GORILLAS IN THE MIEST

HAVE AN EXPERIENCE OF YOUR LIFE TIME ,DON'T YOU FEEL AMAZZED WHEN ONE TALKS OF ADVENTURERING IN THE WILDERNESS!!!! ENCLOSE YOUR SELF WITH THE TEN REASON AS TO WHY ONE WOULD FELL FREE TO PARTICIPATE IN ADVENTURING
Top 10 Reasons to Travel

10) It's interesting to see differences between western and non-western culture.

9) Driving from one place to the next is often its own adventure.

8) Pick up cool gifts for your friends/family like rain sticks from the E.Africa Uganda/Rwanda.

7) Learning a foreign language is sexy.

6) Trying new foods is always fun! Have some grilled cuy (guinea pig) in kampala one of uganda's capital city.

5) Helps you remember not to take things for granted back home.

4) See/experience things firsthand that you learned about in school.

3) Instead of zoo or aquarium, see animals in their natural habitat while trekking in the jungle or adventuring in the wildernes.

2) Experiencing different places and cultures can expand tolerance.

1) You meet great people and can make lifelong friendships.
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THE HECTIC NATURE OF LIONS

An photo of an African king of the jungle (lion)http:

THE HECTIC NATURE OF LIONS

Life is so hectic in nature as its being looked at in different perspective as both are complements to each other one would ask him self about the mighty lions with all its superiority of being king of the jungle bending down to its knees where the forces of demand and supply interacts in the wilderness there fore animals should be given an ample time of privacy with minimal human interference as observation greatly affects the breeding patterns of theses wild species as a photo a lion escaped from Congo DRC because of much interference of the rebel groups that paved way to migration of most wildlife to Uganda’s side/Ishasha sector . though nature has checks and balances there fore human beings should leave a breathing space for nature to take its course since in any eco system there must be apray and predator but one would as him self that ‘lion is predator to most species in the jungle but in terms of population they are the few species compared to other species in the jungle yet there is no prey to lions why do you think so……………….??????

UGANDA WILD LIFE AUTHOLITY CREATES UNIQUENESS OF TOURIM PRICES SO US TO BOOST TOURISM IN EAST AFRICA (New Tariff)

Uganda — Beginning January 2009, nationals of the East African Community are to pay the same amount as their Ugandan counterparts to gain access to utilities and services of Uganda’s national parks and game reserves.
With effect from January 2009, Kenyans, Tanzanians, Rwandans and people from Burundi will pay UShs5,000 for adults and UShs2,500 for the children or the equivalents of those sums of money to visit any wildlife gazetted area in Uganda. The money will, however, not cover other additional activities like mountaineering, gorilla tracking and chimpanzee habituation experiences amongst other services that may be provided by national parks.
In Uganda, wild life protected areas include Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kibale National Park amongst others.
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the body charged with managing the country's protected areas, undertakes a biennial review of the entry and tourism tariffs with the aim of determining whether the tariffs correspond to the market forces and are in line with those charged by neighbouring countries.
Under the new tariff regime, the differences between Ugandans and the other East Africans has been removed and replaced by the category of East Africans under which Ugandans fall.
Children under the age of five years, students from Ugandan schools and honorary wardens will always receive free admissions to the protected areas. Students on educational trips must however carry valid identity cards and a letter from their schools.
In addition to harmonising the fees charged on East Africans, UWA has offered a 50% discount from the 15th of December 2008 to the 15th of January 2009.
The Executive Director of UWA, Moses Mapesa said they had decided to offer the discount at this time of the year because it falls under school holiday time.
"We have decided to offer this discount because this is when most people are on holiday. We would like it if Ugandans and the East Africans took this opportunity because entry into the national parks is going to be UShs2500 (below $2) for all those people who have residence in the East Africa region," he said.
Mapesa also said UWA provides annual entry permits to all protected areas for foreign residents and East African residents. An annual permit costs $50 for an individual, $75 for a couple, $100 for a family of four people with children not exceeding 15 years of age and $400 for corporate organisations providing entry for 10 people.
Foreigners resident in Uganda will now pay $20 for adults and the children below 15 years of age will pay $10. The foreign non-residents will, however, pay $30 for adults and $15 for children below 15 years.
"The need to harmonise tourism tariffs in the East African region is what has compelled us to act in this way. We under took the measure after extensive consultations with other stakeholders in the region," Mapesa said.
It is still unclear whether the other East African countries are also going to charge uniform fees to their nationals and the nationals from the other East African states.
The UWA has also increased the tariffs for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park from $70 to $90 for foreign non-residents and from $50 to $70 for foreign residents. Citizens of East African countries will pay UShs60,000.
A single day for the chimpanzee habituation experience which involves spending 12 hours watching the chimpanzees feed, play, care for their young and construct nests will cost foreign non-residents $220, foreign residents $150 while the citizens of East Africa will pay $70.
Foreign non-resident persons are the people who come into East Africa exclusively as tourists and do not have any sort of residences while the foreign residents are the people currently residing in East African as expatriates or otherwise.
Gorilla tracking fees have also increased: tracking permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are now at $500 for the foreign non-residents, $475 for the foreign residents and UShs250,000 for East Africans. Ugandans too will pay Ushs250,000 up from the previous Ushs150,000.
In an attempt to attract more locals into the tourism sector, the UWA is encouraging people by reducing entrance fees this festive season, harmonising tariffs for East Africans and expanding points of accommodation at most of the major tourist attractions.
"there has been an extensions to Kyobe and Pakuba lodges, we have also received requests to reconstruct Katurumu lodge at Kidepo Valley National Park and Kyambura in Queen Elizabeth is being expanded,blogcatalog" content="9BC9161900"

