Mountain Gorillas and Local Communities Around Gorilla Destinations

Having visited gorillas and done numerous research with other gorilla agencies , I found out that gorillas are lovely creatures which share almost the high percentage of what humans poses, many just like in the beginning humans used to share the same territories or call it home steads with the gorillas in the jungle, in my own opinion, these areas are within the Virunga regions in congo this park stretches all the way to Volcanoes park and to the mgahinga national park, the Virunga park is very protected against any Intruder with fence and small sub section of the oasis sekenkwe tourist centre this place host all the administration role of the Virunga park with only a gorilla orphanage and chimp trek can as well be done from mikeno lodge , this is the only activity here where even the disabled person can do as chimps roams within the lodge and for this chimp trek $160 minus the 16% VAT. The surrounding communities around the park are mostly the former refugees from Rwanda , Ntarahamwe and the language spoken here has mixed feeling of the French , Congolese Swahili and Kinyarwanda, people here have benefited in form of Medical facilities, power extension, road I mprovement ,and communication extension due to the presence of the Mountain gorillas within the Virunga region. Protect your closest Ape today to have a beautiful living of the gorillas in their ancestral eco system We’ve all wanted to see these primates and, inevitably, at some point we’ve actually been part of primate before we evolved to where we are. So we need to protect gorillas. .
In the Volcano region , there has been a great improvement between the gorillas and the local communities who live almost in the same vicity with the gorillas, Rwanda poses many different gorilla groups which at times roam within the potato fields but because of the good relation ship that the RDB Rwanda development board put in place we find that the local instead of killing the gorillas , they chess them back to their eco system ,because these are migratory species with no limit of movement within the jungle, we find that some wild gorillas if they get mixed up with the habituated gorillas they tend to destroy people potato fields and at the end the government .since the government has paid to them back in form of improving the road network within the volcanoes region right from Ruhengeri to kinigi, except the Susa group which is in farther distance but at least power and water is in place due to the benefit from gorillas as gorilla permit fee and from my Experience i recommend 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Safari and it can even be the same in Uganda
Within the Mgahinga region ,comprises of Mount muhavura, Mt Mgahinga, and Mount Sabinyo which all joined make up the Mgahinga national park of Uganda but all within the Virunga region which is chain of the many volcanic mountains that accommodates all the gorillas in the territory have too benefited positively though roads, clean gravity floor water , power extension, and good medical facilities to the community, all in all gorillas and communities have established a symbiotic relationship within the ecosystem, Believe me or Not, No body would have known in Uganda and in outside world sthat Bwindi exists without the presence of these great apes, the fancy lodges in place local people too smell the value of dollar which wouldn’t have been in place in other wards the drastic transformance of Bwindi people to modernity is due to gorillas presence in the region. And in return school around Nkwenda, Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga,Ruhijja, and other neighbouring villages have really been so much developed .Therefore on my own opinion and observation, gorillas have linked the communities to much better way of life It isn’t that much to make sure they are properly protected.

Am sure some people would criticize Billy  but others would absolutely agree with what I write about …… It is easy to miss details about particular information online and while reading my posts travelers might be inclined to read about a particular destination before visiting it and this is exactly what they look for while doing research. In reality Most, if not all holiday makers will always appear to be perfect in their interests in order to entice possible feelings taking their loved ones on holiday. People, like me, when choosing a destination to visit online, tend to look at the official website, travel blogs, Travel reviews and also other sites where previous holiday makers can read about the pros and cons, sometimes see the pictures taken by previous visitors to the place before   deciding on the best option for me to take.

