.

Best 5 National Parks to Visit in Uganda

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Kibale Forest National Park

Known to the world as the Pearl of Africa, Uganda is a home of nature, forests, lakes, wildlife, birds, primates, landscape, and culture and much more to offers to its visitors every day. Discover the best parks in Uganda full of life giving treasures, joy and fun on every vacation holiday bit sole, private or family. Expect excellent wilderness experience all through from tour adventures to your Uganda safari lodge of resident. Conservation is one of the used weapons for maintaining the natural treasures as well as adding value to the existing bio diversities. The best 5 National parks not to miss on a Uganda safari circuit include Bwindi forest, Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo Valley.

Bwindi Forest National Park

The mountain gorilla destination Bwindi Forest is truly one of the most impressive in the world with only life time memorable adventures like gorilla trekking, hiking, cultural tours, birding, nature walk, sanctuary retreats among others.

When you head out to explore this amazing beautiful park, the Uganda Equator, Igongo cultural Museum are just appetizers for the scenic ride from Kampala Uganda capital to the park. Tourists explore the beautiful jungle forest in search of the rare mountain gorillas before transferring to other Uganda interesting attractions of their interest.

Since it is one of the fine gorilla trekking destination in Africa, chances of seeing mountain gorillas is 99% and no tourists has ever been disappointed. The park four sectors have enough habituated gorilla families ready for trackers every day as long as one has the main gate pass-the gorilla permit that cost $800 and even lower when the country markets its tourism products to the world.

You may find yourself face to face with the silver back at your lodge of residence or forest so in such circumstances, remember to follow and respect the park gorilla trekking rules and regulations.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

A park of variety and superb tour adventures Queen Elizabeth found close to Bwindi forest and has famed to the world as the best place for viewing tree climbing lions.

It’s one of the most visited and common in many Uganda safari tour itineraries to different locations especially those for wildlife, nature and primate trekking. It combines wildlife; chimpanzee and boat cruise experience with amazing birding captures at the Kazinga channel an amazing afternoon ride that takes you to the school of hippos and crocodiles together with other park wildlife.

Access this park by road or plain and a visit demand less than what you can imagine for any kind of trip –budget or luxury. The most amazing thing is that you can’t miss out of the park famous exciting tour adventures as long as you book early enough.

Every day the park is a favorite destination for many visitors to Uganda and it will if you consider visiting Uganda on a wildlife safari and give it a choice. Tour companies help you to explore the park to your fullest in a private safari vehicle easily unlike on your own.

Kidepo Valley National Park

With the Rocky landscape, and green hilly vegetation that fills the park dramatic untamed, wildlife reserve surrounded by impressive sky views make Kidepo one Uganda’s best wildlife park to explore for those interested in seeing the big five and other park habitats.

The karamajong culture is an added advantage to whoever visits the park and it’s something you shouldn’t miss on your visit to Uganda. The water spring attracts various wildlife when it gets hot giving tourist a chance to spot even those they had missed out during the morning and evening game drives.

Of the many national parks scattered in different parts of Uganda, Kidepo Valley is simply the best when it comes to amazing Uganda wildlife experience. The more you see wildlife and other park habitats is the more you will come to appreciate these parks’ magic and the more you will want to discover and even extent your stay if not a tight travel program.

Murchison Falls National Park

This is the best place to see giraffes in Uganda. Located in North western Uganda, the Murchison Falls National Park is a great place to enjoy wildlife safaris in Uganda. This is also one of the most scenic places – with the Murchison falls, being the biggest spectacle.

Kibale Forest National Park

Kibale is the last colony of chimpanzees! This park is located in Western Uganda and it is the best place to see wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Thousands of chimpanzees colonised Kibale tropical rain forest as well as other primates.

Other great national parks to visit and explore during your Uganda safari include

  • Lake Mburo National Park,
  • Mgahinga National Park
  • Mount Rwenzori National Park
  • Semuliki National Park
  • Mount Elgon National Park

Elephants Face Immediate Threat to Poaching in Africa

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African Elephants

Africa’s elephants are facing an immediate threat to survival due to the high levels of poaching for their ivory.

The latest report released by the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) shows that over 20,000 African elephants were poached across the continent in 2013 and the number of seizures in Africa exceeded those made in Asia.

Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania accounted for 80 percent of those seizures made in Africa.

According to John E. Scanlon, Secretary-General of CITES, although the illegal elephant killing is leveling off, poaching levels remain alarmingly high and continue to far exceed the natural elephant population growth rates.

“Africa’s elephants continue to face an immediate threat to their survival from high-levels of poaching for their ivory and with over 20,000 elephants illegally killed last year the situation remains dire,” Scanlon said.

“ Due to the collective efforts of so many, we also see some encouraging signals, but experience shows that poaching trends can shift dramatically and quickly, especially when transnational organized crime is involved,” he added.

Southern Africa continues to hold the lion’s share of Africa’s elephants, holding close to 55 percent of the known elephants on the continent.

Eastern Africa holds 28 percent and Central Africa 16 percent. In West Africa, less than 2 percent of the continent’s known elephants are spread over 13 countries.

The three key factors linked to higher poaching levels in Africa are poverty, weak governance and demand for illegal ivory in consuming nations.

The poverty is measured by infant mortality rates and weak governance is measured by law enforcement capacity and corruption levels.

Overall poaching numbers were lower in 2013 than in 2012 and 2011 – but they continue to exceed 20,000. The report warns that poaching levels will lead to continuing declines in the African elephant population.

Enjoy a Magical Wildebeest Migration Safari

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Wildebeests Migration

To put it simply, if you have opted for Migration Safari …  you are either going to Tanzania or Kenya. Thus, as you can well understand, planning a migration safari and catching hold of the best of Africa’s wildlife as they migrate is comparatively easy…or, is it?

Let’s find out!

Planning a Migration Safari in Kenya or Tanzania

Migration in Tanzania’s Serengeti is active for 9 long months of the year whereas, in Kenya’s Masai Mara it is active only for 3 months; August, September and October.

It is advisable that you visit either Kenya or Tanzania. Don’t combine both of them.

Make sure you

  • Have a map of Serengeti…if you have opted for Tanzania.
  • Know how the migration works in theory.
  • Know that the migration

itself involves around 1, 5 million wildebeest, gazelle and zebra on the move.

The resident game doesn’t follow the migration beyond their specific ranges.

  • Know that you can find the resident game in and around their home all the year round.
  • Opt for destinations other than Masai Mara or Serengeti if you choose to view specific game species like elephant, wild dog or leopard.

Now, coming to the real planning!

These are a few things you should keep in mind

  • Plan in advance: It is best to plan in advance. Because, if you are late…not only will the prices be high… there will also be this big uncertainty about getting accommodation.
  • Crowd density: Masai Mara and Serengeti have some pretty big hotels and lodges which is why crowd density can be a problem. If you want to get your way round the crowd, plan your trip with smaller outfits. These outfits plan their trips at flexible times like in the morning before the place gets crowded. They organize breakfasts under the tree while the minibuses are doing rounds. They also zero in on quieter spots where you can spend the afternoons and the evenings away from the hustle and bustle of crowds.
  • Availability of good guides: Standard good professional guides who are experienced, reputable, and dedicated can make a big difference to your safari experience. They will help you come real close to the wild life…without encroaching upon their private space.

So, if you really plan a migration safari for your next holiday…you can seek the help of The Africa Guide. They will provide customized package tours for your migration safari…

They will extensively cover all the areas of Kenya or Tanzania and will not leave you wanting anything else.

Ultimate Wildlife Encounters in Uganda

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Uganda Wildlife

If Wildlife is a thing that captures your mind, don’t try to omit Uganda on your bucket list of destinations to see in Africa. This amazing spot has a diverse range of Wildlife species including those you can’t easily find in other localities around the globe. Whether you are after Wild animals, reptiles, insects or various species of birds you are all covered when you go on a safari in Uganda.

Thousands of Wildlife enthusiasts come in per year to explore all what Uganda has to offer. If this is your next travel plan, listed below are the major exciting places you shouldn’t ignore for endless sweeping views of varied Wildlife species.

