UGANDA MOUNTAIN GORILLA FACTS

Mountain gorillas are regarded as endangered species and there are only about 980 mountain gorillas that remain in the world. They are shared by three countries that’s Uganda (Bwindi and Mgahinga) Rwanda (volcanoes national park) and the democratic republic of Congo. Gorillas are regarded very humble and rarely attack human and gorillas of these countries are habituated to human standards and they can be tracked safely in their natural habitat. But an encounter a person should stay still and refrain from staring or pointing at the gorillas. Gorillas are regarded the second closest relative of man after the chimpanzee and shares almost 96% of human DNA make up, it’s the biggest primate on earth with a male weighing over 180 kg (400 lb). Females weigh half that at about 90 kg (200 lb. Gorillas are like human they have all the five senses, five fingers, they can stand upright although they like to walk on their knuckles for a long time.

Conservation fact:

Oscar Von Beringe a German officer was the first European to encounter the mountain gorillas; he decided that something must be done to preserve the population of these magnificent creatures, and in 1925 he persuaded the Belgian government to create Africa’s first protected area, Albert National park (now volcanoes national park). Dian Fossey continued on the works of George Schaller to protect and habituate these endangered mountain gorillas that today they can be tracked safely in their natural habitat, however Dian Fossy was killed in December 1985 by the said poachers whom she had made herself very unpopular, and her story has been made the subject of her film, Gorilla in the Mist.

Habits:

 They live in close-knit family groups that may have up to 30 members. The group comprises of a silverback because of the distinctive silvery fur growing on their back and hips when they mature at least 12 years old, these silver-back scares away other animals by standing on their back legs, a young male gorilla called a black-buck age from 8-11 years they most of the time leave their group at the age of 11 years and have their family group at the age of 15 years. A female gorilla age from 10 years and above, adolescents from 5-8 years and the infants from 1- 5 years.  The silverback which is a mature male is in charge of the group, he is responsible for fertilizing all females in the group and a male gorilla begins to breed between 12 and 15 years, a silverback is also in charge of where to sleep the following night and he protects the group in case of any attack and if it means losing life he can do so in order to protect the group and even a mother fight tooth and nail to protect their young ones.

Gestation:

when a male conceives it stays with a pregnancy for a period of about 8-10 months, they give birth for the first time at 10 years and will have more springs every after three years or four years. They most of the time produce one baby, twins in gorillas is a rare case, the mother take care of the infant for up to about 4-5 years when it can live on its own

Diet:

 Mountain gorillas are purely vegetarians; they mainly feed on leaves, buds, shoots, tubes, roots, stalks, bark fruits, ferns etc. they spend most of the day feeding. Gorillas rarely drink water this is because most of the food they eat contains too much water.

Life span:

  

Gorillas can live for over 50 years in the wild where as in captivity they can live less than 35 years.

Threats to mountain gorillas;

Gorillas are threatened by wild animals which attack and kill them like lion, leopard and they normally kill young gorillas, diseases like Ebola kill them, human activity like clearing a way forests leaving them homeless, poaching, they are hunted out by poachers for trade meat and medicine, all these put these rare species in danger.

Mountain gorilla tracking

Uganda is regarded as a premier destination for gorilla tracking, in bwindi impenetrable national park there about 10 habituated gorilla group ready for tracking and in each group only 8 members are allowed to track which means that about 88 members are ready to track each day. Gorilla tracking begins very early in the morning after reporting at the park headquarters for briefing about the dos and don't s while with gorillas and it can go to a half or full day in the wild. A gorilla  permit is at a fee of USD 600 per person per tracking during high seasons and USD 350 per person in the low season. Don't wait book a 3 day Uganda gorilla safari to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park

TIPS FOR RWANDA GORILLA TRACKING

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·         When you’re in the wild Stay together in a tight group while with the gorillas, don’t surround them.