Author SSali Billy a Tour Guide at Active African Vacations

What Makes an African Safari a Mazing even for the Disable

Sing on my physical experience as guide for Rwanda and Uganda, having travelled with thousands of great adventurous travellers to the extent to believe that we really had ” Best experience in our lives “This is reached via a combination of factors as it must be a joint hand between all the prayers, factors like hotel facilities, the person in the reservations, selection of the attractions and activities beyond all these your driver guide is the last prayer in the game, as client the level of flexibility of the driver guide will too have a smooth transition of the Gorilla safari,
Whether your sole traveller or group traveller you want to feel safe and comfortable and this can only be certainly achieved if your guide is friendly you feel protected wherever you go . for example if you get to have a disappointing guide you may hate the destination visited, finally end up having sour trip and worst experience in life,
However if a guide doesn’t talk with you much and decides to keep quiet , you may not feel happy some times its not good to see it as a necessity to have a guide that is always laughing and joking, you would expect a guide to talk with his clients, explain things, point out attraction, be interactive. But a guide who is always on the quiet and grumpy side is not so good you have to create A FEELING to this guide that he is part of your life for the limited time your with him just to enable you experience So much more than you expected or amazing Trip “during to those who go for gorilla trekking which is the best-selling activity for Uganda /Rwanda the trackers are part of this gorilla trekking journey The trackers a amazing, they have the best eyes for the hidden gorillas, and make you feel safe even though your heart is beating a thousand miles an hour with excitement. The hike up the mountain is treacherous You need BOTH hands free to climb and balance your porter helps you navigate through steep muddy areas and literally PULL you back up the mountain as your head guide always identifies points of interest while on the trek, all these would be part of the complete awesome African journey to be called life time top nortch , at the end many travellers will express their feelings with a feed back review either positively or negative according to the level of ones expectation, that why iat this level I may bring to you some of the gorilla trekking reviews from independent travellers who have experienced an African safari based on hand written reviews

Adventure Uganda on a Safari Vacation with Gorilla Expeditions

Planning to Visit Uganda for Gorilla Safari or Wildlife Viewing ? Gorilla Expeditions team has been Viewing the Best Ways to explore Uganda on a Safari and What to See, we have written these Tips to Have a Great Safari to Uganda with the Experts in Uganda & Rwanda.
These tips are for first time travelers to Uganda. Many seem obvious, One has to do some homework if one’s trip will be one of pleasure and have less stress.
Buy a book about travel to Uganda. Read it and decide what parts of Uganda interest you and which destination you want to visit.

Get an idea of the geography of Uganda.

In Uganda, it is possible to travel every time of the year. Though there rainy season and dry seasons. The months of April, may and November are regarded as low season and other months are regarded as high season.. This is becouse of summer and winter seasons in Europe. In Uganda, in low season, they offer discounted gorilla permits at $350 and in high season the permits costs $600 USD.

The best way to travel in Uganda to different tourism destinations is by a safari van. You can book through a local tour operator to arrange for you every thing like Ground transport, Gorilla permits and hotel booking. Besides that, there are also self drive services for those with international driving permits who which to travel by them selves.

The best way to get currency in Uganda is to use an ATM machine. In Uganda there are many ATM machines especially in the city center. Be sure to contact your bank that you will be using your ATM in Uganda.

If you plan to rent a car and drive, read the Driving Guide for Foreigners. You will need an International Driving Permit. Be aware that it is almost impossible to find free parking on the street in city. Rental Cars are available at the airport and most tour companies offer such services.

Uganda is a safe country to travellers,though a visitor to Uganda should know that there is some pickpocket theft in the city and in crowded places.

At night you should not walk on a street where you are the only one. It is safe when there are many others on the street.
General safety tips for tourists
Don’t keep all your credit cards and cash in the same place. Especially when you’re walking around in unfamiliar surroundings; take only what you need for the day.

If there are two of you, divide your cash and cards when you’re out and about.

f you travel overseas more than twice a year, save with an annual travel insurance policy rather than buying for each individual trip.

Renting a car? You might collect your vehicle in a dim and dark undercover car park, without a hope of spotting unrecorded damage. As soon as you hit daylight, stop and take a walk around your vehicle and head straight back to the car hire depot if you see anything worrying.

When you check in to a hotel, reception staff will usually block an amount against your debit or credit card as a deposit, and it can be substantial. Your available credit is reduced and you might have

problems when you use your card later on. When you check in, find out how much is blocked and make sure you use the same card when you settle your bill or it might take longer to unblock the original deposit.

Finding a decent cup of coffee in an unfamiliar airport can be a challenge. If in doubt, look for where airline staff are queuing.