Where to Go for Wildlife

Wildlife in Uganda is majorly protected in National Parks, game reserves and Sanctuaries. These protected areas are many, therefore named below are some of the must visits.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

When it comes to Wildlife Safaris in Uganda, Queen Elizabeth Park is highly rated and stands among the mostly visited parks. Established in 1952 as Kazinga channel National Park, this protected area was later renamed to Queen Elizabeth Park to honor the visit of Queen Elizabeth II. Additionally Queen Elizabeth covers a total area of 1978 square kilometers which span three districts including Kasese, Rukungiri, Kamwenge and Rukungiri. It is bordered by Kyambura gorge, Kalinzu forest reserve and Lake George in the east, Lake Edward and Ishasha River in the west. It lush habitats are home to a number of Wildlife species including the rare tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector. Other than Wildlife, Queen consists of over ten crater lakes.

Murchison Falls National Park

Covering a total area of 3898 square kilometers, Murchison is the largest National Park in Uganda. It is geographically located in the north western part of Uganda and straddles four districts that include Kiryandongo, Masindi, Nwoya, and Buliisa. By road, this Park is about 283 kilometers North West of Kampala. From Kibanda area, it is about 72 km up to Masindi the nearest large town. What’s more, Murchison Falls National Park is bisected by the Victoria Nile for a distance of 115 km. adding to the falls, Murchison Falls National Park invites tourists with its Wildlife that consists of animals like elephants, buffaloes, various bird species and more.

Budongo Forest Reserve

This is one of the notable forest reserves in Uganda. It is also located in the north western part of Uganda near Murchison Falls National Park and part of the Murchison Falls conservation area. It is a great habitat to a number of Wildlife species but most tourists visit it for the unique bird species and the chimpanzee primates. Other species that enjoy cool atmosphere of this reserve include primates like baboons, red tailed monkeys, colobus monkeys, reptiles, insects like butterflies and more.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

This is a dream destination for Rhino lovers. It is located in central Uganda, Nakasongola district. Since it is located along Kampala – Masindi – Gulu highway, most travelers use it as a great stopover while heading to Murchison Falls National Park. Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary was put in place mainly to reintroduce the species of Rhinoceros back to Uganda. It is currently homing the species of White Rhinoceros. Some were imported from Solio ranch in Kenya and other donated by Disney Kingdom of animals.

Kibale Forest National Park

For those who are visiting Uganda mainly for primates, Kibale Forest National Park should be your first start. This ever green protected area is located in the western part of Uganda. Fort portal is the nearest town from this Park. Part of its area is occupied by the notable Kibale forest. This forest is a great home to many wildlife species including the thirteen primates, bird species, reptiles and more. These 13 primates includes the chimpanzees, the main reason for most safaris to this park.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Situated in the far north eastern Uganda, Kidepo is the most isolated park in Uganda. It stands amongst the most rewarding parks if it is Wildlife in Uganda. It was declared as a national Park in 1962 and plays host to multiple species including the ones that are rarely found in other Ugandan parks. Located in Kaabong district, this park is ranked the third best National park in Africa. Its location in a core of savannah landscapes and mountainous sceneries makes it one of the most photogenic areas in Uganda. Kidepo’s rich fauna is composed of 470 bird species and over 75 species of mammals.

Lake Mburo National Park

If you fancy a blend of wildlife encounters and boat cruise, you should look no further than Lake Mburo National Park. This Park is located in western Uganda near Mbarara town. It is rated to be the nearest park from Kampala, Uganda’s capital. It biodiversity consists of plant life, wild animals, reptiles and insects. Some of the animals that tempt wildlife addicts are elephants, Zebras, topi, buffaloes and numerous antelopes. Boat cruise along the waters of Lake Mburo offers endless views of aquatic species like water birds, crocodiles and lake side scenery.

How to see Wildlife in Uganda

There are many ways to immerse yourself into Uganda’s rich wildlife. Some of these include game drives, boat cruise, nature walks, forest walks and camel riding. In Uganda, camel riding is only offered in Lake Mburo National Park.

How to Plan an Affordable African Safari

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Africa Safari Adventure

Africa as a continent is the only place where you can able to watch large herds of the impalas plus the cheetahs as they move over the savannah area. You can also find the big elephants for the great wildlife encounters. The nature travelers have also got a chance to enjoy the adventurous stories that are told around the campfire under the clear sky with the beautiful stars as you enjoy your sleep as the booked accommodation. Finding a cheap safari package is not an easy thing since it sometimes feels like an elusive dream for the budget travelers.