·         Stay in a distance of about 7-10 meters to the gorilla

·         When you’re with gorillas Don’t make any loud noises or sudden movements, you may scare them away or they charge on you

·         If you want to sneeze or cough, turn away from the gorillas this may affect them

·         If you want to take photos, don’t use a flash camera

·         Don’t eat or smoke near the gorillas they may charge on you

·         Don’t litter

·         Bury excrement deep and cover properly

·         You are only allowed to stay with gorillas for one hour per visit

·         No one with a communicable disease can visit the gorillas

·         No one under 15 years old can visit/track the gorillas

 

FACTS ABOUT ELEPHANTS

Elephants are regarded as one of the big five mammals in the wild and the largest land animals in the world Weighing up to 6 tons (11 000lb). This giant of the animal kingdom has a striking presence.  The elephant is distinguished from other mammals by its high level of brainpower, interesting behaviour, means of communication and multifaceted social structure. There are two species that are traditionally recognised in the world, the African elephant and the Asian elephant. Although they are totally living on different continent, they share a lot in common. African elephants can be distinguished from its counterpart by their larger ears that look somewhat like the continent of Africa for the Asian elephants have smaller, rounded ears.

Size

An African elephants are the largest among the two species weighing from 5,000 to 14,000 lbs. (2,268 to 6,350 kilograms, here as an Asian elephant weigh up to 2.25 to 5.5 tons (2,041 to 4,990 kg)

The Elephant uses a  well-developed trunk  in most  of everything, the truck is very important in that it serves as a nose, hand, an extra foot, gesture device and a tool for gathering food, taping water, dusting, digging, tearing down trees, fighting especially males  and a variety of many other functions. Not only that, but the truck also permits the elephant to reach as high as 23 feet. African elephants have two finger-like of its kind on the end of their trunk that they can use to grab small items. Asian elephants have one. Either male or female grow tusks and they grow for most of an elephant's lifetime and are an indicator of age. An elephant's trunk has more than 100,000 muscles, according to the research carried out by the National Geographic. Same applies to humans where you can find someone right handed or left handed, elephants can be right-tusked or left-tusked]

Quick Facts

Allocation

Elephants are widely allocated throughout central, western, eastern and south of the African Sahara, with the forest elephant inhabiting the rainforests of the Congo basin. There are isolated populations in the southern African sub-region. Asian elephants mostly live in Nepal, India and Southeast Asia in scrub forests and rain forests. Elephants mostly live in the open plains, clean drinking water and the plentiful supply of food are an elephant’s only habitat requirement.

Diet 

Elephant are regarded as herbivore mammals they browse and eat up to 600 pounds of food a day. They eat roots, fruits, and barks. They eat a lot of things that much their size, they can be extremely destructive in their feeding habits by pushing over trees, pulling them up by their roots or breaking off branches. They don’t sleep a lot they spend most of their time walking great distances while foraging for the large quantities of food that they require to sustain their massive bodies.

Habits 

A group of elephants is called a herd, about 10 individuals which is led by a matriarch the oldest female. Unlike in other mammal species where the adult males live together within the family it’s not the case with elephants as the adult male tends to wander on their own, they are normally solitary and move from herd to herd. Females, as well as young and old elephants, stick together in a herd. The females in each herd help each other find food and care for calves.

Reproduction

Elephant have along pregnancy of about 22 months longer than any other land animal. A baby elephant weighs up to 200ibs. (91kg) and stand about 3 feet (1m) tall. A baby elephant is called a calf. female elephants (Cows) usually give birth to one calf every two to four years by the time a calf is 2 or 3 years old, they are ready to be weaned. A female calf will stay with their mothers while the male calf wanders off on their own or join another group. A female is ready to conceive when they reach 13 to 20 years of age.

Socialisation

Elephants are generally sociable and form small family groups consisting of an older matriarch and three or four offspring, along with their young. The female family groups are often visited by mature males checking for females in oestrus. Elephants communicate within their herds or between herds many kilometres away mostly using sounds too low for human ears to perceive and by stamping their feet, elephants are believed to have the same or similar levels of cooperation as chimpanzees the closest relative of man. When elephants meet at watering holes and feeding places, they warmly greet each other a sign of Socialisation among themselves. If in a group one elephant dies, the herd dig a shallow hole and made the dead elephant to rest in peace and they can even spent days mourning for their friend.