Don’t flop into bed as soon as you hit your hotel room. Rehydrate, eat and sleep by local time and if you arrive in the morning, take a brisk walk in the sunshine to help reset your circadian rhythms.

If you have any reason to believe that your hotel room security might not be up to scratch, hang the “Do Not Disturb” tag on the door when you leave the room.

If your hotel room isn’t up to standard, if the airline loses your bag, if a cruise operator doesn’t deliver on its promises, document their shortcomings. Take photos, get the facts in writing and take down names. If you need to seek compensation, the process will be a whole lot easier if you can back your case.

Avoid the traveller’s trots. Keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your pocket and use it every time you sit down to eat.

If you’re looking to save money, choose your accommodation with care. An island resort or a similarly isolated location offers no possibility of dining out, and chances are the price of meals at your resort won’t be low.

If you travel with several devices that need to be recharged regularly, throw in a double adaptor as well as an adaptor plug for your destination and you have hassle-free multi charging.

Good travellers check their bags every time they’re loaded into a vehicle, at airports, hotels and railway stations. Mistakes happen and so does mischief. Don’t rely on your driver or porter to do this, lest you part company with your bags forever.
If you want to be sure of a good night’s sleep in a hotel room,check that your alarm has not been set by a previous guest checking out in the wee hours ,housekeeping don’t always reset the clock.

Kids in the Third World will often ask you for sweets or pens, but neither will make a meaningful contribution to their education or oral hygiene. If you want to help them to a better life, donate to a charity such as World Vision or better still sign up for ongoing support.

Important travel tips
Getting there
Entebbe international Airport, which lies 40km from the capital kampala, is serviced by a number of international airlines, including SN Brussels, Britain Airways, south African Airways, kenya Airways, Air Tanzania, Rwandair Express, Egypt Air and Ethiopian Airlines. Uganda can also be reached overland from Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania.
On arrival
Customs and immigration officials are polite and efficient, and a visa for those who require one can be purchased on the spot at the International Airport or at any overland border. Foreign exchange and ATM facilities are available at the airport, which is also serviced by several shops and restaurants. Most midrange to up market hotels in kampala and Entebbe will arrange airport transfers by request, as will any tour operator based in or around the capital.
Health
A certificate of yellow fever vaccination is required. All visitors should take malaria prophylactic drugs. It is advisable to drink bottled rather than tap water.
Money
The unit of currency is the Uganda shilling. The US dollars is traditionally the hard currency of preference, but Euro and pound sterling are also widely accepted. Hard currency cash can be changed for local currency at banks and private bureaux de change in all large towns, but travellers’ cheques are not widely accepted outside kampala. Local currency can be drawn against visa and other major credit cards at selected ATMs in kampala, at Entebbe international Airport, and in a few other large towns.
Language
Educated Ugandans are generally fluent in English, which is the official language. Of 30 plus different indigenous languages Luganda serves as something of a lingua franca.
When to visit
Uganda can be visited at any time, though mountain hikes, gorilla tracking and other forest walks are more challenging during the rains, which generally peak over mid September to November and March to may.
What to wear
Day time temperature are generally warm to hot, so bring lots of light clothing.Evening are cooler, especially at high altitudes, so carry a couple of light sweaters too. Those who intend to hike on the mountains will be exposed to alpine temperatures and should pack accordingly. Solid walking shoes and sturdy clothing are ideal for forest walks. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses and a waterproof jacket.
What to bring
A valid passport is mandatory, and visa requirements should be checked before you travel. To make the most of the game reserves and national parks, carry binoculars and field guides. Photographers will need a zoom lens for wildlife (70-300 or similar). Print film and developing is available in kampala. Toiletries and other essentials can be bought in the cities.
Driving
Driving is on the left side. Visitors without experience of African roads are advised to organise a vehicle with a driver rather than self drive.
Tipping
Tipping is not standard practice at local hotels and restaurant, but it will always be appreciated. It is normal to tip 5-10% at tourist oriented restaurants. Guides and drivers should always be tipped.
Food and drinks
Tourist oriented hotels and restaurants serve good western style meals, while a wider range of cuisines being available in the capital and some larger towns. Local restaurants serve Ugandan dishes, typically ugali (a stiff maize porridge) or matoke (cooked banana) eaten with a stew.
What to buy
A wide selection of local handcrafts are available as souvenirs. These include musical instruments,such as the hide drums made in the vicinity of mpigi,as well as excellent local basket work, paintings,batiks and pottery.

