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Gorilla Safaris in Uganda
The almost impenetrable forest is home to the shy
mountain gorilla. Imagine silently crouching within a few feet of
a gorilla, one of the remaining, truly amazing natural wonders of
the world. These shy and retiring animals live in some of the most
isolated areas of East Africa, on the borders of Zaire, Rwanda,
Burundi and Uganda. Because of the ever-changing situations in these
countries, we suggest three, four, or five day visits, which would
involve a minimum of two treks to the gorillas. Tracking them with
an experience guide may bring you only a few from these shy creatures.
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This park found in the South western
part of the country has always been referred as Impenetrable forest,
it has always been conceived as the Gorilla sanctuary even though
it has more than ten other species of primates e.g. chipanzees,
colubus monkeys, baboons e.t.a. Bwindi also encompass one of the
richest areas in Africa for flora and fauna. Clients need to be
patient and prepared to scramble through more bushes than would
be necessary since the gorillas are not habituated to human contact.
The mountain Gorilla has got larger
and darker hair compared to the rest of the gorilla species, enabling
it to live at high heights above sea level and also travel into
regions where temperatures fall below freezing. Compared to any
other non-human primate, it has adapted to a life on the ground,
and its feet are mostly similar to those of people. Gorillas can
be identified by nose prints unique to each individual. Many times
researchers use photographs and illustrations of noses for identification
and monitoring.
Like all gorillas, the mountain Gorilla
is highly sexually dimorphic, with males often doubling the weight
of females. Grown up males also have more strongly marked tony combs
and tufts on the top (sagittal) and back (nuchal) of their skulls,
giving their heads a more conical shape. The combs and tufts anchor
the large muscles of their large jaws. Grown up females also possess
these combs and tufts, however, theirs are less pronounced compared
to those of the males.
Grown up males are known as silverbacks.
When they come to sexual maturity, a saddle of grey or silver-coloured
hair unfolds on their backs. The hair on their backs 9is shorter
compared to most other parts of the body, and their arm hair is
especially long. Up right, males measure
KASU 321 - Uganda Gorilla Adventures - 5 Days
DAY 1:
An early morning start from Kampala takes you south-west and across
the Equator. The drive takes you through savannah grasslands seeing
banana plantations and herds of Ankole cattle with their incredible
long curving horns. Then you ascend into the Kigezi highlands, known
as the "Switzerland of Africa", with terraced farming
and mountain scenery and drive through to Buhoma. Overnight at excellent
accommodation.
DAY 2:
Enter the sanctuary at dawn and enjoy the beauty and freshness of
the forest, home of the mountain gorillas. After a short briefing
by the guides, proceed through dense bush to trek for these endangered
animals. Other primates also live in the forest including the black-and-white
colobus monkey, red tail monkey and chimpanzee. Return to the accommodation
for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3: Re-enter the forest for a second
exciting day of gorilla tracking. Return to the accommodation for
dinner and overnight.
DAY 4: Depart from the forest for
Lake Bunyonyi, the lake of little birds, renowned for its variety
and abundance of avian. Enjoy a canoe ride on this beautiful narrow
lake surrounded by green hills. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
DAY 5: Return to Kampala after breakfast.
A note for Trekkers: Remember to bring
heavy leather gloves, stout hiking boots, long sleeves shirts, long
pants, a light back-pack, and water-bottle.
NB. Please book 4-12months in advance
to avoid disappointment.
KASU 325 - Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda - 4 Days
Day 01: Kigali - Virunga Mountains
Arrive Kigali airport, meet and greet, then a
two hour drive to Kinigi via Ruhengeri. The road to Ruhengeri is
sealed and offers stunning scenery of the hills and valleys of this
green and lush country, taking a little less than two hours. From
Ruhengeri a 20 minute drive to Kinigi at the base of Sabinyo Mountain,
with excellent views of the rest of the Virunga Volcanoes, o/n Gorilla
Nest Lodge. D
Day 02:Sabinyo
Mountain Gorilla Tracking
Gorilla tracking day. After breakfast take a short drive
to Park Headquarters and meet with excellent local guides and trackers
who will give a talk on the etiquette of gorilla trekking. We then
hike into the forest where the gorillas were seen the night before
and track from that point. The trekking can take from 1 to 6 hours
and climb to altitudes not in excess of 7,500 feet. The terrain
is rough and at times muddy. Although the hike is physically demanding
the beauty of the forest and surrounding scenery make the trekking
worthwhile. Once the gorillas are located all fatigue is forgotten,
as the experience is often described as being the most profound
natural history experience in the world. Picnic lunches are provided
and it is important to take plenty of water. Cameras and plenty
of fast speed film is recommended. It can rain at a few minutes
notice; hence waterproof clothing is a good essential including
zip lock bags for cameras and film. Overnight at Gorilla Nest Lodge.
BLD
Day 03: Sabinyo Mountain Gorilla Tracking
Second gorilla trek, then drive back to Kigali, o/n Umabano
Novotel. BLD
Day 04: Sabinyo
Mountain - Kigali
Transfer to airport for departure flight. Transfer
to the airport. B
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