Many of the camps and the lodges are seen as exclusive accommodation facilities in the world and most of these cover $1000 and it’s per person per night. This cost includes the activities in the itinerary, meals, more so, a luxury tour is expensive for a traveler and it involves costly flights. Travelers are encouraged not to forego visiting Africa since there are many safaris that can be taken up by different travelers depending on the type of accommodation selected by the visitor. There are four main strategies that should count when searching for an affordable safari that suits your budget.

Traveling while it’s an off season

Africa as a continent has got two main seasons and these include both the low and high season; they also resolve around the precipitation patterns and also the dry season is the most popular time to come and visit since many of the animals come around the different water sources and this will make it easier to look at them when the vegetation is so sparse. The low season is also called the green season and has got many benefits since the prices are mostly low and affordable and many travelers are interested to travel in this season. There are many wild animals that give birth during this season and clouds also provide a very good stunning sunsets that are a bonus to the photographers.

There are also two rainy seasons in East Africa, and that’s from March to April as well as May and the other is June and October, November and December. So deciding to choose a safari in this period will bring good season conditions and also lower prices. Also visiting in early December is so convenient since the many crowds are fewer before the holiday seasons. Within January and March, the rain is so much and can be a great idea to visit both Kenya and Tanzania since it’s dry and less expensive. Many of the tourists like moving to Maasai Mara and Serengeti between June and September where the annual migration of the wildebeest crosses the plains of these parks.

More so, the travellers can get more value for their money and will still view lots of wildlife when they travel with in the low season months. They can also consider a few days with in Serengeti Migration camp where they can enjoy many herds in February and it’s followed by a camp which is found in the northern Serengeti. Uganda also offers timely discounts on gorilla safari treks during the off peak months of April, May and November. Though most travelers avoid these months because of rains, the weather is still good for gorilla trekking.

In South Africa, the best season to visit is in the cold and drizzly with in Cape Town and at the coast during the southern winter including the months of May to September. For Namibia and Botswana, the best months are May and November.

Look for Discount Safari Lodges

About choosing the safari lodges and camps in Africa, they are rated based from Luxury, moderate as well as budget. There are also the furnished tents which are so comfortable for any night stay within any Africa jungle. These camp facilities also provide low rates to the low income travelers and yet they get quality experience on their safaris in Africa. There are also the luxury camps that are more extra personalized with their service as well as good meals filled with many safari activities.

Go Camping

By choosing to go mobile, it means that you will get a safari at a cheaper rate. There are also many ways of finding high quality tours at relatively low prices. One of the way is by engaging in mobile camping, where the travelers can move with their camping items in order to reduce the costs. You can as well find luxury mobile camping offers at the high end camps that are permanent.

The mobile budget tours can be participatory or also and if you need to have some assistance with the tents and cooking, here you will need to contact an operator in any country that you wish to visit. More so, with the participatory camping, the guests spend less since they engage in the organization of the tour themselves. This includes; setting up the camp and also preparing the meals. The tours are also more economical and are referred to as over landing.

Take an Independent Trip

Although many travelers wouldn’t want to take an independent safari, it’s also possible in South Africa and Namibia since these countries are so well organized for the tourist activities. The self-drive tours are advantageous since you set your pace as well as the individual interests. However, it’s important to hire a guide who will be able to help you at some point in spotting the wildlife.

Meet Golden Monkeys and Mountain Gorillas in Uganda

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Mgahinga Golden Monkeys

Everybody wishes to experience these amazing and rarest mammals in the world but where you watch them from matters, Uganda is indeed gifted by nature because of the privileges she has in terms of inhabiting the endangered golden monkey and the mountain gorillas. These are majorly found in the gazetted areas of Bwindi National Park and the Mount Mgahinga national park all located in south western Uganda in the districts of Kabale and Kisoro.

Mount Mgahinga national park is found to be in a well-established land for these monkeys and the gorillas because of its thick forest. This has ensured the persistent food supply to all the gorillas and the golden monkeys since they are said to be vegetarians and fulgurous.

