Author: admin

Contribution of Local Communities to Gorilla Tourism

In Uganda, mountain gorillas are found in both Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National park. Bwindi Forest alone hosts 420 of the 900 mountain gorillas left in the whole world.

Gorilla tourism is a great winner to the development of tourism and conservation of the endangered mountain gorillas. Today Bwindi is a great place to track the endangered mountain gorillas – there are 14 habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and these include Mishaya, Bweza, Nshongi, Nkuringo, Habinyanja group, Rushegura group, Mubare, Oruzogo, Bitukura, Kahunje, Bushaya and the newly habituated groups known as Bihingi and Rushaho.

On the other hand, Mgahinga Gorilla National park protects only one gorilla group known as Nyakagezi however, it is a mobile group which sometimes cross to Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Within Africa, in the 1970s, many conservation projects were failed by the local communities; national parks, forest reserves were encroached upon and many acres of land were lost! This scenario was the same with Uganda! Degradation of natural resources was witnessed – animals hunted, locals settled on forest land and more.  Though this happened in many areas, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park are one of the few places that have faced less resistance from the local communities and this is largely due to gorilla tourism which was developed basing on the guidelines of ecotourism.

The local communities around Bwindi and Mgahinga national park are dominated by the Batwa, Bafumbira, Bakiga and some few Bakonjo among others.

These people have contributed both positively and negatively in promoting Gorilla tourism in Uganda;

Conservation Activities;

Some residents are participating in conservation activities that have helped in protecting the gorillas. There are several community based organizations that have been started. The locals participate in activities such as reafforestation programmes. The locals have also helped in reporting sick gorillas, reporting poachers and so on.

Tourism Programme;

Some locals have been employed in guiding tourists taking tours within and outside the parks. All gorilla tours are guided by locals given that they have vast knowledge about the area. These locals were first trained by the Uganda Wildlife Authority so that they can be in position to guide international tourists.

Residents do entertain tourists in terms of music, dance and drama. After gorilla trekking in the morning, tourists relax with afternoon music performed by the Batwa people.

Residents  make art and craft materials from local materials. Such crafts are sold to tourists.

Residents plant food stuffs that feed visitors in Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga forest.

Some local residents work in lodges as cleaners, guards, cooks among others.

Residents in Bwindi and Kisoro do accommodate tourists outside the parks. Some Lodges outside the parks are owned by local residents.

It has been reported that after the local communities realising benefits from gorilla tourism, poaching activities have greatly reduced in Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga National Park. Local communities share the profits from gorilla tourism in form of services like clean water, health centres, and schools among others.

On the other hand, residents near the parks have also contributed negatively to the development of Gorilla tourism in Uganda; some part of Bwindi forest is settled by the Batwa which has interrupted the well-being of Gorillas. The batwa set fire when cooking, cut trees for firewood and they clear some bushes to get space for settlement. The encroachment of Bwata in the forest has forced gorillas to extend in far areas inside the forest which makes trekking complicated.

Residents near the parks sometimes set snares/ traps while hunting but unfortunately, some gorilla are also trapped leading to death of some gorillas.

There are still a few instances where some local residents deliberately kill gorillas claiming that, gorillas are a threat to their lives of people.

Residents around the park collect fire wood from Bwindi and Mghinga forest which interrupt with the natural habitat of Gorillas.

Some residents do hunt animals from the forest.

Residents around the parks depend on the fruits from the forest. Such fruits would have been eaten by Gorillas for their survival.

 

How to Track Mountain Gorillas Of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The Gorilla trekking experience is the highlight of your safari on your Ugandan safari and when    you visit Bwindi Impenetrable National park in the south Western part of the country.  You will be required to visit the park headquarters at the Uganda Wildlife Authority as early as 7:45 from where you will be allocated a guide before heading into the Impenetrable forest for the activity. Do not forget a walk stick which will be offered to you at the head quarters thus you should take this very useful because it will help you in slippery conditions. Porters to help you with your luggage are available at the park head quarters and these are very   helpful during the rainy season.

