MORE LAND NEEDED FOR RWANDA MOUNTAIN GORILLAS

Mountain gorillas are among few primates whose population slowly keeps increasing in the wild. Rwanda’s gorillas have drastically increased and the option that the government is left with is to extend their natural habitat so as to accommodate all of them. Gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda takes place in Volcanoes National Park, Northwestern side of the country where these impressive apes thrive. On 1^st September, a sum of 19 newborn baby gorillas will be given names at Kwita Izina ceremony which will add the number to about 400 unique primates that already live in the park. Several of these youngsters were born in the previous year, but some are already adults that joined the followed families during that time, arriving from families which have not been followed some times from over the border in Democratic Republic of Congo. 

GORILLA NAMING IN KWITA IZINA 

The following are some of the gorillas that Dian Fossey Fund International follows and officially are to be given names on 1^st September 2017.

Mitimbili’s infant; a male born on 24^th April 2017. This is Mitimbili’s 4^th infant and amazingly all are males and stay in the same big gorilla family.

Kurudi’s infant; a female born on 4^th August 2016. It is Kurudi’s 4^th offspring but she has stayed in most of gorilla families and her infants are scattered out. Her recent family consists of 2 silverbacks that offer protection.

Tamu’s infant; gender still not known but born on 8^th September 2016. Tamu and her offspring stay in a tiny family with only 3 females, 2 offspring and the dominant silverback gorilla-the youngest leader that is monitored.

Ukuri’s infant; gender also still not known born on 7^th August 2016. It is Ukuri’s 4^th offspring and enjoys playing with 3 other offspring in his increasing family, headed by magnificent dominant silverback Mafunzo.

Mahirwe’s infant; a female born gorilla of around 1^st April 2016. The date of birth isn’t known because the family was ranging in the Congo part of the mountains when she was born. The family doesn’t have any other offspring at a moment but the new offspring has a juvenile sister to play with.

Tegereza’s offspring; a male first sighted on 7^th March 2017. Tegereza’s offspring was born while the family was ranging in Congo and is her 2^nd offspring. He has a juvenile brother in the family.

Adult female gorilla in Ntambara’s family; this was first sighted on 8^th 2017. It was sighted in the family when they came back from ranging in Congo. Based on her size and appearance, she was estimated to be around 9 years.

The Rwanda Development Board tourism chamber said, since 2005, a sum of 280 mountain gorillas have been born and awarded names. Eugene Mutangana; the head of conservation at Rwanda Development Board (RDB) added that the increasing number of mountain gorillas is a step forward. The increase in gorilla number means gorilla trekking safaris in Volcanoes National Park will also be boosted. Mutangana said, “We are currently thinking of either buying or hiring land from residents to extend the gorilla habitat.” The process may take about 4 to 6 years!

It is anticipated that the number of these endangered species will come up to 540 by the next population census that is anticipated to end this year. Mountain gorilla safaris contribute about 90% of government revenues from national parks. Only in 2016, Rwanda generated $404 million from tourism. The target is to reach $444 million in 2017.

Ever since the end of the horrific genocide that took place in 1994 between the Tutsis and Hutus, mountain gorillas have got harmony in Rwanda and gorilla trekking safaris in Volcanoes National Park have also been boosted. Tourism specialists assert that for tourism to thrive, peace and stability should be in place which is the basic need for wildlife species like great apes in the wild as well as gorilla trekking trips.

At the opening of the 3^rd day 41^st Annual tourism conference in Kigali, Dr. Mukhisa Kituvi (secretary general of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) added that violence across the African continent has been the primary challenge to tourism development. But with Rwanda’s current peace and stability, mountain gorillas have found it simpler to survive in harmonious Rwanda than its neighbor Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Mountain gorillas are critically endangered apes which thrive in the Virunga Mountains and in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the misty valleys of Southwestern Uganda. Virunga Volcanoes features a chain of volcanic mountains which extend from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Southwestern Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Northwestern Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in DRC. However, the management Gishwati Mukura landscape another addition to Rwanda’s national parks, has been placed under RDB rehabilitation of the natural habitat in and outside the park that began in 2016 at a cost of $9.5 million in 5 years.

Therefore, with the new expansion to the tourist destination, the rare mountain gorillas can find more protection and safety in Rwanda. This will support their general behavior including breeding and at the end, their population increases and thus gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda will also increase.

