Uganda’s Gorillas – Ndungutse in Nyakagezi
Ndungutse is one of the members of Nyakagezi gorilla family found in Mgahinga National park. This is the only one Gorilla group found in the park. Nyakagezi is a habituated group in Uganda and was officially launched for trekking by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) on behalf of the Uganda government. Ndungutse is black back and yet to become a mature silverback- at the moment, he is respected as a young silverback- this is so because he has shown the interest and is expected to form or head a gorilla group- It is our prayer that Mgahinga forest national park form other gorilla groups hence widening Uganda’s gorilla tourism. It is confirmed that, gorilla trekking earns Uganda a lot of foreign exchange and it is the chief fetcher.
Bugingo is the old silverback (more than 50 years) and is the alpha and omega of Nyakagezi Gorilla family. He is thought to be the father Ndungutse and he is responsible for nurturing his son – Ndungutse to reach a level of dominating or forming a new family. In case of Bugingo’s death, Ndungutse is expected to succeed and take over the family to the next level. Ndungutse plays some roles of defending or protecting the young ones, carry baby gorillas- helps the female gorillas- mother gorillas.
Other silverbacks in Nyakagezi group include Mark (dominant silverback), Mafia (second silverback). The two also help Bugingo (old and dominant silverback) take on the minor leading role. Ndungutse has other brothers and sisters: Rukundo (blackback), Inshuti (adult female), Inshuti’s infant (Nvuyekure), Inshuti’s newborn infant, Cyizanye (adult female) and Cyizanye infant (Machati). They fed mostly on bamboo shoots (Sinarundinaria alpina), Ipomea sp leaves, Rubus sp leaves, Englerina sp and leaves of other un-identified vines. All the group members are in good health condition plus their Bugingo who is aging. The two females, Nshuti and Nyiramwiza, both have babies Furraha and Nkanda respectively. There is hope for Nyakagezi group to expand more and more as new off springs- new born babies join the group.
Read MoreThis Christmas, Visit Uganda’s Popular Destinations
Christmas is coming near! You should not miss a gateway to Uganda’s most popular travel destinations on a Uganda safari. Today, we bring to you a fantastic selection of Christmas holidays that are perfect for vacationing over the festive season in Uganda, this season. We have a range of domestic and international package deals that make the arrangements easy. How would you like to spend your break in a Bwindi Forest, check into a safari lodge for a relaxing lodge safari or you could celebrate your Christmas amongst the wilderness of a savanna park? Alternatively consider relaxing under the glorious sun in the Ssese Islands, the amazing Lake Bunyonyi islands or on a camping safari.
Top Destinations for this Christmas Holiday
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a heritage historical site and well known for gorilla tracking but also supports Batwa cultural experience which is geared at conserving the forest which is the habitat for the mountain gorillas, as well as harnessing cultural values of the tribe which is threatened by extinction. It is also one way of empowering the surrounding communities through project initiatives for development.
The gorilla tracking activity is an adventure that a traveler should not miss while planning Uganda safari. This experience seems to be whole day but you spend one hour while interacting with the gorillas. For this adventure to awesome carry the following rain gears, walkable shoes, hut, insect repellent, packed lunch and bottled mineral water.
Retire at stunning lodges like Mahogany springs with dramatic picture window offering an amazing view of the surrounding community landscape, and the lush tropical gardens below, all watched over by the large Mahogany tree that dominates the view. The rooms are individual cottages, with private verandahs overlooking different areas of the spacious grounds. More windows make them very light and airy compared to a typical forest lodge, and at night you are lulled to sleep with the sound of the river rushing by below. The food is very good – choice on every course for lunch and dinner and cooked breakfast served to order with a spread of fruit, pastries and cereals as well.
After the gorilla adventure visit the Queen Elizabeth National Park, search for the rare African tree climbing lions, game drive and amazing boat cruise along the Kazinga channel. Retire at Ishasha wilderness camp, it offers privacy and serenity blended with optimal comfort in a spectacular setting. At Ishasha safari camp it is the little touches that make the big difference, from the tiny details in the design of the lodge through to the unrivalled service levels provided by the highly trained staff.
Read MoreBudget Hotels in Bwindi National Park
If you love adventure and nature, then Bwindi National Park is the right place for you on your Uganda Safari. Here you can explore a wide variety of flora and fauna as well as enjoy jungle safaris in the jungle forest of Bwindi. If you wish to stay close to nature, then you can easily find cheap accommodations within the park itself or outside the Park. There are a number of budget lodges and campsites with in and near Bwindi National Park. Here are some of the budget lodge and campsites that will provide you with the best services to enjoy your Gorilla Safaris in Bwindi.