If you are involved in the gorilla habituation group, it will take you a minimum of two years with daily visits which allow the gorilla group to tolerate your presence. It should be noted however that it is only when gorillas are happy with the presence of human beings that  visitors are allowed to share the  daily  hour of contact with them  and only a maximum of eight people are allowed to  track  each habituated gorillas  and the walk to find these gorillas may be  as short as two hours.

While tracking the gorillas, the park rangers and guides will clear the way and will assist you through the forest thus you will need very good fitness to make this walk a success though the walk may be slippery. Spending time, sitting with the mountain gorillas is one of the most amazing wildlife experiences one will ever have and dominant male silver back can weigh over 200 kilograms. You are required to come with the following during tracking;

For you to enjoy gorilla tracking expedition, you should come along with;

A minimum of two litres of water

Packed lunch

Some money

A gorilla permit and passport which will be asked at the check in

Long parts are required to be worn by you while walking in the bush

Walking boots and hiking socks are recommended to be worn

Layers are best as conditions in the tropical rain forest can change from hot to wet and cold in an instant. At the end of the track, you will have to be given tracking certificate

Gorilla families habituated in Bwindi Impenetrable national park

Currently, there 12 gorilla families which are habituated for   viewing and these include; Mubare Gorilla family which is the oldest habituated gorilla group in Uganda. Habinyanja Gorilla family and visitors tracking this family need about 3-8 hours.  Other gorilla families include Reshegura gorilla family, Nkuringo, Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye, Bweza, Busingye, Nyakagezi and Kyaguriro Gorilla family.

The Mubare group was the very first group to be habituated for tourist in 1993 and was named after the stunning of Mubare Hills in which the group was discovered. The Habinyanja group was habituated in 1997 for tracking and received the first visitors in 1999. Rushegura group was habituated in 2000 and started receiving tourists in 2002. The Bitukura group found in the Ruhija region while the Mishaya is found in the Rushaga region. The Nshongi group is currently the biggest habituated gorilla family with over 25 members

The Nkuringo Region of Bwindi Forest is one the most physically challenging regions although it is very rewarding in the forest for the enjoyment of Gorilla tracking. The accommodation facilities in Nkuringo offer a very good environment to view the Nkuringo gorilla family and this group comprises of 19 members and most people who have tracked gorillas in Bwindi say, it is a favorite to track this gorilla group. For bookings contact us through info@gorillasafarisadventure.com or call our hotline +256751552950.

Two New Gorilla Groups Habituated for Tourism

Two new gorilla groups have been habituated for gorilla tourism in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These two groups that have been undergoing the mandatory habituation process are now available and open to tourists who would like to meet the mountain gorillas in the wild of Bwindi.

The news for the habituation has been well received by tour operators organising gorilla safaris in Uganda given the high demand for the gorilla permits most especially in the peak months of June to September and December to March.

The two new families of mountain gorillas that have been habituated for tourism are within the popular Nkuringo Sector in the South of the park. The groups have been established by the Uganda Wildlife Authority as Bushaho and Bikingi that are named for their home ranges and contain some individuals from previously habituated groups.

Both groups were led by former Nkuringo group silverbacks, Bahati and Bikingi. There are 8 babies between these two groups (6 in Bikingi and 2 in Bushaho)!

Now that the two groups have been fully habituated for tourism and added into the Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla permit database, the total number of gorilla families in all four regions of the Bwindi Impenetrale Forest has now increased to 12 families. This means that there are more gorilla permits readily available for tourists leading to a total of 96 gorilla permits in Bwindi and 8 gorilla permits for Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Therefore if you are planning a gorilla trekking safari, look no further than Bwindi National Park, a haven for almost half of the world’s remnant population of the mountain gorillas.

