Uganda Safari

Rwenzori Mountains National Park

About

Popularly known as the Mountains of the Moon and was discovered by white explorers in 1889. Everyone from experienced hikers to casual day hikers find the Rwenzori Mountains National Park a magnificent environment, with its non-volcanic mountains capped with snow, massive ice-rime sculptures, awe-inspiring vegetation and unique fauna. The mountains are 120 kilometers long and 48 kilometers wide were forced up during the creation of the Great Rift Valley.

At the centre of the range are six snow capped peaks. The highest Mountain of the range, Mount Stanley is the third highest mountain in Africa after Mounk Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya.  Mount Stanley’s highest peak, Margherita rises 5,109 meters above sea level. Other peaks in the range include Alexandria, 5,083 meters; Speke, at 4,890 meters; Emin at 4,791; Gessi at 4,715; and Luigi di Savoia at 4,627 meters. Interestingly more people visit the Rwenzoris to explore the vegetation than to climb the glaciers and peaks. Because of the strange evolutionary pattern, common plants grow to absurd proportions. Lobelias weigh in at 60 kilograms while heather shoots upto 10 meters.

The people on the lower slopes of the Rwenzori Mountain are the Bakonjo. Strong and energetic, they are well suited to life in the mountains, which are an integral part of their traditional beliefs.

Over 500,000 Ugandans living below the park boundary are dependent on the park watershed for year round agricultural production. Major crops include coffee, beans, maize, yams, Irish potatoes, and wheat.

Getting there

Ibanda, the nearest town to Nyakalengija Park headquarters (the starting point for climbing in the mountains), is about 69 kilometers from Fort Portal, 25 kilometers from Kasese, and 389 kilometers from Kampala. It is served by a good tarmac road from both Fort Portal and Kasese. The nearest large town Kasese was served in the past by rail from Kampala but has an airstrip in place to accommodate air charters.

When to go

Constant mist covers the mountains all year round. The driest months are usually July and August, and December to February. Visits at any other time might be disappointing.

Where to stay

Along the central hiking circuit, camping sites are available at convenient stopping points. Accommodation is also available in Kasese at the Margherita Hotel and several lodges.

Sightseeing

Head south out of Fort Portal town on Kyebambe road towards Kasese. About 5 kilometers out of town on the left side of the road, stand at the Karambi tombs, where Toro King Kasagama and his son Rukidi II are buried.  There’s not much else to see before the Rwenzori National Park turnoff but the scenery along the way is beautiful, and you pass through several small towns. Some 54 kilometers from Fort Portal you come to the turn off to Ibanda and the Nyakalengija Park headquarters. From there its another 10 kilometers to Ibanda and another 5 kilometers through banana and sugar plantations before you reach Nyakalengija where the hiking trail begins.

The usual trip to Rwenzori Mountains lasts seven to nine days, which is just long enough to hike the well travelled central circuit trail. Shorter trips can also be arranged but they do not reach the high mountains.  It is best to allow a minimum of six days even for shorter trips. No special climbing equipment is necessary unless you attempt one of the summits although you have to keep in mind that hiking is tough work, usually in poor weather and should not be taken lightly. Carry along a map or one of our knowledgeable guides can avail you with one. We recommend you but the Ruwenzori Map and Guide by Andrew Wielochowski.

Before you attempt a climb or high altitude hike, make sure you are aware of the dangers and symptoms of mountain or altitude sickness which can be fatal. These symptoms usually become noticeable after 3000 meters. Mild symptoms include headache, nausea, and slight loss of coordination. Severe symptoms include abnormal speech and behavior, severe nausea and headaches and persistent coughing spasms.  If you have any of the severe symptoms, immediately descend to lower altitudes.

Be aware too of the dangers of hypothermia. You have to waterproof most of your items. Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature is lowered usually caused by a combination of wet and cold condition.  Note that severe symptoms of hypothermia include disorientation, lethargy and mental confusion.

The central circuit is by far the most popular hike or climb. Like others it begins at Nyakalengija park headquarters and takes you through the Nyabitaba hut at 2,651 meters. It is a fairly easy walk of about four to five hours. On the way you pass through a small coffee plantation and meadow before hitting the bush and later the forest.  Please wear long trousers as the nettles can be nasty.  The trout filled Mubuku River is on your right as you start the journey. You cross a couple of streams and then the Mahoma River before climbing the ridge to Nyabitaba.

From Nyabitaba you can tackle the trail in either a clockwise or anticlockwise direction.

The next day’s hike on the anticlockwise circuit is tough, taking a minimum of seven hours before you reach the next night stop of John Mate Hut, at 3,505 meters. The path takes you down through the forest dropping steeply to Mubuku River, which you cross by the Kurt Schafer Bridge. You then climb up steeply up the bank and walk several kilometers through bamboo followed by another arduous ascent with many rocks on the path. There you begin to enter the Moorland zone and giant tree heathers are everywhere. Giant Groundsels also flourish. You will stop for lunch at the Nyamileju Hut.

From Nyamileju it is another two hours or so to the John Mate Hut through a giant heather forest following the course of the Bujuku River.

An alternative night stop is the Bigo Hut at 3,445 metersanother kilometer or so of tough track through a bog, which often requires wading through deep mud or leap from one grassy patch to the next.

From Bigo the circuit trail heads south west. To continue on the circuit trail from the John Mate Hut on the third day you head towards the Bujuku hut at 3,962 meters. This may take upto siz hours depending on the condition of the Bigo Bog which may be slow going if the mud is deep. You pass through another bog before reaching Lake Bujuku, majestically set against a backdrop of Mount Baker’s scree slopes and affording views of Mount Stanley and Mount Speke. If you intend to climb Mount Speke, make this you base, but you have to spend an extra night to do this. To scale the highest point in the Ruwenzoris you need to base yourself at Elena hut which is about two kilometers off the circuit trail and a three to four hour walk from the Bujuku Hut.

