Uganda, officially
the Republic of Uganda, is a country in East Africa, bordered on the east
by Kenya, the north by Sudan, on the west by the Democratic Republic of
Congo, on the southwest by Rwanda, and on the south by Tanzania. The southern
part of the country includes a substantial portion of Lake Victoria, within
which it shares borders with Kenya and Tanzania.
Uganda takes its name from
the Buganda kingdom, which encompasses a portion of the south of the country
including the capital Kampala.
What
primates will you see in Uganda safaris? by Clint Jhonson
Every now and then, people must
take a vacation in order to separate from the busy working life and enjoy
some leisure time. For adventurous people, there is nothing like undertaking
Uganda safaris to witness some of our closest relatives - in the evolution
chain - in action. Many historians believe that human kind started and
evolved in East Africa. Because of that, it is not surprising that Uganda,
a destination in this part of Africa, is home to a very high number of
great primates.
Primates are very similar
to humans, sharing with them flexible arms and legs, skilled fingers and
relatively big brains. Primates include many species of apes, monkeys and
lemurs. The closest living relative to humans is the chimpanzee. From the
low number of mountain gorillas still alive around the world, you can see
about half of them when undertaking Uganda safaris.
Uganda has a significant
popularity, apart from other countries in East Africa, as an attractive
destination for people who want to undertake gorilla safaris. The climate
in this country is moist and the forests are rich and dense, enabling it
to become a home to these species. The number of mammals that live here
exceeds 300, 20 of which are primates. They are both diurnal and nocturnal.
You can observe all of them when you go on gorilla safaris, even the nocturnal
species, because there are tours set up for nighttime.
The threat of destruction
that the primate inhabited forests are under is very high. This is due
to the large number of species that live in tropical forests, which makes
it harder for primates to survive. If you want to include Uganda safaris
in your vacation options, you will have the chance to see great apes, chimpanzees,
mountain gorillas and some species of monkeys.
The rarest primate you can
see is the mountain gorilla. This is the largest of all primates. The chimpanzee
is smaller and shares 98% of human DNA. They are very intelligent, understand,
and peak sign language. Western Uganda is where most of these creatures
live.
The species of monkeys found
in Uganda are colobus, guenons, baboons, patas and mangabeys. Some guenon
species have a grey coat and live all over the country, apart from those
that live in the forest. Patas can be distinguished by their reddish brown
coat and live in the northern parts of Uganda.
You can identify other species,
like baboons, due to their size and long canine teeth. They are easily
adaptable, which makes them the most widespread primates in Africa. The
river woodlands and the forest strata are home to the black and white colobus
monkey. There are also some nocturnal species of primates. Among them are
the bushbaby and the potto, which tourists can hardly ever see. Because
they are nocturnal, they sleep during the day and perform their activities
during the night. Some Uganda safaris include guided night walks to the
places these species live.
Due to the increased number
of primates and the threats that they are under, a lot of wildlife parks
and forest reserves have been setup. The intention of all these actions
is the increase of the chances of continued existence for these animals.
In addition, we are looking to help travel operators to organize gorilla
safaris for tourists to enjoy an experience with the great primates.
Some of these parks are the
Mgahinga National Park, Kibale National Park, Murchison Falls National
Park and the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Other sanctuaries for these
primates include Kuniyo Pabidi forest and Ngamba Island chimpanzee Sanctuary
on Lake Victoria. Uganda gorilla safaris may include each of these destinations.
About the Author - It is obvious that Uganda is
a country filled with a variety of primates. Undertaking Uganda safaris
offers the chance to see some of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom.
No matter your age and gender,
gorilla
safaris offer a unique experience that should be lived at least once
in a lifetime.
Enjoy
your Africa holiday vacation with Uganda's Gentle Giants, the Gorillas
of Uganda by Twinomugisha Charles
It is estimated that there are
less than 800 of these Gorillas' in the wild. And half of these giants
are in Uganda. Uganda has more 400 Gorillas that live in the Bwindi Impenetrable
Forest National Park in south west Uganda and about 460 inhabit the Virunga
mountains of Rwanda and Congo (Zaire). It is believed that none of these
giants are to be found in captivity.
The future of these giants
is still very uncertain with the threat of poaching, habitat encroachment
by humans and regional instability constantly hanging over them.
So if you are planning to
see these magical creatures outside of history books and photographs, there
is no time like the present, because soon they may be gone forever……….Just
joking the neighboring countries are now stable and these giants have enough
peace of mind to move from Uganda to Rwanda and Congo then back to Uganda.
All the participants who have ever been to these giants agree that it is
undoubtedly one of the best wildlife experiences that they have gone through.
Apart from these giants,
there are also three other Uganda safari wildlife areas that are well worth
your time to visit: Queen Elizabeth National Park for its unique resident
tree climbing lions never to be found anywhere in the world and its bird
life. And the good thing is that there are neighbours together with Mt.
Rwenzori national park, where you can experience the most breathtaking
action in mountaineering.
By following these rules
and through the purchase of the permit, YOU too are contributing to the
conservation of the mountain gorilla. Uganda Wildlife Authority uses the
funds generated from the sale of this permit for the management of the
National Parks.
A percentage of the funds
raised from Park entrance fees are also donated to local communities living
adjacent to the parks to contribute to their development and improve natural
resource management in the region. Before departing on your giants
trek, always wash your hands before you head out to the tracking.