Wagtail Eco Safari Camp
This is located outside Bwindi but offers good quality service accommodation to clients tracking the Gorilla Groups of Nkuringo, Kahungye and Bitukura. While at the Camp, you can spot very many bird species as well as participating in community walks and nature walks around the Lodge
Buhoma Community Bandas
This is yet another inexpensive accommodation for your stay in Bwindi. The Bandas are found in the Buhoma section and are ideal for clients who are tracking Gorilla groups in Buhoma. There are both self contained Bandas and bandas with shared facilities.
Bwindi View Bandas
Still located in the Buhoma section of the Park and ideal for tourists tracking the Gorilla groups of Buhoma. The lodge offers you a clear view of the place and also great opportunities for a community tour are available. The Bandas are not self contained hence ideal for back packers and other low budget travelers.
3 Way Gorilla Resort
This is located in Kisoro town and tourists who are only tracking Gorilla groups in the south (Nkuringo) can have a stay at this Resort. From the resort, local community cultural performances can be done from here and therefore visitor participation and interaction with the locals is rampant.
However much the camps and lodges are budget, they are all secure in terms of security and there is no reason of fearing to book your budget Gorilla safari through span safaris to this very destination. Both Hotel and Gorilla Safari booking should be made at least 3 months in advance since Gorilla permits are on a very high demand in some seasons like the peak season which starts from late June to September and December to February.
Read MoreBwiruka, Oldest Female Mountain Gorilla Dies
Two months ago Uganda lost the oldest mountain gorilla silver back Ruhondeza to “advanced age” and now one of the oldest females, Bwiruka, has also gone.
Bwiruka is one of the senior adult female mountain gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. She has been a dominant female in the 34-member Nshongi gorilla family, and was found dead by trackers on Monday.
According to officials of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Bwiruka was known to be playful, friendly and even cheeky.
Bwiruka has been one of the most senior adult female mountain Gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and has died at 30 years.
Mountain gorillas are Uganda’s main tourist attraction, which is understandable; they are teetering on the edge of extinction and Uganda’s dense forests are home to over half of the world’s remaining 750 mountain gorillas. Gorilla tourism in Uganda has contributed much to the tourism, a sector that currently generates over USD 800 millions. Many tourists have visited Uganda and carried out gorilla trekking – a 3 day adventure to the gorillas or on a traditional Uganda safari holiday.
So, given our emotional and physical connection to these gentle apes that carry up to 99 per cent human-like DNA and the very serious danger they face, it’s just understandable why many humans want to see their close cousins survive.
Uganda Tourism Revenues Rises to $800m
Uganda Tourism Board executive director Mr Cuthbert Baguma told a tourism symposium at the Museum recently that Uganda’s tourism earnings have doubled in the last five years from $440m (Shs1.1trillion) to $800m (around Shs2trillion) last year.
According to the report gorilla tracking contributed over 60per cent of that. Despite the mountain gorillas becoming the face of Uganda’s tourism and their recent population growth, these majestic creatures remain threatened thanks to man’s destruction of their habitat, poaching, armed conflict and disease. In 2010, a Bwindi gorilla was killed after an altercation with men who were illegally hunting in the park. The men were released after paying paltry fines ranging from $19 (Shs47,500) to $38 (around Shs95,000).
Now compare that to the fact that each mountain gorilla can generate up to $1m (Shs2.5b) per year in tourist revenue for the Ugandan economy and you will realise that wildlife crime laws are not strong enough to protect these animals.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) African Ape Programme Coordinator Mr David Greer said: “Through our partner the International Gorilla Conservation Programme, we are working closely with rangers and law enforcement investigators to ensure that when a wildlife crime does occur, evidence is handled properly so prosecutors can make a strong case in court.”
Gas Shortage Hits Kampala
A shortage of diesel has hit Kampala due to a delay of vessels that were bringing in the product through the Kenyan port of Mombasa.
The shortage has already seen some dealers increase the fuel prices although others have maintained the old prices.
Diesel has increased generally from sh3080 to as high as sh3200 at most filling stations.
A few stations have also taken advantage of the situation to increase petrol prices from sh3500 to sh3580 especially when their competitors run short of the products.
The increase has been noticed at several Shell, Kobil and Total filling stations in and around the city. However, some stations like Gapco Bwaise, Mo Petrol Kagoma and Total Keti Falawo along Bombo road were still selling petrol at between sh3450 and sh3500.
Diesel is the most used oil product in Uganda with over 1,585,000 litres used per day, according to the energy ministry data. But petrol which is consumed at 940,000 litres daily is now on higher demand.
A dealer who did not want to be named said there has been a delay in the supply of diesel in the last 10-14 days, forcing some dealers to increase prices out of speculation.
“There is a general shortage of diesel on the market. But it should not be a basis for increasing prices because the product is still on the market especially among big dealers,” the dealer noted. He, however, anticipated that the supply would normalize by Monday next week.