From Lake Bujuku head south to Lake Kitandara at 4,023 meters this takes you to the highest point on the circuit trail the Scott Elliot Pass at 4,372 meters. Kitandara Hut close to the foot of Elena Glaciers are positioned on the floor of Lake Kitandara. This idyllic spot is about a four hour walk from Lake Bujuku. 

The following day you begin your descent to the east and head to Guy Yeoman Hut at 3,450 meters. You can also opt to stay the night at the Kabamba Rock Shelter which you reach first.

Plan on about a five hour hike: first a very steep ascent to freshfield pass and then a drop down to Bujongolo, a cliff over hang providing good shelter. After passing through the bog from Kabamba you come across the Yeoman Hut on a ridge above the stiff valley.

The next day which could be you final one on the circuit, you head down the steep valley through bamboo forests and bog across the Mahoma River and two minor streams, to the Nyabitaba Hut. This part of the journey should take about five hours. From there you can push on for another three hours to Nyakalengija base.

In addition to the many unusual plants you see on your journey down the circuit trail, you also may come upon some of the diverse birdlife and animal species that make this their base.

Primates and other mammals in the park include the Chimpanzee, Rwenzori Colobus Monkey, black and white colobus monkey. Blue monkeys, duiker, hyrax and serval.

Some unique birds in the Rwenzori include handsome francolin, olive pigeon, and white-necked raven.

How to survive freak accidents on holiday

They're highly unlikely eventualities, but freak accidents do happen. Your strategy in dealing with a dangerous encounter will depend entirely on the species of beast - a lion, for example, you should back away slowly from but never turn and run
 

While the vast majority of safari expeditions are safe, no drive is ever risk-free when it comes to wild animals. 

Your strategy in dealing with a dangerous encounter will depend entirely on the species of beast.

Find yourself face-to-face with a lion, for example, and you'll need to make direct eye contact and back away very slowly. Never turn your back, never run.

If you endure a stand-off with a leopard, the reverse is true. Here, you'll need to avoid eye-contact at all costs and hope they lose interest.

Elephants may look slow and peaceful, but they can be highly aggressive and very capable of harm. The trick here is to stand your ground and pretend to be brave. You're be hoping they'll make one or two mock charges, then saunter off when unchallenged.

As for a buffalo, there'll be no such warning. You'll never outrun one, nor survive them in combat, so your only option is to get a head start and climb a tree. 

Uganda Safari

Parc National Queen Elizabeth

About

Established in 1952, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda's three oldest National Parks, with an area of almost 2000 sq. km of grass Savannah, open bush country, riverine forest, lowland rainforest, wetlands, rivers and lakes.
Bordering Lake Edward and Lake George, as well as the Kazinga Channel in the Western Area of the Great Rift Valley, the park has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve for humanity under the auspices of UNESCO. Despite some setbacks, it remains one of Uganda's national treasures.

The park (parque nacional queen elizabeth uganda) has its origins early in the 20th century, after many people fled the area when a wave of sleeping sickness plagued the country. Between 1925 and 1947, these abandoned area became two game reserves: Lake George and Lake Edward. In 1952, the reserves were merged into Kazinga National Park. Two years later, when Queen Elizabeth of England visited the national park it was renamed in her honor. During the Idi Amin regime the park was renamed Ruwenzori National Park, but it regained its original name in 1991 when the Ruwenzori Mountain National Park was gazetted.

One of the richest and best managed parks in Africa, supporting an astounding density of wildlife, Queen Elizabeth was hard hit by Uganda's wars, when the animal populations there and elsewhere in the country were decimated. After, peace and stability returned to the country the park steadily regained it's past grandeur. It remains one of the best places on the continent to see a high concentration of hippos and often at close quarters especially when you take the renowned boat trip along the Kazinga Channel.

Unlike Uganda's other national parks, Queen Elizabeth was created with several enclave villages within its boundaries. These include Katwe, which exists principally to exploit the natural salt in a highly saline crater lake and the Katunguru which along with a few other villages supports itself mainly through fishing.

Getting there
 

Mweya, the main park headquarters is 41 kilometers from Kasese, 115 kilometers from Fort Portal, 144 kilometers from Mbarara and about 420 kilometers from Kampala (via Masaka and Mbarara). A good tarmac road leads to the main gate turnoff, and from there its a 20 kilometer drive on a dirt road easily negotiated by two-wheel drive vehicles. Nearby Kasese is also served by an Airstrip. There is also a small landing strip near Mweya Safari Lodge for charter aircraft. The drive to Kampala takes about six hours.

When to go

Queen Elizabeth National Park is at its best after the rainy seasons of March-April and October-November. The air is fresh, the grass green, and there is an air of spring time and renewal.

Where to stay

In Mweya, visitors can choose from a wide array of accomodation facilities that include the Mweya Safari Lodge, Irungu Forest Safari Lodge, Tembo Safari Lodge, Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge. There is also a campsite at Mweya and some others near the banks of the Kazinga Channel. Campers should travel totally self sufficient with tent, gear and in the case of campsites near the Kazinga Channel, food and drink as well. Near Ishasha, in the southern sector of the park, there are basic campsites and some bandas. Again, carry everything you need.

Sightseeing

From the Ruwenzori National Park turnoff on the main Fort Portal - Kasese road, head south after 10 kilometers you reach Kasese which is a good base from which to explore either the Ruwenzori Mountains National Park or Parc National Queen Elizabeth.