Shoe Bill stock : Africa’s most sought after bird

Shoe Bill stock : Africa’s most sought after bird
Uganda is widening its range of tourism activities currently Uganda is under a drastic change of promoting Avi- tourism so most special interest tourist tourists have started flopping into Uganda for birding exactions Uganda is more than just Gorillas. With 23 years of dramatic tourism growth Uganda has now been voted the number one birding destination in Africa. Travelers to Africa have unanimously consented that Uganda not only has a great diversity of wildlife but also a profusion of bird species.
Sir Fredrick Jackson, a former Governor of the Uganda protectorate and keen ornithologist once described Uganda as a "hidden Eden….and a wonderland for birds".
He was right as no other area in Africa can match Uganda's amazing diversity of habitats and this richness is reflected in the available 1056 bird species that include the rare shoebill stork - arguably one of the worlds's most sought after birds.
Also known as Balaeniceps rex translated as "King Whale head"; the shoe bill is remarkably a striking bird with certain pre-historic looks. It is classified in the phylum Chordata, subphylum Vertebrata, class Aves and order Ciconiiformes.
The shoe bill has a large head and unusually long and wide colored bill, which ends in a hooked tip. Standing at 1.5 m in height and sharing attributes with both herons and storks, shoe bills with broad wings, long legs and unwebbed feet live alone in widely spaced pairs.
Some of the places known for viewing of this rare bird specie include Mabamba swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria, the banks of the Nile River in Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Kikorongo in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Kyoga and the southern fringe of Lake Albert that adjoins with the Semliki wildlife reserve.
Their stealthy movements over rafts of floating vegetation, enable them to get hold of prey that include lung fish, water snakes and small crocodiles.
Partially nocturnal and sluggish, the shoe bill obtains its diet by probing the mud with its boot like bill. They also fly with their heads and necks folded back.
As the breeding season approaches usually in the months of April to June, the male and female start engaging in a bill clacking courtship prior to mating and putting up a nest of broken reeds and other aquatic vegetation.
Two eggs are usually laid with both the female and male taking turns incubating them for a period that takes about a month. Two silvery brown chicks are hatched - and do remain helpless for some time. The young birds are dependant on the skilful hunting of their parents.
This goes on for about four months - till the young bills are properly developed. Shoe bills life span usually ranges between forty and forty -five years. Approximately 1000 shoe bills are still believed to survive in different parts of Uganda. With increasing human population characterized by continued habitat destruction and encroachment the survival of the shoe bill stork is paramount considering the increasing number of dedicated ornithologists as well as the novice bird watcher to Uganda who are coming in big numbers to get a glimpse of this rare bird.
For more information on these excursions, contact vacationwildholidays the tour operator under the umbrella of Uganda Tourism