Rajni Tailor, the petroleum dealers’ national chairman said the shortage has been noticed not only in Uganda but also in Kenya. Tailor appealed to government to work on storage facilities arguing that; “Delays should not cause a shortage of fuel. Like I have said before, government should work on the reserves because when you have reserves you can run for a whole week even if vessels delay.”
Tailor also suggested that the MV Amani ferry that is operating along the Port-Bell Luzira-Mwanza route should also be used to bring in fuel through Tanzania.
“The ferry has a capacity of loading up to 40 wagons,” said Tailor. MV Amani with a seating capacity of 150 passengers is operated by Earthwise and plies the Port-Bell Mwanza and Port Bell-Kalangala routes.
In July this year, a shortage of petrol hit mostly Total filling stations in and around Kampala, resulting into panic buying by motorists causing the little available stocks to run out fast.
The shortage that was also caused by a delay in the vessel, resulted into hiking of petrol prices from sh3550 to as high as sh3900 with small dealers like Rio Oil, City Oil and Eagle, taking advantage of the situation
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Best Things to Do in Kidepo National Park
Kidepo Valley National Park, located in northeastern Uganda, offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, with its unique landscapes, diverse wildlife, and cultural experiences.
Here are the best 5 things to do in Kidepo Valley National Park;
Game Viewing
The Kidepo valley national park harbours a great diversity of animal species than other parks in Uganda. These include carnivores, ungulates, and primates. The packaged Uganda safari take takes you to Kidepo National Park offers high chances of viewing lions that always sits on sauces trees along Narus valley or on the rock just as you enter the Apoka Park Headquarter. Right from Apoka Rest Camp other animals that can be seen include elephants, leopards, bush duikers, jackals, bush bucks, bush pigs, kavirondo bush babies, buffaloes and much more.
Explore the vast savannah plains and rugged landscapes of Kidepo Valley National Park on guided game drives. Join experienced safari guides who will lead you through the park in search of its abundant wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and various antelope species.
Game drives offer excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and observation, especially during the early morning and late afternoon when animals are most active.
Bird Watching
The Park boasts of an extensive avifauna. 465 species have been recorded Birds of particular interest include the ostrich and the Kori bustard which are principally associated with arid regions. The park also has outstanding numbers of birds of prey. In this category, 58 species of birds that have been recorded. Amongst these 14 are believed to be endemic to Kidepo and the Karamoja region.
Explore the park’s diverse habitats, including open savannah, acacia woodlands, and riverine forests, to spot a variety of bird species such as the Kori bustard, secretary bird, ostrich, and various species of eagles, vultures, and falcons.
Guided birdwatching walks and drives can be arranged with knowledgeable guides who can help you identify and spot the park’s avian residents.
Hiking and Scenery viewing
Hiking can be carried out on Lamoj Mountains just a few kilometers from the Park Headquarters. Take guided nature walks or hiking excursions to explore Kidepo’s diverse ecosystems and scenic viewpoints. Discover hidden waterfalls, riverine forests, and rocky outcrops while learning about the park’s flora, fauna, and geological features from knowledgeable guides.
Nature walks provide opportunities to encounter smaller wildlife, such as birds, monkeys, and reptiles, and appreciate the park’s natural beauty up close.
Cultural Performance
During safaris in Kidepo valley national park, tours to the local communities in the neighboring villages can also be arranged. The local community near the park stages cultural dances and performances. Traditional dances such as the Emuya of the Naporre and Nyangia, Larakaraka and Apiti dances of the Acholi are worthy to see and participate into.
Cultural Visits:
Visit nearby communities and villages to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Karamojong people, who inhabit the region surrounding Kidepo Valley National Park. Participate in cultural activities such as traditional dances, storytelling, and craft demonstrations, and gain insights into the indigenous way of life, customs, and traditions of the Karamojong people.
Opt for Cultural visits to the Karimajong Manyatta (homesteads) where you will probably see kraals belonging to local communities, traditional costume, stools, spears headdress, knives, bows and arrows and jewelry among others are also interesting and worthy to take during a safari holiday in this park. Cultural visits offer opportunities for cultural exchange and support local communities through responsible tourism initiatives.
Sunset and Sundowner Safaris:
Experience the magic of the African sunset with sunset and sundowner safaris in Kidepo Valley National Park. Enjoy panoramic views of the park’s landscapes and wildlife while sipping on refreshing drinks and snacks, and witness the colors of the sky change as the sun sets over the horizon. Sunset and sundowner safaris provide unforgettable moments and photographic opportunities in the heart of the African wilderness.
These activities in Kidepo Valley National Park offer a diverse range of experiences for visitors to enjoy, whether you’re interested in wildlife encounters, cultural immersion, or outdoor adventures. Be sure to plan your itinerary in advance and obtain necessary permits to make the most of your visit to this remote and stunningly beautiful national park.
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