This has resulted into a multiplicity of the gorillas hence accumulating in the two parks. Bwindi impenetrable national park is also recognized for its fourteen groups of gorillas and half of the world’s rest or remaining gorillas hence making Uganda a prominent destination for gorilla tours in the whole world. Golden monkeys which are not found elsewhere in the world are also seen here.

On reaching these two game parks, one can witness the beautifulness of these wise mammals, the way how the monkeys move from one tree to another up while displaying their glittering golden color all over the park is really so interesting. Silver back gorillas are widely spread in Mgahinga national park, the way they lead their families becomes a surprise to everybody who visit the park because of their characteristics that relates closely to those of a human being.

The male silver back gorillas plays a great role of protecting its entire family, lead them in all the areas where they search food from and also looking for food for the group. So wonderful to note is that after getting food the male ones enjoy most of the privileges of feeding first. The care female gorillas and female golden monkeys show to the young ones has no difference with that of the female human beings show to their babies including breast feeding and also back leaning their kids.

For Mgahinga national park, this is where gold meets silver as a result of the golden monkeys and the silver back gorillas. These are the only true residents for this park and other animals can also be seen on a small scale. Visiting these places can make every person enjoy what is missing in their homeland and also to appreciate the weather conditions within the park which is misty.

Gorilla permits in Uganda only cost $800 in other periods but at times, there are promotional rates during the promotion periods of April, May and November. The gorilla habituation experience cost $1500 all for Foreign Non Residents. For Foreign Residents $500, $500 and the later $1000. For the local or those from the east African community only pay UGX250000 for gorilla tracking during non-promotion period, UGX150000 during promotion periods and for gorilla habituation experience only UGX750000 is paid. Golden monkeys tracking cost $50 for all foreigners and east African community members only pay $UGX20000, These are all favorable charges compared to other countries charges.

All these make Uganda a true destination for both gorilla tracking and the golden monkeys tracking and experience. To entertain all these, one needs to make prior preparations before travelling and several tour operators can be entrusted with planning your valuable trip into the tropical rain forests of south western Uganda.

What to Pack for Kahuzi Biega Trip

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Gorilla Trekking Packing List

Kahuzi-Biega National Park is one of the growing gorilla trekking destinations, popular for trips to see Eastern lowland gorillas. Even with this precious jewel, the national park still remains unexplored with less development especially In terms of accommodation facilities and security measures hence it requires tourists to be well prepared and extra careful when planning for a gorilla trekking safari in this park.

However, tourists planning to track gorillas from the Democratic Republic of Congo always get confused on what to pack for a gorilla trekking adventure in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. This article will solve your dilemma, as it brings you a comprehensive list of what to pack/wear for your gorilla trekking safari in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, so as to have a memorable experience.

A Passport and Visa

Tourists planning to travel to Democratic Republic of Congo should make sure that they possess a valid passport, Visa and a certificate of inoculation against yellow fever. A valid passport is also very important when acquiring a gorilla permits hence it is a must have document for all tourists intending to track these lowland gorillas from this Park. There are government checkpoints at all border crossing points, to make sure you have a valid passport and Congo Visa.

A Gorilla Permit

Where in this world can you track gorillas without a valid gorilla trekking permit? Therefore gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega is not exceptional because a gorilla permit is a must have for all tourists. Gorilla permits for tracking the eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Beiga national park cost $400 per person for foreign non-residents, $200 for East African residents and $20 for Congo citizens. Because there is only one habituated gorilla group available for tracking in this Park, permits have to be booked in advance to avoid disappointment. Gorilla permit for this Park can be booked though info@kahuzibiega.org or calling +243 971 968488

Appropriate footwear

The appropriate footwear for gorilla trekking is light waterproof hiking boots with enough ankle support because of the nature of the tropical rain forest and the altitude of the Park.  This hiking boots provides grip in case it rains because the trails tend to be muddy and slippery. It is also important to carry/wear long socks, and tuck your trousers into the socks in order to prevent insects such as safari ants from entering into your pants/trousers.

The Right Hiking Attire

The right hiking attire for lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park is long sleeved shirts that will protect your arms from getting scratched by tree branches or grass, also long trousers to protect your legs from getting scratched, wear garden gloves because in the process of hiking you might need to support yourself using tree branches hence these gloves serve to protect your hands against germs and injuries, also wear a waterproof rain jacket because you might not be sure of when it will rain (whether it is a rainy or dry season). You will also need a hat and sunglasses for the sunny times, scarf and sweater for the cold evenings.