CREATE LIFELONG MEMORIES OF BEAUTY, ADVENTURE & TOGETHERNESS IN QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

When it comes to wildlife conservation and eco-tourism, Uganda does command outstanding respect. However, a visit to the country cannot be complete if some time is not set aside to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The park can be reached from Kampala either by air or road. From Kampala, the park can be approached from the south via Mbarara (420 km) or the north passing through Fort Portal (410 km). Three airstrips serve Queen Elizabeth National Park and these include Ishasha, Mweya and Kasese airfield.
This 2,056 square kilometre park was established in 1952 when the two game reserves of Lake George and Edward were merged into Kazinga National Park. Two years later it was renamed Queen Elizabeth National Park when Queen Elizabeth II of England visited Uganda.
It is one of the oldest national parks in Uganda and is designated as a Biosphere Reserve for Humanity under the auspices of UNESCO. Together with Kyambura and Kigezi wildlife reserves, the park forms one of the most diverse eco-systems in Africa.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is really enticing. Take time off and visit it. Visit with your family or that special person in your life, but go prepared to fall in love all over again for the park is blessed with spectacular scenery and attractions to fill one action packed holiday and still leave scores of other experiences to be enjoyed on a return trip.
The low attitude and its location directly on the equator mean that the temperatures can be warm, rising from a mean minimum 18ºC to mean maximum of 28ºC. The park receives up to 1250mm of rain mostly from March to May and September to November.
The melting glacier waters of the Rwenzori Mountains create a vast wetland system comprising of two main lakes George and Edward. Edward was named by the explorer Henry Morton Stanley after the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII.
The two lakes are connected by a 40km long channel whose shorelines are populated by thousands of hippos and birds all year round.
This park is a paradise for dedicated ornithologists as well as the novice bird watcher. The bird list is 612 species including the rare Shoe Bill, the Martial Eagle, Papyrus Gonolek, White tailed lark, Verraux's Eagle Owl and the Lesser and Greater Flamingos.
The park is an ultimate feast for all senses. There are over 95 mammalian and hundreds of butterfly species.
Activities like the launch cruise along Kazinga Channel will offer you a unique unequaled wildlife experience. It puts one right in the heart of nature where many buffalos nest in the water while big herds of elephants can be seen enjoying themselves along the channel banks.
Many who experience it consider it the highlight of their entire African safari. The launch cruise schedules run in the morning and afternoon.
The open savannah dotted with Acacia and Euphorbia trees provides habitat for lions, leopards, buffalos and Uganda kobs. Among the many other animals seen frequently are the water bucks, giant forest hog, hyenas and topi.
Networked by over 200 kilometres of well maintained tracks, the visitors get access to the park's game as some of the tracks pass through large mating grounds of the Uganda kob. The game drives can be arranged through reputable tour companies who are under the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO).
The Kasenyi sector on the east side of Kasese road is best known for lions which prey on large populations of the Uganda kob while the famous tree climbing lions can be spotted on large fig trees in the Ishasha sector which is 100 km south of Mweya Lodge.
Another principal feature of the park is Kyambura Gorge. This steep gorge was formed by turbulent waters of the roaring Kyambura River. It provides a lush riverine forest that is home to chimpanzees, red tailed monkeys, black and white Columbus monkeys, olive baboons and other primates.
The park also has one of Uganda's largest tracts of tropical forest - Imaramagambo forest which translates as "the forest beyond description".
This forest stretches from the foot of the Kichwamba escarpment to Lake Edward. Pythons are often observed in the crevices of the bat cave floor using the bats as a source of food.
The cave is near the copper rich blue lake and hunters' cave. Beautiful crater lakes are spread throughout the park, the most notable being the Katwe explosion craters.
This cluster of extinct volcanoes north of Mweya peninsula can be explored by the winding 27km crater drive between the main and equator gates which provide superb views into the numerous craters.
Considering that the festive season is fast approaching, it is advisable to make reservations in advance for your overnight stays. A variety of accommodation caters for all budgets.
Mweya Safari Lodge, Jacana Safari Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, King Fisher Lodge, Katara Lodge, Kichwamba and Hippo Hill Camp are good options for overnight stay. Other budget accommodation facilities can be provided by the Ecology Hostel at the Mweya peninsula and Ishasha Bandas.
For those who prefer staying out of the park, Kasese town would be an option.
Hotels such as Margherita and Rwenzori International Hotel are not only good options for families but also for free independent travelers. Queen Elizabeth National Park is truly amazing - take your camera, for you will want to record all the wonders you will see!
PUBLISHED BY AFRICAN WRITER