The Habituation Process

The gorilla habituation allows veterinarians to visit the groups regularly so that they can become used to human prescence. The process takes between 2 to 4 years and it becomes easier if the gorilla family used to live in a formely habituated family. During the process, the veterinary doctors also known as “Gorilla Doctors” closely monitor them for any sign of illness or injury – and intervene to save a life when it is necessary.

The process also allows the rangers to monitor the group on a daily basis and report a gorilla who has become caught in a poacher’s snare so that veterinarians can intervene and administer the necessary treatment immediately.

Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Bwindi

Experience Uganda gorilla trekking adventure with Nature Adventure Africa Safaris. Our Uganda safari holidays and tours are conducted by our knowledgeable guides guaranteeing a highly personalized gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and Rwanda. Uganda and mountain gorillas are synonymous: mention of either will spark the other as a response. These gentle giants have been drawing people for decades to the mountainous slopes of the Virungas.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an ominous name, and rightly so, as thick jungle looms before you as you set off in search of our hairy cousins. Even if it is hard work getting there, nothing is as rewarding as the magical hour you spend with them. The close proximity changes you and images of doting mothers caring for their young, cheeky babies clambering through the trees and the awesome sight of a massive silverback will remain with you forever. Dip into Uganda for this sole reason and you will feel rewarded. But there is an overwhelming amount to see in Uganda that more than justifies giving it a whole visit to itself. Chimpanzee trekking at Kibale Forest offers a glimpse into the lives of our primate brothers. Catch your jaw as you witness the incredible power of Murchison Falls, where the mighty Nile squeezes through a tiny seven meter gap.

Uganda may not be thought of as a safari destination but why not look for tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, or cheetah at Kidepo Valley? Finally, for a bit of down time with a difference, take a few days by the Nile at Jinja -the ideal place to relax.

The Uganda safaris with Nature Adventure Africa Safaris

Uganda safaris are an intoxicating affair with a greater diversity of animals, people and landscapes than any other African destination. Uganda has a lot to offer every tourist type. The highlights of any safari to Uganda should be a visit to the Uganda safari endangered mountain gorillas in either Bwindi impenetrable or Mgahinga national parks. Uganda boasts of half of the world’s mountain gorilla surviving population. Experience unforgettable wildlife encounters on a Uganda wildlife safari tour. Experience exceptional wilderness and wildlife in Uganda, search for tree climbing lions, leopards, elephants and many more. Our safari tour packages range from 3 days to 20 days Uganda safaris. That doesn’t mean however, that we take our foot even slightly off the gas.

Accommodation at the Park

Bwindi national park has different park sections with different gorilla families and accommodation. The Northern sector Buhoma, Southern sector, and South western sector (Ruhija). Besides, tourists are advised to spend a night before tracking in the accommodation close to the briefing point depending on the sector where they will do the tracking.

What is the time for an adventure travel: gorilla trekking in Uganda

Uganda is on e of the three countries that host the rear specie of gorillas and these are mountain gorillas and the rest of the countries are Rwanda and DR. Congo. The mountain gorillas are the largest primates in the world as they weigh an average of 140kgs an adult one. They are only 880 mountain gorillas left in the world and Uganda has a half of the population of the gorillas of 420 gorillas and these are found in Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga gorilla national parks. These mountain gorillas are critically endangered species of gorillas that are almost getting extinct. However, efforts have been made by the different organizations both local and international to save these wonderful primates from getting extinct.

These elusive animals are one of man’s closest relatives in the animal kingdom as they have almost the same nervous, respiratory, immune systems and skull structure. These animals have 98% DNA almost similar to man. These have unique social behavioral ways that are similar to mankind i.e. the way they neatly organized in their families. It is very had to find a gorilla solely on its own. They are always with a families which is composed of silver back the father gorilla, like four female adult gorillas the mothers of the young gorillas, the other adult female and male gorillas that are about to make their own families that is the uncles and the aunts and the young ones. The family is normally composed of 8-30 gorillas and always headed by the silver back.