Kasese escaped the looting and destruction that befell so many other Uganda towns, and remains unblemished. It was once important to the Uganda economy because of the nearby Kilembe mines which are now closed. To reach the mines you can hire a bicycle and cycle the 11 kilometers or so to the old copper mine site. Its a long , gradual uphill climb to get there but the downhill return is easy. On the way, keep a lookout for a colony of thousands of fruit bats along the side of the road. Once at Kilembe, you can tour the copper mine site and what remains of the surface equipment free of charge but you are not allowed underground.

Much of the park is open Savannah dotted with Acacia and Euphorbia trees. It is home to a variety of mammals, including elephants, buffalo, warthog, baboon, lion, leopard, several monkey species, chimpanzees, spotted hyenas, Uganda kob and bushbuck. The interesting Sitatunga, a semi-aquatic antelope lives in the papyrus swamps around Lake George.

Lake Edward, another of Uganda's large lakes, was "discovered" in 1889 by Henry Morton Stanley and named after the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII. The Rutshuru river flows into the lake, which covers 4,000 sq. kms and is 80 kilometers long and 50 kilometers wide.

From Mweya, there are a number of well established game viewing circuits which can be explored from the convenience of a vehicle. Hiding in the scrub near Mweya are bushbuck, Defassa waterbuck, banded mongoose and warthog while large herds of the graceful Uganda Kob graze further along the track.

North of the main gate is the crater area, one of the most scenic parts of the park. Head for bamboo cliffs which are surrounded by a series of dramatic craters and are home to buffalo, waterbuck, kob, lions and elephants.
At Lake Katwe, one of the crater lakes in the area, its possible to see salt being mined using rudimentary methods.

To the east of the main tarmac road lie the wetlands of Lake George, a wetland of international importance protected under the Ramsar convetion. Bird watchers will delight in this place, with a large number of species present. You may even see the elusive shoebill stork. On the drive to Kasenyi on the shores of Lake George keep an eye out for Lions hiding in the grass.

One of the major delights of any visit to Queen Elizabeth National Park is the launch trip along the Kazinga Channel from Mweya. Many who experience it consider it the highlight of their entire African Safari. From the relative safety of your boat you can watch hundreds of hippos at close range. From this point of view you can observe buffaloes, waterbucks, elephants and sometimes the Lions and Leopards coming down to drink water at the water's edge and enjoy the tremendous display of bird life.
The many fish in the channel attract a number of waterbirds, such as pelicans, saddlebill storks, fish eagles, cormorants, skimmers and kingfishers. Look closely along the shores and you will see monitor lizards in the grass.
The trip lasts about two hours and there are three trips each day: at 0800 (the best time to go), 1100 and 1500.

Another unforgettable experience to be enjoyed in the north sector of the park is the foot safari through Kyambura Gorge. As you walk quietly through an enchanting rainforest along the river, you're likely to see black and white colobus, red tailed monkeys and chimpanzees.

For those seeking a more individual experience, make your way down the south sector of the park, which has its headquarters at Ishasha. The rugged experience of this area is quite a contrast of the relative comforts of Mweya and its surrounding areas.

The rest camp and game viewing loops are less accessible and more isolated; the topography is open grassland with scattered acacia trees as well as a remarkable floating fig forest along the banks of Lake Albert.

Africa's best national parks

More and more visitors flock each year to the continents' parks and reserves, bearing witness to nature on a grand scale and playing a vital role in generating tourism income.

Here are some of the top picks on the continent.

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Maasai Mara National Reserve, which has been honored by the World Travel Awards, is named after its ancestral inhabitants, the Maasai people, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in southwest Kenya.

In addition to an impressive population of big cats, rhinos and elephants, it plays host from July through to October each year to one of the world's more spectacular movements of wildebeest known as the Great Migration, the phenomenon involves more than 1 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of gazelles, zebras and other animals, which migrate from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Serengeti National Park was established in 1951, making it Tanzania's oldest national park. The park is arguably one of the most famous in the world and covers 5,700 square miles of grassland, riverine forest, woodlands and savannah.

It is famed for its spectacular scenery, diverse wildlife and its part in the impressive annual migration of more than a million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of other animals.

Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

Established in 1925, Virunga National Park is Africa's oldest national park and is often considered the crown jewel of parks on the continent. It lies in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The park is known for being the "continent's most biologically diverse protected area" and is home to endangered species, such as the mountain gorilla and the okapi.

In the 1970s, Virunga welcomed an average of 6,500 visitors every year, but it has suffered terribly from armed conflict and poaching. The park is slowly re-establishing itself through international donations.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda and is home to a multitude of birds, butterflies and endangered species, including the mountain gorilla. Some 300 wild gorillas live in the park, accounting for nearly half the world's population
The park also boasts more than 160 species of trees.
The main tourist attraction is gorilla tracking, which generates a steady stream of revenue for the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park was established as a game reserve in 1898 and is home to a vast number of species, including more than 500 types of bird and more than 100 reptiles. It also boasts a huge diversity of trees and flowers.

The park is also known for big game, as well as more than 255 recorded archeological sites. Several rivers traverse the park from west to east, including the Sabie, Olifants, Crocodile, Letaba, Luvuvhu and Limpopo.

3 Days Gorilla Tour in Volcanoes National Park- Rwanda

Kigali - Volcanoes National Park

With a distance of approximately 80 Kilometers from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes National Park, this drive at most takes 2.5 hours making this safari package ideal for short stay and business travelers to Rwanda. Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda is not only a fun and thrilling adventure but also a noble cause because a huge sum of the funds collected from the sale of Gorilla permits goes into conservation.

If you want to keep the magic alive a little longer you can add a few days in Masai Mara to your holiday agenda. Masai Mara is one of the most spectacular safari destinatins in the world, Huge herds, big adventures. Once you’ve been on Safari in the Masai Mara National Reserve everywhere else will feel tame by comparison.