 Life span

Elephants live to up to 60 to 70 years in the wild

Predators

• Humans, because ivory is so valuable to some humans, many elephants have been killed for their tusks. This trade is illegal today, but it has not been completely eliminated, and some African elephant populations remain endangered.
• Other predators like hyena, crocodiles, lions are a threat to elephants they most of the time target the one ones

Where elephants can be seen in Uganda

also provides a great opportunity of watching these giants. Take a game drive in

There are very many places in Uganda where these species can be seen in abundant; they include national parks and a few game reserves. Queen Elizabeth national park which is located in the south western part of Uganda provide a unique opportunity for elephant viewing  in a close range , in a tourist 4x4 FWD vehicle.  Many can be spotted in the savannah grassland of the park and other can be seen when on a boat cruise on the Kazinga channel on the shores of the lake foraging. http://elephantsafaris.co.ug/5days-queen-murchison.phpthe northern part of the park you will meet a lot of them just near in a herd of about 10 individuals per family you meet as you will also meet other wildlife in the park. Also when you visit http://elephantsafaris.co.ug/lakemburo.phpLake Mburo national park you will keep smiling after having a glance on these wild giants. At http://www.elephantsafaris.co.ug/ we offer good packages for wildlife viewing and primate watching (single or combined) to make your safari memorable.

QUICK FACTS THAT MAKE UGANDA THE MOST AFRICAN SAFARI DESTINATION

Uganda is a country with a good weather condition good to visit at any time, Uganda is known for its fine sunny and rainy weather which doesn’t require the wearing of warm clothing except in some chilly nights in the mountainous areas, due to its weather, the country can be visited at any time depending on traveller’s needs and interest. Distinctive wet and dry seasons are typical of most areas of Uganda hence making it the most African destination. In such a background it has attracted many travellers’ whole over the world to spend their vacations on the Ugandan soil with hospital people.

    

Uganda offers a astonishing variety of wildlife with the country hosting ten national parks a number of game reserves almost in every region of Uganda; including Murchison falls national park the largest Uganda national park, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Mgahinga and Bwindi, Mt. Elgon and Rwenzori, Semuliki valley, Kidepo, Kibale all these parks houses very many nature wonders all waiting for you to explore.  Some of the wildlife is unique only on this part of the world. It’s where you can spot the tree climbing lions sited on frig trees, in the Ishasha area of Queen Elizabeth national park a very unique and interesting encounter

     

The Mountain gorilla tracking is the major attraction and fascinating attraction for tourist travelling in this region. Uganda is one of the three countries that host these remaining mountain gorillas in the world almost a half of the world population and it is regarded the best gorilla safari destination. Gorillas in Uganda are tracked in the most visited Uganda national park that’s Bwindi impenetrable N.P and Mgahinga gorilla national park both located in the south western region of Uganda. All these features make Uganda worth to visit, in order to be considered among the 8 membres to track gorillas you must have a gorilla permit, and a gorilla permit is at a fee of 600 USD on the high season and 350 USD on low seasons. Gorilla permits are at a very high demand so you are advised to bbok in advance at least 3-4 months before your safari as permits are always at a very high demand they are issued on first come first served basis so the earlier the better. It is always recommended to book with your tour company since they have easy access to gorilla permits. For more information about acquiring a gorilla permit contactinfo@elephantsafaris.co.ug http://elephantsafaris.co.ug/mountaingorillas.php. You are reminded to come with tracking gears such as strong shoes/boots, long sleeved shirts or blouse, gene trousers, plus a camera for photography. 

For bird lovers, Uganda is the best destination to go; Uganda is ranked among the world’s top birding destinations with very many different species of birds. You can see birds in Uganda all year round given the comfortable weather in the country. There are very many spotting areas including national parks and game reserves, lake shores, islands. Some of these birds are only seen here in Uganda; even with in Uganda’s capital Kampala you can still spot very many species. Indeed if you’re a bird lover, Uganda is the best place to go. All these spotting areas have good and experienced guides good at spotting various species of birds so you are advised to come with first class camera good at taking photos.

Trekking the mystic Rwenzori mountains National park in Uganda is truly incredible and unique experience the country offer. The diversity of flora and fauna with several biospheres as you ascend through different vegetation zones creates the most ultimate experience of trekking.Tekking can also be done in the Elgon mountain in the eastern side of Uganda, trekking is so interesting finding yourself at the top of the mountain is so fascinating come and trek on the mountain Rwenzori which is sometimes referred to as the mountain of the moon. Margherita peak at 5,109m on Mt Stanley in the Rwenzori Mountain is Africa’s third highest mountain; however the real beauty is in the climb up the peak as you will be in position to see the nearby volcanoes in a close range wildlife among others, this is an experience you won’t love if you decide to take a safari to Uganda.

