WHAT MAKES MOUNTAIN GORILLAS UNIQUE? WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT MOUNTAIN GORILLAS?

 What makes mountain gorillas unique? When talks turn to great apes, most people possibly think of the mountain gorillas that the legendary primatologist Dian Fossey made famous. The remarkable work that she did in the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda, as well as her unsolved murder, captured the West’s imagination.

This accounts for a good deal of the mountain gorilla’s popularity as a safari attraction – they are possibly the world’s most photographed apes. But the truth is they are a subspecies of the Eastern gorilla; a much larger and varied gorilla.

While their name mountain gorillas suggest that they simply live on mountains, mountain gorillas actually prefer forested mountains. They are the most threatened race of gorillas that roam the rain forests of western Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga Mountains that span the borders of southern Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They cannot be found anywhere on earth.

As seen during Uganda gorilla safaris, Mountain gorillas reside in the mountainous altitude of 2500 to 4,000 meters. At this altitude, there is much less oxygen and the night temperature is very cold, and even if the day can be cool, the sun is bright and harsh. In such a cold climate, these apes have developed unique adaptations to help them survive. These adaptation features are actually what makes mountain gorillas unique from other gorilla species.

Although all gorillas might appear to look the same at a first glance, it is possible to tell the different subspecies apart. The habits and physical appearance of mountain gorillas differentiate them from other gorilla subspecies.

As you are observing the mountain gorilla physical appearance, you will notice that these bulky intelligent apes have longer and thicker fur than lowland gorillas. The long fur and large mass help to keep them warm in colder temperatures.

Mountain gorillas also have black fur, while lowland gorillas have brownish fur, and mountain gorillas cannot survive in captivity, while lowland gorillas can survive in captivity. Mountain gorillas also have broader chests and longer faces compared to other gorillas species.

if you are to trek gorillas in Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park or the Democratic Republic of Congo in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park

WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING UGANDA ON SAFARI | UGANDA SAFARI ACCOMMODATION

 If you are looking where to stay when visiting Uganda on safari or on regular business travel, here is a list of the best places to stay in Uganda during your visit under categories of hotels, hostels, lodges, safari camps and campsites. Uganda has been a tourist destination for decades, She, therefore, offers different accommodation choices to all travelers. In every attraction location, you will find accommodation that suits your very needs. Uganda safari accommodation fall into three categories;

• Budget
• Mid-range
• Luxury

They include hotels, hostels, lodges, safari camps and campsites.

Hotels in Uganda/Uganda hotels Where to stay when visiting Uganda on Safari.

Hotels in Kampala and Entebbe serve the guests arriving for Uganda tours. There are:

• 1 star and 2-star hotels in Uganda and these are usually the budget accommodation options;
• 3 stars in Uganda- which are the midrange accommodation options and;
• 4 star and 5-star hotels in Uganda, usually the luxury accommodation options

You can count on almost every town to have at least one budget hotel where you can spend the night. The 5-star hotels in Kampala include Kampala Serena Hotel, Speke Resort Munyonyo & Sheraton Kampala Hotel. Mid-range places to stay in Kampala include Cassia Lodge and Humura Resorts Kampala.

There are also some good hotels in Entebbe range from luxury safari hotels such as Protea Hotel Entebbe, Lake Victoria Serena Resort & Spa & No.5 Boutique Hotel.

Safari Lodges in Uganda/Uganda safari lodges Where to stay when visiting Uganda on Safari.

The main National Parks in Uganda have wide ranges of safari lodges presented in the three classes including; Uganda Luxury Safari Lodges, Uganda Mid-range Safari Lodges, and Uganda Budget Safari Lodges to serve the varying interests of world travelers intending to take up trips to Uganda.