Drinking Water and Snacks

Gorilla trekking is an interesting but strenuous activity that can take from 30minutes to several hours before a gorilla group is sighted. It is therefore important to carry enough drinking water (of at least on liter) and snacks or packed lunch to rejuvenate your lost energy during the hikes

First Aid Kit and Medications

Since you are venturing into the jungles, it is important to carry a first aid kit with important items like bandages, painkillers and liniments for relieving muscle strains.

Gadgets like cameras with enough batteries to allow you capture every exciting moment during the gorilla trekking adventure. Tourists interested in birding should carry binoculars so as to see some of the interesting bird species that call Kahuzi-Biega National park home.

In conclusion, the Eastern Lowland gorillas can only be tracked from Kahuzi-Biega National Park, and to achieve an ultimate gorilla trekking experience in this park, tourists are advised to pack the right foot wear (water proof hiking boots), appropriate hiking attire such as long sleeved shirts and long trousers, a gorilla permit and a valid passport/Congo Visa. When you dress the right way and carry the right equipment, you will appreciate every single moment into the Jungles of Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Bwindi Forest in Uganda

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Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Bwindi national park is a true rain forest found in the western side of Uganda. Tourism in this forest is based on gorilla tracking; slightly half of the mountain gorillas reside here. An estimation of 280-320 individuals living in 15 troops. Given the focus on gorillas, it came as a surprise that Bwindi harbors at least 92 mammal species.

The list consists of small mammals such as rodents, bats. But it does include eleven types of primates including a healthy chimpanzee population and five varieties of monkeys most visible is the blue monkey, black and white colobus. Of so called big five, only elephants are present a herd of 30 animals in the south eastern part of the park which is of no more than academic interest to tourists.

The park is also blessed with 345 confirmed and five unconfirmed species of birds, a high figure when compared to other national parks. Of the particular interest to birders are the 23 species endemics to the Albertine Rift and at least 14 species recorded now where elsewhere, among them the African green broadbill, white tailed blue fly catcher, brown-necked parrot and others. Among the most interesting and colorful birds that are likely to be seen by casual visitors are the harrier hawk, mountain buzzard, olive pigeon, white-headed wood hoopoe and any number of confusingly similar and greenbuls.

The famous and known Bwindi impenetrable national park can be accessed by either a flight or by road. When one uses chartered flight, you board an Aero link chartered plane from Entebbe in Kajjansi and then locate to an air strip in either Kasese or Kihihi from where a vehicle picks you and drives you to your hotel .Yet by road, it is a distance of 414 km from Kampala to Kabale on bitumen surface and takes 6-7 hours. An additional 120km from Kabale to Buhoma Park Headquarters via Kanungu and Kanyantoroogo on murram surface takes 3-4 hours and many require a 4WD vehicle. Kabale-Ruhija-Buhoma is 95 kilometers and takes 3-4 hours. This road is not frequently used by the public. A 4WD is recommended.

Bwindi national park has over 11 gorilla families and one of these called Kyaguriro family in Ruhija is gazetted for study purposes and research and then the remaining 10 are habituated for trekking. Mountain gorilla habituations takes between 2-3 years and below are the gorilla families habituated in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park;

Nkuringo

This family derives its name from the hill where this group was first spotted, Nkuringo hill. Nkuringo actually means “round hill” in the local language. Nkuringo is different from other hills in the neighborhood by having a rounded crest and no peak. The Family has 19 members including 2 silverbacks.

Habinyanja

This family boasts of 15 members including two silverbacks and was first seen near a swamp (“Nyanja” in the local language) in Bwindi impenetrable forest. This group has two mature males that are always seen fighting for supremacy within the family and the leading female “Kisho”heads the females.

Nshongi

This group was first sighted near river Nshonji and is the largest in Bwindi Impenetrable Park with 36 members including five silverbacks. It was named after river Nshonji which is close to where this group was first spotted. Although most gorilla families consist of 25 members with one or two silver backs, with this family it is another story since it surpasses that number. Another remarkable feature with this family is that it is led by Nshongi who is not even the oldest silverback in the group.