DAY 1

Kigali – Volcanoes National Park

Arrival of your international flight. Met by our representative.

Your safari guide will take you around for a tour of Kigali City. Highlights of the Kigali city tour include a visit to the Kigali Memorial Center which is a memorial center in remembrance to the over 800,000 people who lost their lives in the 1994 genocide.

Arrive and check-in.

Dinner and overnight at the selected/available lodge or tented camp.

DAY 2

Volcanoes National Park

06h30: Early morning breakfast at the hotel/lodge then depart for the ORTPN offices for briefing prior to departing into the forest to start trekking the mountain gorillas.

Visit the local community in the afternoon after your lunch and close off the day by visiting the iby’iwacu cultural village for local musical performances by a cultural troupe

Dinner and overnight at the selected/available lodge or tented camp.

DAY 3

Volcanoes National Park – Kigali

06h30: Set off for an early morning mountain gorilla tracking adventure at the Volcanoes National Park

Tracking ideally will last anywhere between 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on your tour guide of the day
Depart for your homebound international flight at Kigali International Airport.

Rwanda Increases Gorilla Permit Tarriffs

Press Release from Rwanda Development Board.

Kigali, 6 May 2017 – The Rwanda Development Board today announced an increase in the price of Gorilla Permits from US$ 750 to US $1,500 for all visitors effective immediately. A new exclusive package for tourists who wish to book an entire family of gorillas was also introduced at US$ 15,000, and will receive exclusive personalized tour guide services.

The price increase will not affect tourists who had already purchased their tickets for gorilla trekking at the time of this announcement.

Tourists who visit other national parks (Nyungwe and Akagera) for a minimum of three days, in addition to gorilla trekking will receive a discount of 30%. Similarly, conference tourists, who stay pre or post conference dates to see gorillas will be eligible for a 15% discount.

In line with Rwanda’s high-end tourism strategy, the price increase aims to strengthen conservation efforts and contribute more to the development of communities living around the Volcanoes National Park.

Along with the new tariff, the tourism revenue sharing rate for communities adjacent to the park, will also increase from 5% to 10%, which will quadruple the absolute revenues received by communities. Over the last 12 years, more than 400 community projects have been completed including hospitals, schools, business development centers and water supply systems to facilitate access to clean water. These projects directly benefit the people living around the parks.

Ms. Clare Akamanzi, the Chief Executive Officer at Rwanda Development Board said:

“Gorilla trekking is a highly unique experience. We have raised the price of permits in order to ensure sustainability of conservation initiatives and enhance visitors’ experience. We also want to make sure that the communities living near the park area receive a bigger share of tourism revenues to fund development projects and empower them economically.”

Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest National Park

A visit to Nyungwe Forest National Park is a must for your next trip to Rwanda, with RwandaAir now flying daily from Kigali Airport to the nearby Kamembe Airport. Alternatively the trip by a car takes approximately five hours which is a good option for those who want to visit historical sites like Nyanza and Butare along the way.

Visitors to the Nyungwe National Park will be able to join excursions to view the rare species of Chimpanzees that reside in the area and can enlist the help of a guide to help them discover other animals found in the park; horticulturalists will have the opportunity to explore trails flanked by exotic flora and a multitude of different breeds of orchids.

Willing adventurers need to wake up as early as 5am for an incredible primate viewing experience and a visit to the Cyamudongo Forest because the Nyungwe Rainforest Chimpanzees wake up as early as 4am for breakfast.

Travelers to Nyungwe Forest National park have the option of staying at the Ultra-Luxury Nyungwe Forest Lodge which is set out in a tree plantation on the edge of the Nyungwe Rainforest.

For travelers looking beyond the typical Big-Five Style safari experiences on offer elsewhere in Africa and to instead set-up in a country with over 13 primate species and the endangered mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park then you ought to look no further and pack up for a Safari in Rwanda.

Nyugwe Forest National park is the largest middle altitude rainforest in Africa with over 13 primate species, 275 bird species and over 240 tree species and boasts one of the highest biodiversity levels anywhere in the world.

Wildlife encounters you will never forget

LION FEEDING FRENZY, KENYA          

THE ENCOUNTER

In Africa, everyone is a cat person. Giraffe are endearing, elephants are imposing, hippos can bellow like no one's business, but it is the big cats that are really mesmerizing, both for their beauty and for their ability to eviscerate you should the mood take them.

Of all the cats, the lions put on the best show. Leopards and cheetahs are shy, solitary creatures; lions, by contrast, let it all hang out. They seem remarkably unperturbed by spectators, whether they are engaged in marathon mating sessions or just lounging around on a tree branch.

The most spectacular moment for a lion encounter is, of course, feeding time, and since lions spend several days feasting off a kill, plenty of safari-goers get the chance to gatecrash a meal.

It is not a sight for the squeamish; if its good manners you want, stay at home. Safari is life unedited and when animals feed, there is plenty of blood and guts involved – literally. However, it is fascinating to see a wild animal eat. Turns out that lions' tongues are as rough as sandpaper, more than a match for the tender underbellies of their prey.

One of the most impressive things about life on the African plains is how many animals a single kill can sustain. Once the lions have taken their share of the carcass, other animals get a go. None will make a move while the lions surround the carcass, alternately dining and dozing, but a few metres away, a hungry horde eagerly positions itself, its members squabbling among themselves over who gets priority. The burly hyenas are top of the pecking order, followed by the slender jackals and finally the vultures. There will be enough for everyone, even if the poor old vultures have to make do with the least tempting morsels. 