KIDEPO-THE THIRD BEST SAFARI NATIONAL PARK IN AFRICA

Are you interested in wildlife and wilderness safaris in Africa? Kidepo Valley National Park is Uganda’s remotest, isolated and third biggest national park in the extreme Northeast of Karamoja region, lying at South Sudan border in Northwest and Kenya border in the East. It spans to about 1442 square kilometers and features as one of Uganda’s most attractive safari destinations. Its breathtaking landscapes and exceptional herds of Buffaloes position it as Uganda safari destination and it is of no doubt that it featured in the 2017 CNN travel ranking as the third best Africa’s safari national parks  out of all the 10 in the list. In 2013, Kidepo Valley National Park still featured as the 3^rd best wilderness park in Africa. The park comes with outstanding wildlife viewing especially along the Narus Valley with its concentration of lions, buffaloes, elephants and several smaller ungulates. Kidepo the Africa’s wilderness destination was listed after the Maasai Mara National Park which is popular for the great migration and the central Kalahari Game Reserve in Botswana famous for its vast wilderness and dangerous lions.

It is known to be the most distant destination for Uganda safaris beginning from Kampala but it features the unexploited African wilderness that come with wide range of wildlife especially the big 5 apart from the Rhinos; Burchell’s Zebra, Kobs, Rothschild giraffe and over 480 bird species and the most exceptional landscapes which have withstood the forces of nature with less human impact. It is a home to the native Karamojong dwellings in the Morungole Mountains, which offers visitors opportunity to experience the incredible wonders of the ancient African wilderness where natives and nature co-existed in a symbiotic relationship. There are extended game drives at Narus and Kidepo valleys for tourists prior a life changing hike to Mount Morungole to meet the amazing indigenous Ik people. The Narus valley features open grassland Savannah with tall sausage trees-the Kigelia Africana. The park inhabits over 77 species of mammals but features the second destination after Queen Elizabeth National Park with several bird species. This park straddles in an elevation of 914 meters and 2750 meters above sea level. The highest point in this protected area is Morungole Mountains 2750 meters south-eastern border and Mount Lutoke 2797 meters.

Other safari destinations that featured among the ten (10) best safari national parks in Africa in the 2017 CNN travel ranking include the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area in Tanzania which is ideal for big 5, Etosha National Park in Namibia for cheetah spotting and waterhole stakeouts, the national parks along the Gambia River best for birding and West African aquatic wildlife safaris, Ahaggari National Park in Algeria ideal for Tuareg nomadic culture and vast sweeping Sahara landscapes, Kruger National Park in South Africa, Okavango delta in Botswana for huge crocodiles and mokoro safaris, Perinet Reserve in Madagascar.

Exciting things to do in Kidepo Valley National Park

Game viewing

Kidepo is a home to numerous wildlife species and this makes it the best safari destination. Game viewing is therefore the most exceptional activity that most tourists to this park participate which offers them opportunity to sight at the rare carnivore species in the park especially the bat eared fox, striped hyena, aardwolf, caracal, cheetah and hunting dog. There are also lesser kudu, Grant’s gazelle and Beisa Oryx, Rothschild giraffe, cape buffaloes, elands, bush buck, bush duskier, Jackson’s hartebeest, oribi and many more. 5 primate species especially the Kayirondo bush baby.

Other activities include Scenery viewing which is conducted at the park headquarters on Mount Lamoj. The stunning Kidepo River valley which is dominated by Borassus palm forest; picnic, cultural encounters in the Karamojong community (Manyatta village), nature walks and others.

THE CAPE BUFFALOES

Lodges to stay in Kidepo National Park

There are notable accommodation facilities for you to spend a night over especially the Apoka Rest Safaris Camp, Apoka Safari Lodge and Kakine Campsite just a short distance from Apoka.

Getting to Kidepo Valley National Park

By air:

Fly from Entebbe International Airport to Kidepo Valley National Park. Alternatively, you can drive from Kampala to Gulu and Kitgum to Kidepo National Park. The distant but most stunning route is through Kampala-Mbale-Moroto. This route comes with amazing stopover in Sipi falls, hike in Mount Moroto or visit the cultural Manyattas and explore the life styles of the Karamojong-the great pastoralists. Other routes include the Kampala-Lira-Kotido-Kidepo, Kampala-Mbale-Soroti-Moroto-Kidepo route; Kampala-Mbale-Sironko-Kotido-Kidepo.

In conclusion, Kidepo Valley National Park shouldn't miss in your itinerary. It is one of the best safari destinations to visit on Uganda safaris. There is lot in offer waiting for you to explore in this virgin protected area and you will be filled with life time experiences.