Uganda is home to second largest Lake in the world and also the source of the River Nile the longest river in the world, Uganda also hosts other Lakes like Albert and George, Edward, Mburo, Kyoga, lake Bunyonyi the deepest Lake in Africa and many other crater Lakes and all these offers attraction like white water rafting for adventure lovers, boat cruise, spot fishing beach holiday and good for viewing among other just come to Uganda all these are for you to explore.

Uganda is a country with very many tribes and cultural contrasts with over 52 different local languages with unique culture. Many regions in Uganda have kingdoms including Buganda, Busoga, Bunyoro and Toro which are highly respected and they have traditional sites good at visiting and learn more about the African culture and history. Each tribe has its own traditional dance; The banyankole perform their Kitagururo dance, the Banyoro have their Runyege , Acholi have the Bwora and Otole dances . The Alur people from the West Nile have the traditional Agwal dance, Bagisu have the Imbalu dance during circumcision ceremonies. Come and enjoy as well as learning more about the traditional way of life and culture as well as joining them in their dances, it is really a true experience. To mention some of the cultural sites in Uganda include the Kasubi tombs which is a burial grounds for 4 Kings of the Buganda Kingdom referred to as ‘Kabaka” is now being reconstruction after it was destroyed by fire a few years ago, Namugongo Martyrs Shrine, it a very recognised place where over 22 Uganda martyrs where killed for failure to denounce their faith and very year on 3^rd June very many pilgrimages are made to this place. Other sites include Sezibwa falls, Nyero rock painting in Nyora, kalambi tombs,Nakayima tree found in Mubende district come and explore Uganda’s unique culture.

 

All these among other attractions make Uganda a best African safari destination worth to visit. Check on our site www.elephantsafari.co.ug we off all the above packages to various destination. You are welcome in advance.

African Safari in Kenya : An Elephant Born in the Kenyan Wild

Amboseli National Park covers 3,100 square miles across the Kenya-Tanzania border. The park is well known for being the best tourist spot in Africa to get close to free-ranging elephants.

Elephants have a gestation period of up to 22 months and because of their massive body, it’s not easy to tell when an elephant is pregnant and when it’s due. That is why according to Paolo the photographer who witnessed this phenomenon ‘It was incredible, because to witness the birth of an elephant in the wild is almost impossible. He adds ‘This is because it is impossible to predict the exact moment

This is what Paolo says, when it comes to bodyguards, you really couldn't do much better than these guys.

Paolo further said: ‘We observed an unusual tight congregation. ‘All those elephants were in high agitation, seriously nervous, and closing the formation shoulder to shoulder. ‘A strong wall of muscles and tusks that can scare any kind of other animal. ‘This is the formation they are normally taking in only two cases: under attack by predators like lions, or during the birth of a new elephant.’
The defensive group gathered around the mother, scratching the soil with their gigantic feet and closing any gap between them to block the view of any potential predators. Paola further accounts ‘At about 7:30 am the elephants started trumpeting as though they were welcoming the new arrival,’
‘Five minutes later we had the first glimpse of the new born between the legs of the giant animals.’
Moments after the birth, the calf could be seen clutching the tusk of an adult with its trunk as it staggered to its feet for the very first time.

Huddled shoulder to shoulder in close formation, the elephants began thrusting mud around, it is believed, to put off predators off the scent of blood.

‘All the elephants were very, very, exited, and were digging the soil with the tusks and feet,’ said Paolo.

‘Also they were throwing grass and soil all over in an attempt , I can only suppose, to hide the smell of the blood and the placenta, and confuse possible predators.’


Creating an impenetrable wall around the calf, the adults, which included other females, attempted to help the youngster to its feet.’ It was amazing to observe the unity of the family, with all the other female trying to help the new born,‘At 8:15 am, almost one hour after birth, finally the new born elephant stood up with his mother and got a deserved dose of milk!’
Visit our site and consult a professional tour operator in African trips

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Lauch A Wildlife trip in Uganda to Queen Elizabeth National park by Elephant safaris

3 Days Queen Elizabeth National Park

Day 1: Kampala-Queen Elizabeth National Park
Following an early morning breakfast you will proceed to Queen Elizabeth National Park. The park is one of the exceptional treasures of Uganda and named after Queen Elizabeth II visit in 1954. It covers an area of 1978sq.km and is situated between two big lakes, Lake George and Lake Edward as well as the 34km long Kazinga channel. Have a stop over at the equator for pictures and souvenirs and lunch in Mbarara. There after continue to the park to your lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Chimpanzee tracking and lunch cruise

