vacationwildholidays

Bwindi Impenetrable forest glamour.

2011-12-07T06:39:00.000-08:00

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Bwindi Impenetrable national park is a prehistoric park which is nestled in the southwestern part of Uganda. It is one of the survivors of the ice age period and home to some of the left over mountain gorillas. The name Bwindi is a Lukinga word that means Impenetrable. Indeed this double meaning soots this park.

It has tall trees with thick vegetation that winds around the stems of the trees. These creeping plants at times make it difficult for trekkers to move. The mountain are shared amongst Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. They have a hairy body and a huge size. They live in families with the silver back being the dominant Male. They search for there food that is the reason why the time for Gorilla trekking is unpredictable.

Birds are plenty in this park. They sing from the tree branches and call out to whoever cares to listen. Other primates like baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, red tailed monkey to mention but a few.

Bwindi is a very interesting park to visit there is a lot to see a part from the mountain gorillas.

Uganda serene destination

2011-12-07T06:33:00.000-08:00

Chimpanzee Trekking

Chimpanzee trekking is another highlight for the Uganda holiday safari. This takes place in the Kibale national park, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth and Kaniyo Pabidi in Murchison falls National Park. At times they hide in the wild and others keep moving to search for fruits. They are a times called the human cousins.

Take a Uganda safari and you will talk about it for ever.

Uganda serene destinations
Most tourists are gaining more interest to visit uganda as new tourist destinations as its regarded as vargin place to visit.
Uganda which is at times called the pearl of Africa offers a number of memorable spots for a honey moon. After a wonderful wedding, take a Uganda safari to visit its most fascinating areas like Ssese Island, the serene Bwindi impenetrable forest, the quite spots of Lake Mburo Nathttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifional park, Queen Elizabeth national park, Kidepo valley national park to mention but a few. These all provide enough space for recollecting after the Hassel of wedding preparations. The beautiful and panoramic beaches, white sand on the ssese beaches, rare fauna and mesmerizing hilly slopes of the highlands of Uganda are amazing.
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In eastern Uganda, there are , siipi falls which are good for scenic viewing. central Uganda is a home to some of the most popular cultural site like Naggalabi coronation grounds, Namugongo Uganda Martyr’s shrine, Kasubi tombs, Mengohttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif palace, Ssezzibwa falls which are interesting to add on your honey moon package. They give you memorable spots to keep your marriage days fascinating because of the interesting stories. In the northern part of Uganda, you may spend some time with the families of Karamojongs listening to their interesting fairy tales, enjoy a game drive in the, a lot is present for your honeymoon in Uganda.

A number of Honeymooners flock to Uganda year after year. This is the reason why it is becoming one of the most sought after destinations in Africa. Most newlyweds spend their first holiday after wedding in the national parks amidst the amazing sounds of the animals and the melodies from the birds. You need to prepare your Honey moon safari in Uganda as soon as you can.

Uganda Holiday Highlights

2011-12-07T06:29:00.000-08:00

As you are touring Uganda, you have chances doing several activities for fun, relaxing and freshening up. There is a lot to make your safari memorable. Uganda Holiday safaris range from to charity safaris. What to participate in Uganda is endless. Below are the three appealing things that you must not miss when you travel to Uganda.

Gorilla Holidays: Bwindi National park is the only Park in Uganda where http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifMhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifountain gorilla trekking takes place. Uganda has the biggest number of mountain gorillas in the whole world. You can organize an adventure safari to this park in the shortest time possible buhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gift the least number of days to do this is taking a 3 days gorilla safari.

: During your holidays in Uganda, you can book a mesmerizing wildlife safari to see animal like buffalos, elephants bush bucks, water bucks statungas, giraffes, tree climbing lions. These animals are not found in the same park. You need to make an earlier booking to have them that the fullest.

African elephant

2010-09-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

The African elephant is the largest living land mammal. Of all its specialized features, the muscular trunk is perhaps the most extraordinary. ..