THE BEST WAY TO TAKE INCREDIBLE PHOTOGRAPHS ON GORILLA TREK

A mountain gorilla trek in the African jungles is a “life changing” experience not to be missed out in life. Ever thought about gorilla trekking? Magical encounters with the largest Apes is the most sought after experience that is worth adding in your bucket list of unforgettable adventures while planning the next safari holiday to Africa. There are fewer than 900 individuals that are still thriving on the planet. To spark imaginations with these amazing Apes in the wild is the most exceptional experience that you can not find anywhere else in the world except only in Uganda, Rwanda or Democratic Republic of Congo. You have only 4 options in the entire world to achieve that long time dream. In Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are the only 2 destinations where these magnificent wild creatures live where there are 400 and 80 mountain gorillas respectively. In Rwanda, it is only in Volcanoes National Park while in DRC you can visit the Virunga National Park.

MOUNTAIN GORILLA

An hour with a mountain gorilla is unforgettable experience that you shouldn’t miss out in your life. At this time with these creatures, it calls for full preparedness. A lot more is need for you to carry but most importantly, never forget your camera!! With only 1 hour to be spent with the gorillas, ideally it is the only unforgettable moment in life when you freely exploit the reality about these endangered primates while in their natural habitat. It is also a moment you must take photographs. No need to be an expert photo taker during this adventure, what matters is that you are well prepared! 

Like any adventure, there are basics that you have to follow while in the jungles in order for you to come up with spectacular pictures.

Firstly, you may need a porter to help you to carry your camera gear and trust me you will have ultimate time to concentrate on the trek and photo taking. This can be astonishing and scaring experience but you only need to be prepared to interface a 500 pound gorilla that may decide to stand upright or just stare at you straight to your eyes or merely lie on the ground as an infant walks over it. It is such remarkable experience but getting there is kinder challenging.

Gorilla trekking is best done in Uganda and Rwanda due to the prevailing peace and security unlike DR Congo which is still recovering from insecurity issues. There are also other positive and negative aspects to consider while planning your safari holiday in any of the 3 destinations to view the mountain gorillas. The trek to gorilla habitat is ideally hectic. Normally, visitors begin at the base camp and hike through magnificent forests. The treks can go from 45 minutes up to 12 hours and beyond through a breathtaking altitude, stinging nestles and muddy slopes. But the safari is absolutely worth it while in a face to face encounter with wild Giant Apes. Rwanda is exceptionally accessible. There are flight connections from Tanzania, skilled tour guides and gorillas that are fully habituated to humans and photographing is also simplified.

What to carry for gorilla trekking.

The list is endless but most importantly, you need light weight hiking shoes, long sleeved shirts/T-shirts and trousers and waterproof jackets/poncho as well as gardening gloves for nestles and other insects. A good camera especially 2 SLR cameras with a substitute of at least 2 lenses/batteries, the ideal lenses can be the f2.8 that allow a maximum light and perfect in bad weather. A 24 to 70mm and a 70 to 200m is also an ideal combination. If you still have space, better to also consider a 300mm and angle though it is steep trek and you will need a porter. A 50mm 1.4 lens is good for low light shooting and what is important is to mind about a standard lens. Never forget to bring a camera bag with its plastic cover to protect it from rain.

Film settings

File format

Photographing in RAW format is better. A jpeg is a bit small in size because it usually discards a lot of information and after, you won’t be in position to retrieve the same information especially for those who are not all that exposed. Using this format may need you to set the camera to its largest file size and set the white balance based on the status of the light.

ISO and shutter speed

Usually, the jungles can turn dark and given the dark color of these species, if you go with Nikon D3x/D800, you can shoot at ISO 3200. The best is for you to ensure that you maintain the range of ISO 800 to 2000 so as to have ultimate quality of image. High ISO offers a quick shutter speed though it can affect the quality and cause noise. Maintain ISO as low as you can without blurring images. A rule of thumb is that do not shoot below 1/200^th of a second with a 200mm lens. If you plan to use an 80mm lens then you can shoot at slower speeds of about 1/80^th. At a moment when the Apes are roaming, you can also increase your shutter to 1/1000^th of second or beyond. Other provisions include Nikon D750.

Metering and priority settings

The best default setting is to use centre weighted metering, aperture priority and an aperture of 5f.6. In case of much darkness in the viewfinder, then you require to under expose by up to 2 stops of lights; 2 using your AE +/- button/you overexpose the image. You can also have manual shooting that is if you are in concurrent lighting conditions. Your camera likes shooting subjects where the differences in exposure are not too extreme and it is for this reason that cloudy/shady atmosphere are common for shooting dark subjects like mountain gorillas.