NEED TO KNOW

Kenyan safari camps offer twice-daily game drives under the supervision of expert guides. The best wildlife viewing happens between the months of July and October. Leave the littlies at home; safari requires the ability to sit quietly for long periods of time

ESSENTIALS

Mara Ngenche Safari Camp, an intimate tented camp overlooking a hippo pool, offers spectacular wildlife encounters. Room and board rates start from $US807 ($1075).
 

SPOTTING GORILLAS, UGANDA

 THE ENCOUNTER

Gorillas have always driven humans a bit nutty. How else to explain their roles in Tarzan, and King Kong, and Planet of the Apes – how else to explain the likes of Dian Fossey going almost insane when gorillas emerged from the mist.

And yet, for an animal that has dominated our thoughts for so long, mountain gorillas are now so rare as to be just a human war or serious disease away from permanent annihilation. They are five times rarer than tigers, three times rarer than giant pandas, and you absolutely don't come across them by accident.

Instead, in a very few places, including Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, tourists can go on expensive, organized treks to reach the dwindling world of the mountain gorilla.

The rules and regulations are extensive – a maximum of 24 people a day are permitted to see the apes, with interactions limited to an hour, so as not to over-familiarize the gorillas with people, and to cut down on the chances of tourists doing something stupid.

Although they're completely wild, gorilla trekking in Bwindi comes with a virtual guarantee of success and a little hardship too.

"It seems really very unfair that man should have chosen them to symbolize everything that is aggressive and violent, when that is the one thing that the gorilla is not, and that we are."

NEED TO KNOW

You're not allowed to get closer than seven meters from mountain gorillas, but that doesn't mean they won't get closer to you. When they approach, don't stare into their eyes too long and try not to bare your teeth – even if all you want to do is smile. 

THE ESSENTIALS                                                               

You can track gorillas year-round, although the height of the rainy seasons can make the conditions heavy going. The best times are in the drier months from about June to mid-September or December to February.

Giant 16ft crocodile sneaks up on gazelle in Masai Mara.

The moment a crocodile launched a ferocious attack on a gazelle, before tearing it in half using its powerful jaws.
The 16ft reptile was lying in wait as its thirsty prey ran into a river to drink in the Masai Mara National Reserve, in Kenya. 
Snatching the female by its leg, the half-ton beast dragged the gazelle underwater and drowned it before hauling its prey closer to the shore.

The male crocodile was then able to swallow its dinner in just two gulps.
Wildlife photographer Jeffrey Wu, of Toronto, Canada, was in Kenya when he saw the 'shocking' attack unfolding.

Gazelles regularly cross the Mara river in migration season as they follow the rain for grass.
'But they usually mix with large herd animals like wildebeest and zebra when they try to cross, as crocodiles tend to hunt the larger mammals.

On the fateful afternoon, despite the threat of the crocodiles, a gazelle was too thirsty to care about the predators.
'It ran straight into the shallow water and the rest of the small herd, made up of around 12 gazelles, followed.

They were intercepted by crocodiles, four gazelles were killed by five huge crocs and this set of images captured one of them.
'The gazelle was quickly swallowed - the lower body and upper body - in two gulps. It was like a snack for the crocodile.
'The scene was wild and raw from the speed and precision when they attacked to the strength and fury when they slapped the gazelle like a ragdoll. It was unbelievable.' 

Walking on the Wild Side

What exactly is a walking safari?

A walking safari is the purest way to experience the bush and fully immerse yourself in nature. On a walking safari, you become a participant in the action, rather than a spectator.  Guided by Africa’s best and most highly trained guides, a walking safari puts you on equal terms with Africa’s wildest animals, making it a unique and thrilling experience. Walking along footpaths created by wildlife, serenaded by birdsong, with the smell of the bush in the air; a walking safari awakens your senses and encourages you to appreciate things you never would have even noticed from the comfort of a game vehicle. You can also get to remote areas of the bush on foot that are inaccessible by vehicle.

Walking safaris generally last for a few days and involve walking several hours a day, with breaks, and sleeping in tents setup in a temporary bush camp at night. In this way, you become truly removed from civilization and can experience the bush in all its untainted glory. Don’t be put off by the word ‘tent’ though! Some of the more bespoke walking safaris destinations offers some serious glamping options.

Where’s the best place for a walking safari?

Wilderness Forest Walk, Kenya

Location: Kitich Camp, Matthews Mountain Range Forest.
Terrain: Mountains rising 7,000ft out of arid lowlands covered in dense, dewy, tropical forest (“sky island”).
Wildlife: Elephant, bushbuck, buffalo, cycads, butterflies, turacos, wild orchids and stunning bird life. Tracks of lions and melanistic leopards.
Difficulty: Daily walks with local Samburu guides range from moderate to challenging (day-long) treks.

Differences Between Mountain And Lowland Gorillas

There are two different subspecies of gorilla that are often lumped into one. There are distinct differences, though; the mountain gorilla is larger, with longer hair and shorter arms than their lowland gorilla cousins. Lowland gorillas are much more likely to be seen in the trees, and prefer a more heavily forested, flatter habitat than the mountain gorilla.

Mountain, or eastern gorillas, Gorilla beringei, are found in the Virunga volcanoes that separate the Democratic Republic of Congo from Rwanda and Uganda.

Western or lowland gorillas inhabit the forests of equatorial Africa from the western lowlands near the Cameroon coast through the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Angola, and possibly the Democratic Republic of Congo.

As their names suggest, the two subspecies of gorilla have very different habitats. The lowland gorillas make their homes in the thick rain forests on the Atlantic Coast of Africa. They have a relatively small area that they still live in in the wild, including untouched wilderness in Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic, and Cameroon. The mountain gorilla is found at much higher altitudes and much farther inland, surviving in a pocket of wilderness in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Most of their native habitats are the rocky slopes of once-active volcanoes, although they are known to venture into the high, alpine regions of the mountain ranges where they can face freezing temperatures.