Words cannot explain the feeling and excitement one accumulates when he/she meets the gorillas in their natural habitat. Come to Bwindi impenetrable national park or Mgahinga hear captivating stories about the gorillas from the gorilla patron and also have that exhilarating experience of making a nerve cracking eye contact with the gorillas. The mountain gorillas are very peaceful animals that are not problematic to humans if its privacy is not intruded. While at Bwindi, you have an opportunity of taking a picture of a gorilla and if you are lucky, you can be captured with the gorillas.

Besides the gorilla trekking in Bwindi, you have a chance of encountering the most interesting people of Uganda the Batwa. Take a Batwa trail after gorilla trekking. Meet the shortest people in Uganda get involved in their culture.

The gorilla adventure also makes one to stay in one of the most amazing lodges on earth as the lodges around Bwindi are all eco lodge. Come to Bwindi and live on the green world of the earth. Everything that is involved in the gorilla safari is nature sensitive.

The gorilla adventure makes one come so close to nature and understand how nature is good to humans as it is very bewildering looking at the gorilla doing their unique antics in the jungle.

Uganda Welcomes New Born Gorilla Baby in Bikyingi Group

Uganda has welcomed a new baby gorilla born in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The baby gorilla was found on the 11/September/2016 by the trackers who had gone to track the gorillas of the Bikyingi group, one of the habituated gorilla families that tourists visit in Bwindi Forest. It was also believed to have been born on the previous day and this new born brings the number of gorilla individuals within the group to 22.

The Bikyingi gorilla group is found in Rushaga, south of Bwindi Impenetrable National park and has got 21 individuals including; 1 silver back, 9 adult females, 2 sub adults, and 9 infants. This is one of the two groups that are undergoing the habituation process in the park. The Bikyingi is a group which is famous for the Gorilla habituation Expereince that is carried out at the moment. This process started in 2013 while the experience started in January 2015. It’s also known that the last birth among these gorillas in Bwindi was on 21st /08/2016 with in Bushabo which is a group under the habituation located in the Nkuringo with in the southern sector of the park.

This group was first sited in the Bikyingi area which is near the Rushaga before the process to habituate started so it was decided to be named it according to the area. The only silver back and also the leader of the group is called Bikyingi, the naming of the other gorilla individuals has not yet been done since the gorillas are shy and not fully habituated. And therefore the mother of the new born doesn’t have a name at the moment.

The other thing about this group is that the silver back called Bikyingi is so friendly to all of the babies in the group and is also always with them at most of the times. The babies also normally go to their mothers to breast feed and then return to the silver back as soon as they get done with it. This is also the reason why it’s hard to determine the mothers of each baby as all the adult females within the group.

Over half of the mountain gorillas living in Uganda and according to the 2012 November census results that were released by the Uganda Minister of Tourism wildlife and antiquities, the mountain gorilla population is on high increase. There are over 400 gorillas from 302 of 2006 with in Bwindi Impenetrable national Park alone and 80 in Mgahinga Gorilla national park which makes 480 mountain gorillas in Uganda.

There are 36 gorilla families with in Bwindi impenetrable national Park and only 11 of these are habituated and can be accessed by the guests. The migratory group is in Mgahinga frequently moves between Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo and they seem unpredictable. Gorilla habituation is also the process that takes two years and over this time, the gorillas usually get used to human beings and they remain doing their routine activities with in the wilderness even when the humans are present. More so according to Uganda wildlife Authority conservation rules, only eight adults are allowed to track each of the habituated gorilla group each day. This means that there are over 88 gorilla tracking permits each and every day along with the 8 of the Ngahinga family.

These gorillas also move to new places each and every day and will never stay in one place twice. The trek terrain might be different but the time spent is also unpredictable. More so a 2 or 3 hour trek could also be a 6 to 7 hours. Booking a gorilla permit can be done by a preferred tour agency in advance.