1. Luxury safari lodges in Uganda Where to stay when visiting Uganda on Safari.

• Luxury safari lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park- Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Ichumbi Lodge, and Bwindi Silverback Lodge
• Luxury safari lodges in Murchison Falls National Park−Chobe Safari Lodge, Paraa Safari Lodge, Nile Safari Lodge, and Baker’s Lodge
• Luxury safari lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park−Mweya Safari Lodge, Mazike Valley Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp and Elephant Plains Lodge
• Luxury safari lodges in Kibale National Park−Primate Lodge Kabale, Crater Safari Lodge, Kyaninga lodge, and Kibale Ndali Lodge, and Papaya Lake lodge
• Luxury safari lodges in Kidepo Valley National Park−Apoka Safari Lodge
• Luxury safari lodges in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park-Mount Gahinga Lodge
• Luxury safari lodges in Lake Mburo National Park−Mihingo Lodge in Lake
• Luxury safari lodges in Rwenzori Mountains National Park−The equator snow lodge
• Luxury safari lodges in Mount Elgon National Park− Mbale resort hotel and Sipi River Lodge

2. Mid-range safari lodges in Uganda Where to stay when visiting Uganda on Safari.

• Mid-range safari lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park− Bwindi Engagi Lodge, Buhoma Community Haven Lodge
• Mid-range safari lodges in Murchison Falls National Park− Murchison River Lodge, Pakuba Safari Lodge, Fort Murchison Safari Lodge, Sambiya River Lodge, and Parkside Safari Lodge
• Mid-range safari lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park− Enganzi game lodge, Queen Elizabeth Bush Lodge, Ihamba Lakeside Safari Lodge, Engiri Game Lodge,  and Ishasha Jungle Lodge
• Mid-range safari lodges in Kibale National Park− Kibale Forest Camp, Kibale Safari Lodge, Turaco Treetops, Mountains of the moon hotel, and Isunga Lodge
• Mid-range safari lodges in Kidepo Valley National Park− Nga Moru Wilderness Camp, Adere Safari Lodge and Kidepo Savannah Lodge
• Mid-range safari lodges in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park- Travellers Rest Hotel and Mutanda Lake Resort
• Mid-range safari lodges in Lake Mburo National Park− Mburo Safari Lodge, Arcadia Cottages, and Rwakobo Rock Lodge
• Mid-range safari lodges in Rwenzori Mountains National Park− Hotel Margherita
• Mid-range safari lodges in Mount Elgon National Park− Noah’s Ark Hotels, Lacam Lodge, Masha Hotel, Sipi Falls Resort

3. Budget Safari Lodges in Uganda Where to stay when visiting Uganda on Safari.

• Budget Lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park− Bwindi Guest House, Bwindi Nshongi Camp, and Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort
• Budget Lodges in Budget lodges in Murchison Falls National Park− Red Chilli Rest Camp, Heritage safari lodge, and Boomu Women’s Group Bandas
• Budget Lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park− Pumba Safari Cottages, At The River Ishasha, and Tembo safari lodge
• Budget Lodges in Kibale National Park− Crater Valley Kibale (CVK) Lakeside Resort and Lake Nkuruba Nature Reserve & Community Campsite
• Budget Lodges in Kidepo Valley National Park− Apoka Rest Camp
• Budget Lodges in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park− Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp
• Budget Lodges in Lake Mburo National Park− Leopard Rest Camp, and Rwonyo Rest Camp
• Budget Lodges in Rwenzori Mountains National Park− Ruboni Community Camp and Rwenzori Turaco View Camp
• Budget Lodges in Mount Elgon National Park− Crow’s Nest Rest Camp and Rose’s Last Chance

Night GameDrives in Uhganda - Uganda Safaris

The destination Uganda has a range of safari activities that are provided to the satisfaction of those that take up tours to Uganda. Night game drive is recorded to be among those exciting activities and it is great to know where to do it from.

Of all the ten (10) National Parks where many of the Uganda Safari holiday activities are carried out including Uganda gorilla trekking safaris, wildlife safaris and mountaineering adventure tours, the Night game drive activity is done in only three of these. These include; Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Mburo National Park.

In Murchison Falls National Park, the Night game drive is undertaken in the open savannah stretches to the north of the Nile River gaining remarkable views of the nocturnal and the cats which tend to do the hunting in the late evening. The view of the Nile River in the moonlight is also rewarding.

In Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Night game drive is undertaken in the famous Mweya peninsular in between the Kazinga Channel and Lake Edward. The night game drive is prohibited in the Kasenyi Sector to minimise stress on wildlife since most travellers on Safari in Uganda tend to flock this sector for day game drives.