Focus

A one (Single) point focus is normally perfect, you may not need the camera focusing on the tree instead of the gorillas and normally you need to lock the focus on the eyes. In case you get a family of gorillas that you need to maintain as much in focus as possible then focus 1/3 into the image. You may need to alter focus to multi point if you have many moving subjects but suggest single points that will offer you more control. You will perhaps shoot on single shot but may need to alter focus settings to continuous focus and rapid fire if they are on the move and playful.

Shooting tips

While with the mountain gorillas, there is a 7 meter rule between you and the Apes. These species share about 98% of their DNA with humans and this means that they are very susceptible to human infectious diseases. It is important for you to understand this rule and other etiquettes for gorilla trekking before hitting the jungles to search their family. You are also required to turn off the flashlights in the camera in case it has. As you spend your time with these creatures, don’t shoot away wildly. You need to plan your shots, close ups, angles and framing. Ensure that you catch memorable moments especially when the guide is explaining to you about their body gestures and general behavior.

In conclusion, for amazing gorilla photographs, you need a good camera to help you take the best pictures of these incredible primates in the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda or Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. It is a memorable experience in the wild for you to take pictures of these humble creatures.

WHAT FITNESS LEVEL IS NEEDED TO TREK GORILLAS IN UGANDA AND RWANDA?

Few animals can reward senses in the world, but an encounter with mountain gorillas in the wild, is incomparably the most captivating experience of a life time. Largely, described as a most “sought after” and “breathtaking” adventure in the world. Gorilla trekking has become so intimidating that is why it crucial for visitors to take note of/ask important questions as listed below. Am I fit to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda? What physical fitness level do I need to have to go for gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda? Other things are commonly explained and time and again they have been written by many but visitor’s fitness level is rarely discussed in many platforms not only in Uganda but across the 3 mountain gorilla destinations.

BWINDI'S MOUNTAIN GORILLA

Whereas most trekkers assume gorilla tracking to be a mere walk or visit to a zoo, the latter is not factual. A trek to view the rare mountain gorillas in the wild, involves hitting the trails, hiking the steep slopes through the jungles which entirely, demands some bit of physical fitness to complete journey. An encounter with a mountain gorilla group means that visitors venture as far as areas with no trails.  Trackers will be clearing the thick vegetation to pave way for you and this means you will be navigating through fresh trails and a reason we encourage you to be physically fit, properly dress up for safety and protection and gardening gloves, long sleeved shirts/T-shirts, long pants, light weight hiking boots have never missed out in our visitor’s packing list for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. It is strenuous hiking through a fresh trail though other trekkers may not experience due to their physical fitness and nature of their body shape.

While trekking Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, visitors don’t miss to hike through the bamboo forest level and beyond. Treks range from moderate fitness level to reasonable fitness level. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for instance, it involves hiking up and down the steep hills and misty valleys, passed streams via intense undergrowth of the jungle. Gorilla trekking is such a breathtaking adventure but an encounter with the mountain gorillas rewards visitors with unforgettable experiences of life time. In addition, various gorilla groups also require distinct fitness levels, some of them can be simpler to trek even when you are not all that physically fit or aged. We advise our visitors to always inform or book in advance for gorilla permit and explain or request the park management on fitness level other wise you might all be allocated a gorilla family randomly. In Rwanda, trekkers start at the same place (Kinigi) where rangers choose simpler and harder treks based on visitor’s fitness. However, gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1500 for all visitors whereas in Uganda, the Uganda Wildlife Authority together with Association of Uganda Tour Operators have agreed to maintain gorilla trekking tariffs as before up to mid 2019 that further communication will be passed.

Gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are obtainable at $600 for foreign non residents, $500 for foreign residents and shs.250,000 for East African residents. In the months of April, May and November, Uganda Wildlife Authority offers discounted gorilla trekking permits at $450 for foreign non residents, $400 for foreign residents and shs.150,000 for East African residents.

In Uganda, the Rushegura Gorilla group may not be as challenging as others may require bit fitness. Usually, we encourage our visitors to pack some, lunch, energy giving snacks and bottle of water and for Gorilla Habituation Experience, you may need at least 2 bottles of water as it takes visitors 4 hours to encounter gorillas face to face and above all, it is an all day round adventure.

Tips for gorilla trekking fitness

It doesn’t matter what your physical fitness objectives are, but getting prepared for gorilla tracking tour is so helpful for you to get the best out of gorilla trekking adventure. It is not a crime for you to do some training, make the best use of the hilly sides in your compound or town area will help you overcome that strenuous hike. Walk around, exercise and don’t forget to stretch!