Both subspecies live in family groups called “troops.” Large troops with as many as 30 individuals have been seen, but the usual makeup of these families is quite a bit smaller. A gorilla troop usually consists of one dominant male, a handful of his females, and their immature offspring. Adult male children will split off from their family unit to travel alone; around the age of 15, males will begin collecting their own harem of females and start their own family group. Between leaving their parents and collecting females of their own, immature lowland males will occasionally form their own troop, sometimes attached to a parent group.

There is some difference in the physical features between the two, although it can be hard to distinguish at a glance. Both have very long arms—their arm span is longer than they are tall—but mountain gorillas typically have shorter arms than their lowland cousin. They also have a larger nose and jaw, and larger teeth.

When stressed or upset, male mountain gorillas emit a strong odor from glands under their arms. Studies of lowland gorillas have so far shown that scent communication doesn’t play as large a role in their culture.

Essentials for an African Safari

If you are planning on going on an African safari, the last thing you would want to do is spoil the trip right out of the chute by forgetting some essential things. Make yourself a list of things to do and check everything off as you go along. There are some important things to consider before you head to Africa.

You will want to wear comfortable, but protective clothing on your safari. Long sleeved shirts help protect your arms from the sun, and long pants will help protect you from mosquitoes. Wearing neutral colored clothing will help you blend in with the surroundings while you are admiring the wildlife, and will help to reflect the sun, keeping you cooler.

Remember, your transportation may not allow you to carry a lot of luggage, so be conservative. You may have to travel by a small plane or boat and not be able to carry more than a few pounds worth (maybe 20 or 25). Be sure your gear and clothing is packed in something waterproofed like a duffel bag. Most safari guide services recommend only 2 or 3 days worth of clothing be taken as there will be facilities to do laundry in most camps and lodges. If you are planning on being in any of the larger African cities with restaurants, they may require more ‘dressy’ attire, so take something appropriate.

Here are a few items you might want to take along on your African safari:

Clothing – sweater and jacket, raincoat, jeans, dress pants or skirts (if you plan on going into the city; you might even want to take a tie and some dress shoes), t-shirts, underwear, sports bra, sun protecting hats, socks, hiking shoes

Miscellaneous – large handkerchief or headband, oral hygiene supplies, hair care supplies, shaving gear, sun glasses, wash rag, plastic storage bags, sunscreen and insect repellent, medications for allergies, colds and headaches, flashlight, pocket knife, camera and film (this is important – don’t count on getting it there), batteries, small first aid kit, eye drops, lip balm

You should plan on visiting your doctor several weeks before your trip to make sure you have the vaccinations and medications you may need. There are some things you may be susceptible to in Africa that you want to guard against.

Right Gear

Depending on the safari you hope to take in Africa, you must carry the right gear. Don’t forget a decent camera so that you can capture all your memories. A digital camera does a great work in making your safari lively! Please also carry a binocular if you are looking to game viewing or birding.

Insect Repellent

For most destinations in tropical Africa, you should not forget to bring insect repellent.

Vaccination

A Yellow Fever Vaccination Card is required for entry into Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Malaria prophylactics are advisable before entering into a malaria area (particularly Kruger). Malaria is spread by mosquitoes, so take other precautions, too. Avoid Bilharzia (caused by tiny parasites) by not swimming in stagnant rivers or streams.

If you are a non-resident of Africa, you will need a passport that does not expire for at least six months after your return home. Visas can be obtained upon arrival in Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Visas which are acquired before you travel are required in Egypt, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Visas can be obtained upon arrival in Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Travel Insurance

Also, plan on getting at least the minimum amount of travel insurance.

Money Matters

Many places outside of the African cities accept American currency as well as local currency. Many establishments in the cities also accept international credit cards like Visa, MasterCard and AMEX. Some banks have ATM machines where you can use an international credit card to obtain local currency. You will need to ensure you have some American cash for visas, airport departures, taxes, tipping, etc. Carry small denominations like $5 – $20 USD for tipping.

So, getting ready for your African Safari is a job in itself, but if you arrive prepared you will certainly have a much more enjoyable and hassle free trip.

Home to the gorilla

Mgahinga park: The epitome of beauty

Imagine being in three countries simultaneously. One leg in the DR Congo another in Rwanda and your face and arms in Uganda. Imagine you delivered a baby at the intersection lines, surrounded by the best views in Africa. What would be the nationality of such a baby?
I think an adventurous pregnant woman needs to try delivering a baby in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. 

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park sits between 2,227m and 4,127m above sea level in the south western Uganda district of Kisoro. It is part of the much larger Virunga Conservation Area which includes adjacent parks in Rwanda and the DR Congo.

Busting with wildlife
The 34sqkm park is home to 39 mammal species, including the mountain gorilla (gorilla beringei), elephant and buffalo. There is also the rare golden monkey said to be found only in the Virungas and two other forests in Central Africa.
Blue monkeys also call the park home just like the spotted hyena, the golden cat, leopard, serval cat, side-striped jackal, giant forest hog, black-fronted duiker and bushbuck, among other mammal species.

The park also has 79 bird species so far recorded with several endemics and is an important water catchment in the area.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, with one habituated trans-boundary gorilla group, was declared a game sanctuary in 1930 and was finally gazetted as a national park in 1991 to protect the endangered mountain gorilla.

It is the only park with oversized mountain gorillas. This family of habituated gorillas does not recognise the political boundary between Uganda and Rwanda.

The gorilla beringei is one of the two subspecies of the eastern gorilla made up of two populations. One is found in the Virunga volcanic mountains within Mgahinga, in north west Rwanda and in the eastern DR Congo. The other is found in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The most striking features of the park are its three conical, extinct volcanoes that form part of the scenic Virunga Range that lies along the border region of Uganda, the DR Congo and Rwanda.