Mubare

This is presently the smallest family with only 7 members including 1 silver back. It’s is also the oldest family, spotted in the park in early 1990s, and was first seen in the middle of the park on Mubare hills. It was led by the late Ruhondeza who died in 2013 after a serious battle with a black back who has raided and expanded the family to 9 members currently.

Bitukula

This group was named after River Bitukula where the family members were first spotted, Bitukula family boasts of 12 members including 4 sliver backs. Habituation of this group began in 2007 and the group was opened in for tourism in 2008.This was relatively easy group to habituate compared to other groups that take a long time to be habituated.

Rushegula

This group located in the Buhoma part of Bwindi impenetrable park and has 19 members including one silverback. The trekking of this group starts at Buhoma Park head offices. Accommodations are also convenient in Buhoma that provides both Luxury and Budget accommodation. The trekking point is Buhoma in the North-West of the Park.

Mishaya

This family has 10 members including 1 silverback. It originally broke off from Nshongi group and is one of the newest in the park. In 2010, silver back Mishaya decided to leave the Nshongi gorilla group with some females and started his own group. He is a typical fighter and was able to gather more females from other non-habituated groups in the area reaching a total size of 10 members.

Oruzogo

This is one of the recently opened groups for visitor access in Bwindi impenetrable national park This family is situated between Ruhija area and is led by a dominant Silverback “Tibirikwata”. It’s the latest habituated gorilla family and was opened for tourism on in 2011. This increased the great opportunity for more visitors to track the gorillas in Bwindi national park. It’s one of the most popular families with tourists not just because of the size but the playful and energetic juveniles and toddlers in the group.

Kahungye

The size of this group is 13 members with 3 silverbacks which are the only ones named. The dominant Silverback is called Rumansi followed by the other two old male gorillas named Rwigi and Ruhamuka. The group was opened for visitors and gorilla tracking in 2011 but in less than a year the group split, creating the new Busingye Gorilla Family. Before the separation, the family consisted of 27 individuals including 3 silverbacks. Busingye is one of the newest groups in the park found in the Rushaga sector close to the Nshongi and Mishaya gorilla groups.

Kyaguriro

This is another habituated Gorilla Group that is not visited by tourists and has been reserved for research and other studies. Keeping contact with this group, helps conservationists to learn more about the mountain gorillas of Bwindi, including some remarkable differences with the mountain gorillas that live in the Virunga Volcanoes. This group is found near Bitukura and Oruzogo in Ruhija sector on the North-East side of the park.

With all the above things noted about Bwindi national park, make gorilla trekking in Uganda to be the best destination for the activity of gorilla trekking. So if a willing or intrested in making a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda, just visit our website www.gorillasafarisadventure.com.

Experience a Game Walk in the Okavango Delta

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Okavango Delta

Another exciting day on our over landing trip with a game walk through the bush! In the Okavango Delta we had a top guide and it was an amazing experience!

After are afternoon/evening walk on the first day, the second day we had to wake up very early for our morning game walk. The group was split up in teams of 5, and our group of course took the longest game walk of 4 hours!Starting in the early morning it was not too hot, and we were hiking along nicely finding some tracks of lion and hyena close to the camp. The first animals we actually saw were Tsessebe, which are antelopes who prefer to stay in the wetlands.

It was quite a big herd and seeing them run through the marshes was an amazing sight.We crossed the wetlands and got to a big open plain. Here our guide somehow saw the bottom of a zebra in the bush. How he recognized this, I have no idea, but after trekking trails through the bush we found them. No more than 100 meters away was a small herd of zebra, later joined by a blue wildebeest bull.By this time we were really feeling the heat and our water was running low, so we headed back to camp.

On our way back an elephant crossed our path and we waited as it crossed the plains. Besides all these mammals, before we found our way back to the camp we also spotted a beautiful eagle in the sky. At the camp we took a well-deserved dip into the river.In the evening Christmas dinner was served, a lovely turkey roasted by our wonderful cook Moses. After dinner we went on a game drive or boat ride with the mokoro’s and spotted a buffalo to top of a great day of wildlife spotting in the Okavango Delta.Next day we left the Eco-friendly environment of the Okavango Delta with our Mokoro’s and headed back to our campsite in Maun where the overland truck awaited us.

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