In Lake Mburo National Park, the night game drive is undertaken in its savannah stretches traversing the acacia woodland gaining possible views of a range of nocturnal species like porcupine, hare, Aardvack, honey badger, white-tailed mongoose, side – stripped jackal, bush pig, serval cat, spotted hyena, jenet cat, civet, black galago and thick – tailed Galago.

The Night game drive activity can be done in Uganda Wildlife Authority Vehicle or Tour Company Vehicle but with the company of an armed ranger along with a Spot light torch.  It is such a unique encounter to explore the wild game and beautiful landscapes under the stars of tropical Africa.

EMBARK ON A SAFARI TO TREK MOUNTAIN GORILLAS IN MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK

On your Uganda Gorilla Safari, you will Locate Mgahinga National Park 510km far southwest of Kampala City the Capital of Uganda which is just 42km from Entebbe International Airport, this park rests in the district of Kisoro and is Uganda’s smallest but arguably one of the profoundly biome-diverse National Park. Mgahinga is one of the only two Uganda Gorilla Safaris destinations where tourists can physically say hello to the world’s remaining population of endangered Mountain Gorillas.

Its three (3) volcanic peaks of Sabinyo (3,669m), Gahinga (3,474m) and Muhavura (4,127m) interface with five (5) different volcanoes which all together shape the Virunga Conservation Area (VCA) shared among the nations of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo DR. Its varied altitudes offer rise to various types of fauna, some of which can't be seen anywhere else in Uganda.

The park offers chances to birders to do what they cherish best, with a bird list ranging bwetween 179 and 184 species including the Rwenzori Turaco and the White-starred Robin. Uganda Safaris Tours to Mgahinga National Park additionally also present opportunities to see various extraordinarily species like the giant forest hogs, and the spikey South African Porcupines

In any case, the park's horn is sounded louder by its habituated mountain gorilla family called Nyakagezi. Led by an alpha silverback called Mark, the Nyakagezi mountain gorilla family makes seasonal excursions to the neighboring nations of DR Congo and Rwanda. But luckily, of later, the family appears enjoy most of their Ugandan home more and can therefore making it possible for Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda in Mgahinga National Park. Its unsettled nature has constrained the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to sell gorilla permits for this mountain gorilla family right at the National Park as opposed to permits for Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Forest National Park that can be reserved at the UWA headquarters in Kampala

Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park is a less tedious activity as compared to Bwindi Forest National Park the only Gorilla tracking area in Uganda, a maximum of eight tourist are allowed to visit this Mountain Gorilla family in a single day. Also, once the gorilla family is tracked down, tourist get to can enjoy an entire hour with the Nyakagezi family. The family's two blackbacks (Rukundo and Ndungutse) regularly win the hearts of visitors with their high sense of humor and their photogenic nature. It has turned into their thing to pose for the camera and they'll most likely pose for yours too.

Today the family has 10 members including an aging Bugiingo who is the father to most members of this mountain gorilla family including Mark and Marfia the other two silverbacks.

Set out on a Gorilla Safari to trek Mountain Gorillas in Mgahinga National Park and you will win yourself an affair of a lifetime decorated in amazing views of the true African montane forests protecting a big number of animal and bird species; not forgetting the reward of mixing with the Forest habitats, Batwa community; one of the world's few remaining highly neglected and marginalized groups of people. With the Park's "gold and silver", you will part very lit up. Welcome to Mgahinga!

KAMPALA CITY FESTIVAL; THE LEADING CITY STREET PARTY IN EAST AFRICA – UGANDA SAFARI NEWS

Happening for the sixth time, the Kampala City festival 2017 was a blast mesmerizing both local trevelers and those who had come for Uganda Safaris and tours.

The event which occurs in the first week of October every year is apparently the biggest street party in the region of East Africa and has become signature brand attracting multitudes of people to explore the Kampala’s epitome social life, innovation, culture and unity. The travelers planning East Africa Safari tours in the month of October have started expressing interest in making the event part of their itinerary.