The highest of the three peaks is Muhabura (4,127m). Muhabura, commonly known as Muhavura means a guide. The locals used to look for its high peak to help them get a sense of direction. The cone shaped Muhabura has a crater on top.

The second is Sabyinyo at 3,645 m. Sabinyo is the only peak most probably in the world that is located in three countries. The summit of the mountain marks the intersection of the borders of the DR Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda.

A child born at the peak will most probably have three nationalities. Should you want to be in three countries at the same time, just climb Mt Sabinyo. And should you want to give birth to a child with three nationalities, just do the hard job and climb to the peak of Mt Sabinyo.

Gorilla Trekking Tours in Uganda and Wildlife Safari Adventures

Closely linked by DNA to humans, these charismatic and endangered species can easily be found in their natural habitat of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda or the Virunga National Park in Congo.

Gorillas are typically divided into two groups which include the mountain gorillas found in central Africa and the lowland gorillas that are found in central and west Africa.

Mountain Gorillas live in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Volcanic Mountains.

These huge apes are herbivores and typically feed on wild celery, shoots, roots, fruit, tree bark and tree pulp, but they have also been known to eat small animals.

Adyeri Creations offers the ultimate Gorilla Trekking Adventures in the Wild where you will come into close proximity with these endangered apes.

Murchison Falls National Park Rothschild Giraffe

Marvel at the giraffes of Murchison Falls National Park

Their hearts beat twice the rate of human hearts in order to pump blood up their two and a half metres necks. Towering over scattered acacia vegetation and all the creatures, the giraffes scan for danger over the horizon. 
Down the valley, a short distance away from thundering Murchison Falls, along the mighty River Nile, crocodiles indefinitely open their jaws cooling off the day’s heat. This scene is typical of Murchison Falls National Park located in Uganda’s largest and oldest conservation area. The park is a gem of wildlife that hosts 76 species of mammals and 451 of birds.

Among its variety of big and small game, it is the only park in the world that hosts more than 70 per cent of the world’s rothschild giraffes also known as the Uganda giraffe. The rothschild giraffes are native to Murchison Falls National Park and are categorised by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as endangered. There are about 2,500 rothschild giraffes in the world. 
Murchison Falls National Park hosts 700 of them, according to Uganda Wild Life Authority 2012 census report, making the park home to 75 per cent of the total world population of rothschild giraffe species.

Murchison Falls became one of Uganda’s first national parks in 1952. It lies within the larger Murchison Falls conservation area which is the country’s largest, protected area measuring 5,663 sq.km. 
The park is bisected by the Victoria Nile, which plunges 45m over a narrow gorge measuring seven metres wide creating the dramatic Murchison Falls after which the park is named. The stretch of the river from the falls to Lake Albert provides one of Uganda’s most remarkable wildlife sceneries. The river banks attract animals such as elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, nile crocodiles and aquatic birds.
For bird lovers, the park has a variety of birds with 451 species recorded. The list includes the shoebill stork, the goliath heron – the largest heron in the world – and pairs of elegant grey crowned cranes - Uganda’s national bird. 
Also seen along the banks of the Nile are the blue-headed coucal, swamp flycatcher, squacco heron, African jacana, sandpipers, denham’s bustard, Abyssinian ground-hornbill, black-billed barbet, black-headed bonolek, bastern brey blantain-eater, biapiac, bilverbird, weaver birds, pied, giant and malachite kingfishers, red-throated bee-eater, white-browed sparrow weaver, speckle-fronted weaver and African quail-finch.

The northern section of the park contains savannah and borassus palms, acacia trees and riverine woodland. The south is dominated by woodland and forest patches. Most of the game viewing is done on the northern side, which is also home to the rothschild giraffes. There are many attractions in the park but the rothschild giraffe deserves special mention since it is native to the area.

Golden Monkey Surveying the Area

Sustainable travel enables conservation of the things that make a destination desirable in the first place.
 

Rather than denuding forests for a strip of souvenir shops and a tiny fenced reserve, places like Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park protect the native habitat for several rare species, including the golden monkey, mountain gorilla and forest elephant. Park tourism dollars employ guides, trackers and porters and also support community development projects that reduce the incentive to cut forest for illegal farms or set antelope snares, which can kill endangered monkeys and gorillas. 

Many primate families in the park are comfortable with close human presence. I was thrilled to get within twelve feet of this beautiful golden when it descended from the trees to search for tender bamboo shoots. It paid little attention to me, but surveyed the area briefly, perhaps as a caution against eagles.
 

A new Gorilla trekking program will enable visitors to track the Gorillas.

Gorilla encounters in Bwindi Impenetrable park have traditionally been limited to one hour: magical yet fleeting. They’re costly, too, at $600 a head – though the fees are ploughed back into conservation in this park that’s home to half the world’s critically endangered mountain gorillas.

But last year, the park introduced something a little different. 

“Normally, trackers find the gorillas before the visitors arrive, so the groups can go straight to them, have their hour with them, and go away,” says Pontius Ezuma, Bwindi’s Conservation Manager. “We wanted to offer something more enriching – to show what tracking actually means. Things like gorilla behaviour, what nests look like, finding their trail…” 

The new visit, run by Uganda Wildlife Authority in Rushaga, the southern area of the park, is a four-hour ‘gorilla habituation experience’. Groups are limited to just four guests, and permits cost $1500 each.

You don’t necessarily get more time with the gorillas themselves; instead, you join trackers right from the start and find the families with them. Depending on how quickly you find them, however, it's possible to get two, or even three hours with them. As well as providing you with the experience of a lifetime, the visit helps the gorillas too, allowing animals like Rushenya to get used to human presence.