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GORILLAS AND HUMANS 'GORILLAS IN THE MIST'

Gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans and humans all belong to the order of primates. Humans share 98.4% of their genetic material with gorillas and 98.8% with chimpanzees.

Gorillas; the largest of the great apes are divided into three subspecies that include the western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and the eastern lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla graueri). The eastern and western lowland gorillas were identified for science in 1847 and 1877 respectively.

The third subspecies - the mountain gorilla (Gorilla gorilla beringei) was identified for scientific purposes in the year 1903 and has gone on to become Uganda's star attraction.

Mountain gorillas are physically distinct from lowland gorillas. They are larger, have more hair, a short trunk, a broad chest and shoulders and also have a longer and slightly different nose shape.

Mountain gorillas are born small, covered with black hair and usually weigh about 2.3 kilogrammes. Gorillas develop about as twice as human babies with the mature female mother also undergoing a gestation period of nine months. They are unique species; as a gorilla with an infant may not have another baby for up to four years: good family planning.

Male and female gorillas between the ages of three and six years are classed as juvenile. They increase in size and weight at similar rates for the first six years. On reaching six years; most mountain gorillas weigh about 68 kilogrammes and are usually about four feet tall.

The female mountain gorillas stop growing taller at around six years whereas the males continue growing both in size and weight till they reach the age of ten to eleven.

Between the ages of six and ten, the males have a black hair colour and are thus referred to as the blackbacks. On reaching maturity which is usually between 10 and 12 years, they develop silvery grey hairs on their backs thereby being referred to as silverbacks.

The silverbacks usually leave their parental group at the age of 11 and then moves alone or in the company of other males for a few years before managing to attract females from other groups to him hence forming his own family. Silverback is a dominant male in a group of about 12 or more gorillas that usually include females, juveniles and other infants.

On a good day, you will find them chewing leaves, laughing and farting not only continuously but with a lot of contentment. They are diurnal and nomadic, sleeping each night in a fresh nest built from leaves and branches.

Mountain gorillas are primarily vegetarian with their menu comprising bamboo, nettles and gallium being some of their favourites.

They occasionally also eat safari ants which are scooped in huge handfuls to stuff into the mouth until the safari ant bites overpower them. Gorillas spend most of their time traveling and foraging in search of food since plants and trees change with seasons.

Gorillas communicate through vocalizations. Twenty-five distinct vocalizations have so far been recognized with each one having its own particular meaning.

As an element of their socialization, they communicate through howls, grunts, barks and hoots. Screams and roars signal alarm or warning and are often produced by silverbacks.

They also communicate by beating on their chests or on the ground. This is done to show stature, prevent a fight or even scare off opponents.

However, even the infants beat their chests as a kind of displacement activity during play perhaps just to copy their elders.

Mountain gorilla life is peaceful and quite. It is from this that they have come to be called Africa's gentle giants.

These gentle giants are found in the areas of Parc des Volcans - in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo while in Uganda, they are confined to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park gazetted in 1992, is situated in south western Uganda on the edge of the western rift valley (Albertine rift) and is shared by Kanungu, Kabale and Kisoro districts. It is 331 square kilometres in size; on an altitude range of 1,160 metres (Ishasha gorge) to 2,607 metres (Rwamanyonyi peak).

The total number of mountain gorillas in Bwindi is approximately 340 which is almost over half of the total estimated 720 left in the whole world. Gorilla tourism provides over 50% of tourism revenue for Uganda thus being a strong reason for its protection.

PUBLISHED BY AFRICAN WRITER"