Gorilla Conservation Extends to Lowland Gorillas in Congo

Turner Grant Expands Gorilla Conservation Work
I suppose this is a very great contribution to the gorilla conservation and I say thumbs up to Mr Turner! The Dian Fossey foundation is doing great in trying to extend their research to the eastern lowland gorillas in Congo something that will increase gorilla trekking options in East Africa because the demand for gorilla trekking increases by the year  and the sector has mainly relied on mountain gorillas in bwindi-Uganda and Rwanda's volcanoes national park where gorilla permit prices have been increased to improve on the park's conservation as well.

Gorilla Trekking Price increased in Rwanda

Silver back Mountain Gorilla.

The price of gorilla permits in Rwanda has been increased from 500 USD to 750 USD, a 50% increase! The decision to increase the price was reached by Rwanda Development Board as announced on Friday last week and will take full effect from 1^st June as a measure to conserve Rwanda’s mountain gorilla environment and the park’s biodiversity however, the news have not been welcomed by some tour operators in Rwanda claiming the permit price has been hiked, something that might affect their clients and reduce the number of tourists to Rwanda since gorilla trekking is the major tourist activity in the country! A gorilla permit allows one access to the mountain gorillas and an opportunity to view them for only one hour so whether as to pay such a price is reasonable leaves a lot to be desired!

Apart from the mountain gorillas in Parc De volcanoes, Rwanda tourism offers wildlife tours in Akagera national park among other park activities like a boat cruise on Lake Ihema inside the park, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe forest national park, and is home to golden monkeys and numerous bird species. You can also visit the genocide memorials, do karisimbi hiking, and visit Dian Fossey’s grave, Kigali city tour among others. However, most of the safari activities in Rwanda can be put together in one single itinerary!

That said, travelers and tour operators are waiting to see whether Uganda & DRC will also increase their gorilla trekking costs or take it as an advantage to market gorilla tourism. Gorilla trekking is such an adventure that involves long walking hours and trekking through thick vegetation and bearing some challenges at times including heavy rains until you reach the particular gorilla family you are supposed to visit. Uganda has the largest number of these primates, with 12 gorilla groups in Bwindi however, many say Rwanda gorillas are easier to find and offer better chances of photography and filming!

Have you been on gorilla tours to Uganda or Rwanda recently or before? Have you done any of the mentioned activities before? Have you visited both gorillas in Uganda and Rwanda? What’s your take?

As if that was not enough, in may 2017, Rwanda doubled the Gorilla trekking price from $750 to a staggering $1,500 for a single gorilla permit in Rwanda! This left many in a shock but luxury tourists and celebrities are still flocking Rwanda for its mountain gorilla trekking.

Buganda kingdom cerebrates 17th Anniversary, Buganda News-Uganda

BUGANDA CEREBRATES 17 YEARS SINCE RESTORATION.

The kingdom of Buganda, which is by far the most prestigious kingdom in Uganda, is today cerebrating it’s 17^th anniversary since the Kabaka was restored and enthroned as the king of Buganda. The cerebrations will be held in the Buganda county of Butambara which is also an instrumental one among the counties of Buganda especially in regard to the kingdom Kabakaship! In another development, the 17^th anniversary is cerebrated on a sad note in remembrance of the past few events among which include the fires that gutted down the Kasubi Royal tombs which were part of instrumental tourist sites in Kampala and the  Kampala riots which were as a result of the government’s refusal of the Kabaka to visit the people of Bugerere, and which riots led to the closure of CBS radio station- the official radio station of the kingdom or call it the Kabaka’s radio as many prefer to call it. The kabaka of Buganda his highness Ronald Mwenda Mutebi II is out there to the public visiting his subordinates and encouraging them to work hard and has so far attended a polio vaccination event among other developments… keep hooked for more tourism news about Uganda Safaris and cultural tours.

RWENZORI MOUNTAINS TREKKING ROUTE UGANDA.

The Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda are regarded as a dream safari destination for hiking adventure seekers taking an African safari for a mountain hike/ trekking challenge. Today, I will walk you through the Rwenzoris and clarify the current situation after an escalating need for information by tourists inquiring about the new route after the announcement UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority) made about the glacier crack back in April which exposed the existing route, making it impossible for climbers to hike to the Margherita peak,-the highest point of the Rwenzori mountains (5,109 meters). Uganda Safaris

The truth: Yes, this is probably not the first blog or site that you have found such information, but the truth here is what you have been looking for and it has been missing! It is true, a new route to the Margherita peak was opened and it makes it easier than ever to climb to the peak in just 26 minutes! And this used to be 45 minutes before this route was discovered. I know now you are asking; what’s the name of the route? No, it has not yet been named but like the former, the latter also begins from a point called Omubutindo, where ladders had been placed on rocks to ease movement on the glacier.
Arrangements are being made for journalists to trek the route and collect all the details, from which a name for the new route to the Margherita peak will be announced and you will be one of the lucky ones to know it first if you keep checking back on this blog. By the way, I had decided not to blog on this, but since everyone has kept inquiring about it, I’ve dedicated my efforts to keep you posted where others have failed to fulfill!

What next? The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is also diversifying tourists’ experience on the Rwenzori trekking by opening up other routes on the northern and southern ranges to maximize trekking and viewing of scenic and breath taking landscapes of the Rwenzori mountain ranges.

Proof: To prove that the new route is already operational, we  had clients who had to do a 10 days trek and did it for only 9 days; they said the route was quicker and easier. What more?, read this interesting article about the Rwenzori Mountains

Note: remember to check back as I will be bringing you more clarification on this issue and more helpful tips for your Uganda safari. For example, next am going to take you through what it means when they tell you bed and breakfast in different East African Countries especially Rwanda! Don't fall victim, keep posted!!

Buganda Tourism EXPO 28th June 2010- Uganda Cultural Tour

Come 28^th June 2010, Buganda, one the greatest Uganda kingdoms will hold a tourism EXPO. Buganda kingdom is located at the “heart of Uganda” in Kampala which happens to be the country’s capital city and center of trade. Buganda possesses a strong political structure and clearly defined ministries headed by the kingdom ministers and the Buganda tourism ministry, led by Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, has partnered with Makerere University to ensure a successful week-long tourism EXPO that will run through to July.

Makerere University Department of Zoology led by Dr. Ann Acol, bears the responsibility of ensuring that all animals attached to the Buganda clans are available for the EXPO and a survey for the places where the animals are to be stationed for view has been made and attendants have been guaranteed that all Buganda animals will be available! The kingdom has also set up a separate museum dedicated to the king’s life and achievements which is deemed to boost the week-long event that will be characterized by great Ugandan food, culture and tremendous drama! Meanwhile, works are underway to ensure great accessibility to the site and exhibitors outside the Buganda kingdom and Uganda too are warmly welcome.

Well, you may have heard of, and attended different EXPOs around the world, but this one is exceptional!! Miss only if you can but I would bet you if it is anything less than captivating and a memorable event. The EXPO will be unveiled by her majesty Nnaabagereka, Sylvia Nagginda-the queen, on Monday 28^th June 2010, and closed by the king his Royal Highness Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.

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