It takes around three years to habituate gorillas. Over 18 months of daily visits, the Bikingi group have become accustomed to their trackers, but are still wary, particularly with new people. “Remember they might charge,” says Geoffrey Twinomuhangi from UWA. “Copy their movements. Crouch down. If they eat grass, pretend to eat grass. But don’t beat your chest: that’s their sign of supremacy. Whatever you do, don’t run.” 

The Gorilla Habituation Experience costs $1500 per person, and is likely to continue into 2018, depending on the group’s progress. 

Shocking Discovery footage shows chimps eating monkey

The 'warrior apes': Shocking footage reveals 200 strong gang of Ugandan chimpanzees waging war on rivals, hunting down and eating monkeys and even beating up their own members
 

Little by little, the chimpanzees of Ngogo have slaughtered their way to the top.
With a community of more than 200 members, the Ngogo chimps in the Ugandan rainforest are said to be the most brutal troop in the world, often waging violent attacks on neighbouring tribes to expand their territory.
A new Discovery documentary has provided a captivating glimpse into the lives of these ‘warrior apes,’ following the group for 23 years to reveal their human-like complexity as the chimps hunt, fight, and support each other.
In one shocking clip, several chimps can be seen cooperating to take down a monkey – and later dividing the kill amongst themselves.

Researchers have observed the chimps at Ngogo, Kibale National Park, Uganda for decades, watching as they’ve grown from a population of 142 in 1996, to more than 200 today.
Even 20 years ago, their numbers were ‘far more than the largest previously known community anywhere,’ David Watts, co-director of the Ngogo Chimpanzee Project, explains in the video.
While it was once thought that chimps may only resort to hunting when they’re hungry – if there isn’t enough fruit around – the observations revealed that the truth is ‘exactly the opposite.’

Disturbing footage shows several males hunting a monkey, cooperating to corner it up in a tree and grab it from behind.

And, once they’d captured and killed their prey, the chimpanzees divvied up the meal.

‘Each took an arm or a leg, and they literally started drawing and quartering this monkey [as if to say] “Here’s a leg – it’s yours,”’ Watts says in the documentary.

Another shocking clip shows the chimps ganging up on a member of their own group, beating and kicking him.

Rwanda to host Africa's major hotel and aviation summit in October

Rwanda will in October host the second edition of Africa’s hotel and aviation summit for the second consecutive year.

The Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) will again run alongside AviaDev Africa from October 10-12 in Kigali and is expected to attract more than 1,000 aviation and hospitality sectors experts, investors and government officials from 45 countries.

Experts say the opportunity to host the event for second successive time in as many years follows last year’s hugely successful summit in Kigali.

The development is also a huge boost to the country’s efforts to position itself as a Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) hub in the region.

Clare Akamanzi, the chief executive officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), said the summit is a vital opportunity for the country to showcase its business and investment potential.

“I foresee many new business relationships and partnerships forged during the summit,” Akamanzi said in a statement yesterday.

She added that the conference is yet another opportunity for the private sector to share experience and expertise with their counterparts from across the continent and beyond.

The joint forum for both aviation and hospitality sectors provides a valuable opportunity to take a strategic approach to the expansion of travel across the continent as it brings together some of the leading executives and investors from the worlds of aviation and hotels, alongside government officials.

Jonathan Worsley, the chairman for Bench Events, said the forum is a unique opportunity for leading airlines, like RwandAir, and hotel executives, as well as governments, to explore the crucial link between aviation and hotel investment and discuss potential new airline routes.

“We are also pleased to be returning to Rwanda, a progressive country that is investing in aviation as a catalyst for economic development,” he said in the statement.

In 2014, Rwanda Development Board launched the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE) initiative to position Rwanda as a top conferences destination to help grow the tourism industry and improve its contribution to national economy, as well as widen opportunities for sector players.

Commenting on the development, Daniel Sambai, the vice-chairman of the Rwanda Hoteliers Association and the Kigali Serena Hotel country manager, said the conference is yet another opportunity for sector players to demonstrate capacity to deliver quality services. “There is no doubt that this is a vote of confidence in the country’s capability to host major events,” he added

Rwanda boasts outstanding tourism attractions, like the world-famous mountain gorillas. Like many other parts of Africa, the country has seen tourism grow in recent years having generated more than $404 million last year.

Last month, the country successfully hosted the second African Aviation Summit that brought together more than 2,000 delegates.

More meetings

Meanwhile, Rwanda is set to host more international meetings this year, including the Transform Africa Summit in May 2017, Africa Health Forum in June 2017, and International Conference on Cancer in Africa in November, among others.

BBC turns naturalist's famous moments into CBeebies cartoons

The BBC is to repackage Sir David Attenborough’s wildlife programmes for pre-schoolers, turning his most famous animal encounters into cartoons.

The natural history presenter’s meeting with a family of mountain gorillas in the Rwandan jungle, filmed for the 1979 series Life On Earth, will feature in the first episode of Attenborough’s Adventures.

David Attenborough with mountain gorillas in Rwanda

Attenborough’s Adventures will appear on the CBeebies Storytime app, allowing children to interact with the stories.

David and the Gorilla Quest and David and the Dragon will be followed by three further episodes: David and the Hidden City, based on his exploration of a giant termite mound in the 1990 series The Trials of Life; David the Treasure Hunter, another Zoo Quest moment in which he encountered birds of paradise; and David and the Giant Dinosaur, based on last year’s programme in which he followed the discovery of titanosaur remains in Argentina.

Recent research from Ofcom found that the under-fives spend more than four hours a day in front of a screen, taking into account television, tablets and mobile phones.

The BBC believes the new series can connect young children to nature through technology.