Fantastic and a amazing Tour experience!!!!!!

Fantastic and a amazing Tour experience!!!!!! Gorilla Trekking and Tour guide made the trip even better. Since I was travelling by myself,( areview from our previous traveler who we took on gorilla trekking with Gorilla Expeditions Official Site www.Gorillaexpeditions.com but felt safe all the time, the organization of this life time adventure, this expedition arrangement for the trip for my even when it says minimum 8persons for a little amount And since I was the only person that day, I got to take my time up and the porters almost carried me up as I got sore knees. English speaking kind people(both the porters and sephas were all so kind to me and guide). Very highly recommended!!! awesome trekking & perfect organization” you can’t get a rainbow without the rain”!The hike path is steep and scrabbly in parts but the real challenge lies in doing descending and when it has rained as the case was to me – as was evidenced in the comparative ease of descending the volcano in broad daylight Our guide Brian was terrific – knowledgeable, enthusiastic without being overbearing, took great photos using the panoramic function on our phone cameras and I pads . I was blessed with a cloudless sky to watch the magical sunrise, and lucky as it had apparently been either cloudy or rainy on the preceding 4 dawns! In normal days due to my observations, I realized that this gorilla trek into the volcanoes is worth a visit as it makes you feel the difference of what happens to primates in their natural habitats Although the place is warm during the hike it is cool at the summit, so it’s a good idea to bring a fleece. Shoes with a good tread are also advisable, and rain jackets as are a reasonable level of fitness, a porter is advisable so that you have both hands free for balance as he will assist to carry your belongings lie cameras and carrying minimal extras – all you really need is to carry a little cash to purchase souvenirs and tipping your guide and porters who carry your camera, and a bottle of water. The activity is worth enjoy full this is really worth getting up early for! I loved this trip, although my travelling companion wouldn’t come along to trek, I never felt alone. I learnt so much about the real people and life style of Rwanda and their customs

Mysterious Gorilla trekking tour in Eastern Regions of Africa

Rwanda Gorilla trekking tour is becoming the great adventure through Uganda /Rwanda
Trekking the heights and becoming a portion of the volcano trek landscape is definitely an expertise which can be just beyond your comparison. Trekking in the volcanoes mountain region is really a blend of journey, Much as the activity is daily visit, the gorilla permit has a currying capacity of 8 paxs though the number can be less but not exceed
Gorilla trekking It will not only let you to experience the unexplored trails made by nature, but additionally bring you shut towards the heaven’s ambiance made on planet. While you go throughout the Volcanoes mountains the scenery out the versions on top of the Kalisimbi or Muhabula is great overlooking the great Kisoro ranges the local climate, vegetation and geographical characteristics from lush green farm lands to tropical jungles. The great bamboo forest in the volcanoe slopes surrounded by thick green forests will present angulating landscapes.
Gorilla Trekking is a very interesting Adventure out door in Rwanda and uganda , it would be the same in DRC congo but due to un certainties security wise this leaves congo behind in the areas of trekking within the volcanoes region. The beauty of Trekking no one can actually explain the experience of gorilla trekking as the observation is really different, words cant explain gorilla trekking unless you take Tour in this great region of Africa is considered within the different regions such as is. Trekking in volcanoes requires some time in hand,as trekking takes more than one hour but time spent with gorillas is 1 hour but gorillas can prove to your best holiday ever as they are so friendly just like human beings. The Volcanoe trekking tour ideally covers a stretch of about 1,500 Km, the but thgis area is divided within the 3 countries
The mystical splendor of the mountain gorillas has fascinated a lot of people from across the planet. So for those who desire to stroll down the green and volcanoe paradise on earth and climb up the top visoke known as dianne fosey graves where this great American lady was buried this lady made history in the mountain gorillas cycle seeing gorillas is simply an excellent location. Rwanda and Kisoro offers magnificent panoramic view of the mountains, diversity of landscapes, flora and fauna, friendly people, ancient history and colorful culture of the Banyarwanda and Batwa trails (pygmies) Being part of the landscape of the Volcnoes mountains gorilla trek is an experience that goes beyond any comparison.