On the way to the gorillas:
a) A maximum number of 6
visitors (8 in DR Congo and if trekking one of the larger groups in Rwanda)
may visit a group of habituated ones in a day. This minimizes behavioral
disturbance to the gorillas and the risk of their exposure to human-borne
diseases.
b) Please always keep your
voices low. You will then also be able to observe the great bird life and
other wildlife in the forest.
c) Do not leave rubbish in
the park. Whatever you bring into the forest should be carried back out
with you.
d) You will be taken to where
the guides observed them the day before. From there you will follow their
trail to find them. Look out for the gorilla's nesting sites along the
way!
e) When you approach them,
the guides will inform you to get ready.
When you are with the
gorillas:
a) A 5 meter distance should
try to be observed at all times (15 feet) from them. This is to protect
them from catching human diseases.
b) You must stay in tight
group whey you are near them .
c) Keep your voices down
at all times. However, it is OK to ask the guide questions.
d) Do not eat or drink while
you are near them. Eating or drinking inevitably will increase the risk
of food/drink morsels/droplets falling, which could increase the risk of
transmission of diseases. e) Sometimes they charge. Follow the guides example
(crouch down slowly, do not look at them directly in the eyes and wait
for the animals to pass). Do not try and take pictures and do not attempt
to run away. Running away will increase the risk.
f) Flash photography is not
permitted! When taking pictures move, slowly and carefully.
g) Do not touch them. They
are wild animals. They might look cuddly but!!.
h) The maximum time you can
spend with them is one hour. However, if they become agitated or nervous,
the guide will finish the visit early.
i) After the visit keep your
voices down until you are 200 metres from them.
General Health Rules:
The following are ways to
minimize the risk your visit might poses to our gentle giants:
a) Remember they are very
susceptible to human diseases.
b) Respect the limits imposed
on the number of visitors allowed with the gorillas each day. This minimizes
the risk of disease transmission and stress to the group.
c) If you are feeling ill,
or you are carrying a contagious disease, volunteer to stay behind. An
alternate visit will be arranged for you, or you will be refunded your
money.
d) If you feel the urge to
cough or sneeze when you are near the gorillas, please turn your head away
and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of bacteria
or viruses. e) Always stay 5 metres (15 feet) away form the gorillas. The
further back you are, the more relaxed the group will be.
f) Do not attempt to touch
them.
g) Do not smoke, drink or
eat when you are with these giants.
h) Do not leave any rubbish
(eg. food wrappers) in the Park; foreign items can harbor diseases or other
contaminants.
i) If you need to defecate,
whilst in the forest, please ask the guide to dig you a hole with his panga.
Make sure the hole is 30cms deep and fill it in when you are finished.
About the Author - Twinomugisha
Charles is a Retired Tour and Travel Guide in Millennium Tours and Travel
Company in Uganda and now works with E-Office Management a company that
deals in Computers and Computer Accessories. More of his articles can be
found at Uganda
Gorillas and their habitat in Uganda
Budongo
Eco Lodge, Budongo Forest Reserve, Uganda Budongo
Eco Lodge, also known as the Kaniyo Pabidi Ecotourism site, is located
in the heart of Budongo Forest Reserve in Murchison Falls National Park.
This reserve has one of the largest forests in Uganda with an incredible
biodiversity which includes nine species of primates and 360 different
bird species. Budongo Eco Lodge consists of a visitor’s center, a restaurant,
comfortable self-contained cabins and spacious dorm rooms with shared facilities.
In addition, the lodge offers many different activities in the direct surroundings
which includes chimp tracking, chimp habituation, forest walks and bird
watching.
Bwindi
Inn & Chalet Village, Entebbe, Uganda Bwindi
Country Inn & Chalet Village is a unique self catering accommodation
located in the very quiet end of Entebbe Town just three kilometers from
the centre of Entebbe town. Breakfast can be ordered when staying
in the Garden Rooms. Set within plenty of trees, extensive lawns and negligible
passing traffic make it an ideal place for a family or group holiday, a
base to explore the attractions of Entebbe, or just listen to the birds
and have a rest. We provide good, clean and quality accommodation.
We have two bed roomed A Framed Chalets, a two bed roomed cottage and Ensuite
Garden Rooms.
Katara
Lodge, Safari Lodge, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda Katara
Lodge is located on the Kichwamba Escarpment, that was formed as a result
of volcanic activity. The area boasts 72 explosion craters and several
undulating hills and valleys, that together provide very beautiful scenery.
Katara Lodge is a 6 hour drive from Kampala. It is located in the Queen
Elizabeth National Park, set on the edge of the hills overlooking the open
Savannah. Wildlife that you can expect to see are hippopotamus, elephant,
buffalo, hyena, lion, leopard, water buck, Uganda kob, giant forest hog
and warthog.
Primate
Lodge Kibale, Tented Safari Camp, Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda We
invite you to stay in our Luxury Tented Camp, consisting of eight unique
safari tents in African style. The tents are raised on a wooden platform,
with a private veranda overlooking the forest. Each of them is tastefully
decorated in African style, with comfortable twin beds, large windows and
en-suite bathroom. Besides the luxury safari tents, we also offer
recently renovated cottages. They are privately situated in the foFire
cave and bar Primate Lodge Kibalerest, with their own veranda, spacious
bedroom and en-suite bathroom. The adventurous travellers are welcome to
spend an exciting night high up in the tree in our unique Sky Tree House.
Simba
Safari Camp, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda Simba
Safari Camp is a budget safari accommodation situated on the border of
Queen Elizabeth National Park, only 2 km from the Ugandan equator. It is
the closest accommodation for game drives in the Kasenyi plains and offers
spectacular views of the surrounding crater lakes. Simba Safari Camp
features spacious guest rooms with en suite facilities and a private veranda.
Also dormitory rooms and a campsite with shared washing facilities are
available. There is a restaurant with well stocked bar serving a variety
of meals and beverages.