Alternatively, utilize the services of a porter to help you. You simply need a day pack, to pack in your lunch 2 litters of water, some snacks and insect repellents to protect you from biting insects in the forest. Porters are helpful for long trails and they can help you get relieved from the strenuous hikes. Gorilla trek is unpredictable and it can go as far as 2 to 8 hours or even beyond depending on the location of gorilla family and visitors speed.

A walking stick is also vital for gorilla trekking. You may think trekking during the dry season, gets you without any rain showers forgetting that gorillas live in tropical rainforests where rains should be expected at any time. A walking stick can help you get through the steep slopes as offers you support on the slippery or muddy steep slopes.

WALKING STICKS

In conclusion, adequate preparation for gorilla trekking is the best way to get through the strenuous hikes in the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda as well as the Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo. Adequately exercise before to get used to longer distances and ease your hike on actual trek. Never forget to pack lunch, hiking boots not saddles for the trek, bottle of water, light snacks, long sleeved shirts and walking stick can be got from visitor center or any craft shop around the park.

UGANDA’S MOST TREMENDOUS SILVERBACK GORILLAS

Gorilla experiences in Uganda are incomparable to any other wildlife safaris. Uganda is popular for its most stunning sceneries, national parks, ideal climate, ultimate cultural encounters and above all its exceptional wildlife species especially the wild mountain gorillas. Over 480 mountain gorillas live in the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Southwestern Uganda. With less than 900 mountain gorillas that are left in the world, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a home to more than 400 gorillas while 80 are found in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Facts about Uganda’s silverback gorillas

Just like humans, mountain gorillas live in families. These families are led by one dominant leader known as a “silverback.” Silverback gorillas are the mature male leaders for gorilla groups. Their silver saddle across their backs is the only easiest way for you to differentiate these massive creatures from the rest. Being a head of the family means that silverback gorillas are entirely responsible for their families. Usually, mountain gorilla family is composed of 5 to 40 members. These mighty primates often take care of the entire family; they decide on where the family must go, where there is good forage for family members to feed on, where they can spend a night and the time to sleep at night. A face to face encounter with one of the massive silverback gorillas in the intense jungles sparks countless imaginations of visitors who get into Uganda.

Uganda silverback gorillas are undoubtedly huge. They have a height of almost 5.5 to 6 feet and they weigh at least 360 pounds. They have small ears that balance with the nature of their heads. Silverback gorillas are popularly the most muscular primates that consist of large bony crests on the tops of their skulls and backs that support the jaw muscles and teeth and they heads have a conical like shape. Silverback gorillas have much hair, long and thick in nature compared to other gorillas. This helps them to survive in the higher altitudes. Silverback gorillas have rare shorter legs compared to their hands. Depending on the size of silverback gorillas, their arms stretch from 7.5 to 8.5, which is almost 3 times that of the human beings.

UGANDA'S SILVERBACK GORILLA

Silverback gorillas begin to grow silver hair at the age of 12 years. Young male gorillas are referred as black back gorillas due to black saddle on their backs. Unlike other silverback gorillas, Uganda’s silverback gorillas are gentle and shy irrespective of their massive sizes and strength. They like socializing but they keep it within their gorilla groups. Silverback gorillas like any other primate and humans, are affectionate, they hug and play with one another. While excited, they can laugh and show ruddiness by throwing things when they are irritated. Most importantly, they are also a few most harmonious wild creatures to interact with while you are in a safari in Uganda.

Mountain gorillas generally depend on forage that concentrates around edges of forests. Besides, they also eat crops and bamboo shoots. Silverback gorillas consumes up to 45 pounds of food every day. When it comes to their sexual life, silverbacks are the only male gorillas to mate with all the female gorillas in the family. Choice is very important in life including wild Apes! The female gorillas allow the silverback gorillas to mate with them due to their powerful strength and large size. Silverback gorillas are 6 times stronger than humans! However, other male gorillas are at times given the opportunity to mate with one of the females in the group. For the male gorillas that are not given the opportunity to mate choose to leave their gorilla family to live a lonely life and these gorillas are referred as “solitary gorillas.” In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, there are nearly 16 solitary silverback gorillas. Silverback gorillas live up to 30 to 40 years.

In conclusion, trekking to see unique silverback gorillas in the wild is the most captivating and memorable experience that visitors should not miss out in Uganda. A harmonious encounter with these wild creatures is only possible in 2 national parks in Uganda; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Never miss exploring remarkable behaviors of these magnificent wild primates and their groups in the wild.