Getting to Know mountain Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda Africa

WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW ABOUT MOUNTAIN GORILLAS Mountain gorillas are highly social, and lives in families or groups held together by long term bonds between adult males and females. Relationships among females are relatively weak. The silverback generally defends his group rather than his territory. In the Virunga mountain gorillas, the average length of tenure for a dominant silverback is 4.7 years.Group sizes vary from five to thirty, with an average of ten individuals. A typical group contains: one dominant silverback, who is the group’s undisputed leader; another subordinate silverback (usually a younger brother, half-brother, or even an adult son of the dominant silverback); one or two black backs, who act as sentries; three to four sexually mature females, who are ordinarily bonded to the dominant silverback for life; and from three to six juveniles and infants.

Some members of the group leave their natal groups. Males leave when they are about 11 years old, and often the separation process is slow: they spend more and more time on the edge of the group until they leave altogether. They may travel alone or with an all male group for 2–5 years before they can attract females to join them and form a new group. Females typically emigrate when they are about 8 years old, either transferring directly to an established group or beginning a new one with a lone male. Females often transfer to a new group several times before they settle down with a certain silverback male.

Dominant silverback generally determines the movements of the group, leading it to appropriate feeding sites throughout the year. He also mediates conflicts within the group and protects it from external threats. When the group is attacked by humans, leopards, or other gorillas, the silverback will protect them even at the cost of his own life. He is the center of attention during rest sessions, and young animals frequently stay close to him and include him in their games. If a mother dies or leaves the group, the silverback is usually the one who looks after her abandoned offspring, even allowing them to sleep in his nest. Experienced silverbacks are capable of removing poachers’ snares from the hands or feet of their group members.In case the dominant silverback dies or is killed by disease, accident, or poachers, the family group may be severely disrupted. Unless he leaves behind a male descendant capable of taking over his position, the group will either split up or be taken over in its entirety by an unrelated male.When a new silverback takes control of a family group, he may kill all of the infants of the dead silverback. This practice of infanticide is an effective reproductive strategy, in that the newly acquired females are then able to conceive the new male’s offspring. Infanticide has not been observed in stable groups.the official age limit to see these mountain gorillas used to be 18 years old , this limit was declined to 15 years old, the system of age limit is restricted to uganda and Rwanda mainly, and irrespective of the apes being all mountain gorillas but the price of a gorilla pass varies  in both countries , Rwanda charges $750 all year around and uganda charges $600 in peak season and $350 in low season. this price is never negotiable,some times permits can be acquired on ground. before making your decision to go gorilla trekking get useful information from specialist tour guides like Billy Ssali  brings you

DONTS

Do not approach the gorillas closer than 5 meters. If they approach you closer than 5m, you will immediately back off, slowly.

If a silverback charges, stay in the group, don’t run, stand your ground. You are not to spread out, and the guides will tell you if you get too far away.

It’s important to stay quiet, move slowly, don’t talk or if you must, whisper very quietly.  You are not allowed to drink or eat in front of the gorillas, nor put anything down while you are with them.

This prevents them from approaching you out of curiosity, and touching anything you touched. You are not allowed to touch gorillas since this can lead to a transmission of germs, and threaten the gorilla’s health. If you must sneeze or cough, you cover your face and turn away, for the same reasons.

In case you are sick or have any colds. You are not allowed to track gorillas. If you needed to go to the latrine at any time, dig a hole with pangas that used to clear the way and after cover it well.Once you are told that the gorillas nearby all extra bags and trekking poles would be left behind with the porters. The gorillas are viewed for only 1 hour, no more.

These rules were created for the animal’s safety and conservation. It is a privilege to be in the gorilla’s presence, and to have that opportunity to see them, it is a life time experience. In Uganda a gorilla permit cost $600 USD and in Rwanda, it cost $750 USD. Though the money seems to be high, you will never regret because of the experience.

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