The Kampala City Festival presents the much awaited moment for the participants to learn, share and network while presenting an economic ground for small businesses, organisations and companies to thrive.  The festival offers that special moment where the city residents themselves get a real feel of happiness besides the normal routine and business endeavors. The festival is becoming a Uganda tour product enhancing domestic tourism.

Marked with vibrant sounds, flamboyant lights, lively rhythms, incredible street dancers, a wide array of musicians, gospel sessions, unlimited foods and beverages among others, the Kampala City festival makes the every point of the Central Business District lively and fascinating. Besides the foods and beverages along with other personal items, all other festival wonders are enjoyed at no cost!

The youthful travelers on holiday safari in Uganda would definitely find this event beyond the ordinary!

Go Gorilla Trekking In Mgahinga Uganda - Uganda Gorilla News

Gorilla News |

Before taking on your gorilla safari tour in Uganda, we invite you to get briefed more about these amazing creatures with their interesting facts.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda is considered to be one the most satisfying activities done by tourists in Mgahinga national park. This park has only one habituated gorilla family known as “Nyakagezi” originally consisting of 9 family members, 2 silver backs, 3 female adults, 2 infants and 2 juveniles.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda can some if the times be tiring and occasionally cover the whole day as the guide takes you through this amazing world and also giving you information on their ecology and wild behavior. There is a good chance of spotting these gorillas of Mgahinga national park however success is never guaranteed as these creatures are wild animals, never fixed in their daily routine and finding them requires a guide with extra skill, experience as well as luck.
For the travelers on Gorilla Safari in Uganda, before setting of for the actual gorilla trekking activity, the guide will always suggest how long this activity may take. However while moving do not hesitate to ask the guides to slow down their pace in case they are moving so fast or if you need to rest. This guide will not leave you behind.
The daily routine of a mountain gorillas in Uganda includes foraging early in the morning and have a rest during the late morning and midday. In the late afternoon they forage before they rest at night. The mountain gorillas leave their sleeping nests at 6am in the morning except when it’s too cold, that’s when they stay up their nests.
Uganda Gorillas don’t have discrete territories and instead they roam in home ranges. When the sources of food are sparse, the ranges between groups also become larger and when there is abidance of food the distance between home ranges become shorter.
Gorillas get infected with most of the diseases suffered by human beings as well. It is for this reason that Uganda safari visitors to these gorillas are advised to keep a distance. Respiratory diseases suffered more especially pneumonia are the most frequently causes of deaths of most mountain gorillas.
The gorillas basically live on ground and almost 20%of their day time in trees. They climb trees either to play or harvest fruits and rarely jump from branch to branch due to their weight.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda can be physically demanding, so be prepared well enough. These Gorilla facts prepare you for this safari activity and give you guidance on conservation of the Mountain Gorillas in Mgahinga national park. Please read these Gorilla facts before your tour to Uganda.

A BREATHTAKING SAFARI ON HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT

It is evident, the popular activities that people undertake apart from the Gorilla safaris tours in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include game drive safaris and boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth national park.  Those two activities are done at intervals giving tourists who would wish to partake in both activities a chance to do so, since each activity has its unique excitement levels.

Now there is a lot more ways to enjoy the game park with more exciting activities being introduced here. Among the prominent is the hot air balloon. The hot air balloon is must-activity of late if you have some extra dollars to spend on a Uganda safari. Hot air balloon to date is only done in two national game parks in Uganda –Queen Elizabeth national park and Murchison falls National park.

The hot air balloon Safari in Queen Elizabeth national park is currently operated by Balloons tours Uganda. The only company so far that holds a license by the Uganda Aviation authority to fly balloons in this game park.

The company boasts of well-trained staff that has experience of over 10 years flying balloons. At the present time, only one balloon is operational which carries 16 passengers. But there are plans to source the second one that shall accommodate 24 passengers. The flight is usually an hour long of seeing all the wildlife from the skies. The balloon flight sets off before dawn and by sunrise you are almost done watching the wildlife and beautiful nature. And there is more to this balloon safari after the flight, you will be taken care of- take for example there will be bush breakfast for you prepared by one of the best lodges in Queen Elizabeth national park, Mweya safari lodge. And finally, the pick-up time is usually around 05.30 am at Kasenyi gate to complete your amazing balloon safari experience.