Early morning make your entry into Kyambura Gorge for a thrilling Chimpanzee safari. The rain forest is magnificent and offers dramatic steeply forested landscape and is incredibly dense with numerous animal trails allowing access to tourists. Your guided walk in search of the chimps and other primates, may last between 3-4 hours .Past lunch, enjoy a cruise on the Kazinga Channel, which joins Lake Edward and Lake George. This waterway is filled with schools of hippos and buffalos .Elephants are often spotted on the banks.Overnight at Mweya Safari Lodge/Simba safari camp

Day 3: End of Safari

After a relaxed breakfast, the Queen Elizabeth Safari ends with a transfer to Kampala arriving in the early afternoon.

More information about the national park visit: 

http://www.elephantsafaris.co.ug/queenelizabeth.php

4 Days Gorillas Safari - Uganda Group Safari package

Day 1: Depart for Queen Elizabeth national Park (noon launch cruise).

In the morning have breakfast then drive towards the west from Kampala to Queen Elizabeth National Park following the amazing Ruwenzori Mountain range. Go for an afternoon launch cruise along the Kazinga channel. See the highest concentration of hippos, crocodiles surrounded by migrant and resident birds (over 550 species) and other animals drinking and resting at water edges. Dinner and over night at Mweya safari lodge/Simba safari camp.

Day 2: Game drive and drive to Bwindi national park

Go for an early morning game drive after breakfast along Kasenyi track and Queen’s mile in the park. Expect to see warthogs, Topi, Elephants, Kobs, leopards, hyena, cape buffaloes, Waterbucks, not forgetting the lions and the lots of small animals and birds. After the game drive, drive to Bwindi via Maramagambo and Ishasha sector. This gives you an opportunity to view animals such as, antelopes, buffalo, and waterbucks, the elephant, and Kobs. Meals and overnight stay at Gorilla forest camp/Gorilla resort/Buhoma community bandas.

Day 3: Gorilla Tracking

Take breakfast and proceed to the Impenetrable forest for gorillatracking. After the briefing from the authorities of the park, set off for the trekking into the rain tropical forest covering the hills surrounding Virunga Volcanoes. Make sure you carry with you packed lunch and water. Remember you need jungle boots since gorilla tracking involves walking up steep densely forested hills before finally coming across the endangered gorillas camouflaged in the dense tropical vegetation. Relax in the evening as you wait for your dinner at Gorilla forest camp /Gorilla Resort/ Buhoma Community Bandas.

Day 4: Return to Kampala

After breakfast return to Kampala arriving late afternoon.

For more details visit http://www.elephantsafaris.co.ug

Our Safari packages to QE Park | Elephant Safaris is now offering Group Tours !!

Greetings from Warm Kampala !!
Elephant Safaris is scheduled to offer group safaris to Murchison and QENP.
A sample of our Itineraries are as follows

3 Day Wildlife Safari (Queen Elizabeth National Park)

Safari Highlights:

·         Game drive in Queen Elizabeth

·         Boat cruise on Kazinga Channel

·         Chimp Tracking In Kyambura Gorge

Day 1: Kampala – Queen Elizabeth National Park:

You will get a wake up call from our company representative and we shall drive to pick you up from your Hotel/Home in the morning to depart from Kampala driving West, with a stopover at the equator, through volcanic formations of the western Rift Valley towards Queen Elizabeth National Park. Enjoy your stay at one of the most hospitable lodges in the Park (Mweya Safari Lodge/Katara Lodge/Simba safari Camp or Ihamba Safari Lodge. (FB)

Day 2: Chimp tracking and Launch cruise

After an early breakfast, you will leave for Kyambura gorge for chimp tracking. Search for habituated Chimp tracking, other primates and different tree species. You will have lunch and thereafter enjoy the Kazinga Channel boat trip with an opportunity to view wildlife. Enjoy your stay at Mweya Safari Lodge/Katara Lodge/Simba safari Camp or Ihamba Safari Lodge. (FB)

Day 3:  Morning Game drive – Kampala

With the prolific game and a diverse Eco-system, enjoy the opportunity to see Elephants, Buffalo, Lions, side stripped jackals, hyena, leopards, Bush buck Uganda Kob Topi and Topi. For the Birders, you will enjoy more than 610 bird species which have been recorded in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Return to Kampala with great memories and moments spent with the fascinating Chimpanzees and wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park. 

End of Safari

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