Cruising on river Nile

2010-01-10T02:17:00.000-08:00

The mighty river Nile Several kilometres downstream from ‘The Source’, the White Nile takes its first big step down along the 6,300 kilometre journey to the Mediterranean Sea. Also labelled the Victoria Nile through Lake Kyoga, over Karuma and Murchison Falls and into the top end of Lake Albert. It is referred to as the Albert Nile to the Sudanese border where the label changes to Bahr el Jebel. Past Juba and into the biggest swamp in the world, the longest river eventually meets up with the Blue Nile in the centre of Khartoum. About one eighth of the flow reaches Egypt and eventually joins the Mediterranean Sea. Cruising on this river is possible especially to those that are water friendly ,spot fishing can be curried out along the river

uganda safarivacations, gorilla toursafari , uganda vacations, gorilla trekking safari, tour to Eastafrica, national parks in uganda, qeen lake mburo

2009-12-18T00:22:00.000-08:00

After the Ugandans seeing that they are lagging behind the bars of tourism , on the side of Ballon tourism as new product , to be initiated in one of Uganda’s nearest national park ( lake mburo national park .The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has called upon all the interested parties in developing and managing balloon tourism in the Lake Mburo National Park.The Lake Mburo NP stands out as the only nearest park which one can cover up within one days trip ,it is situated some 250 km southeast of Kampala along the highway between Masaka and Mbarara and features both animals and natural lakes.and the raod has been renovated to ease traffic flow on the road.This park occupies 260 square kilometres and has five lakes including Lake Mburo. It is famed for both a huge number of animals including hippos, crocodile, antelopes, numerous bird species and unusual fauna and flora.Balloon tourism is already in existence in both Kenya and Tanzania but will be relatively new in Uganda and represents an innovation on the part of UWA to bring in more tourists to the country’s underexploited natural resources. For more information log ontouganda,kenya,Tanzania,Rwanda,mountaingorilla,Rwenzorihiking expeditions,Chimpanze tours

worldwide volunteer, volunteer Uganda, invisible children Africa, free volunteer Africa, overseas volunteer Uganda, invisible children Uganda, childre

2009-12-02T00:36:00.000-08:00

Vacation wild holidays extends great opportunities to international volunteering opportunities to the INVISIBLE CHILDREN, you will have the opportunity to explore the Africa for Africa on the great continent of Africa. Whether you want to volunteer in schools, hospitals, health centers, redemption, orphanage homes, camps known as ( IDP camps )during your year, career
As you do volunteer work in Africa/Uganda , you will also have free time, giving you great opportunity to share your volunteering option with a great love for adventure where you may have a visit to the majestic Murchison falls national park for wildlife wieving, travel and tour other places like Bwindi for Gorilla trekking in Bwindi,trekking Bwindi,Nsongi new gorilla group ,Nkuringo walking trails or Nsongi, or trek in the great Rwenzori mountain

fishinguganda,safarifishing murchisonfalls,murchisonfallsfishing tours,victoria nile fishing tours,nileperch tours Murchison falls,safari tours murchi

2009-11-22T05:55:00.000-08:00

Murchison Falls is one of the Protected Area (MFNP), which came as aresult of the two wildlife reserves Bugungu and Karuma Wildlife Reserves. Murchison Falls National Park derives its name from the Murchison falls where the mighty River Nile explodes through a narrow gorge and flows down to become a placid river whose banks are thronged with hippos, crocodiles, waterbucks and bufalloes. can be s[poted along side the river banks . The vegetation is characterised by Savannah, riverine forest,scrubs, and thik woodland.
the rea has plenty of baboons, lions, Uganda kobs, chimpanzees ,Sport Fishing Uganda vacations
Nile Perch and tiger-fishcan be spoted during the fishing activities this can be arranged by ,http://www.vacation-safaris.com the fishing trip in the park van be encoporated with the Game Drives where various Wildlife can be spoted along the fishing trails the most amazing animal there are the Giraffes which are seen on the northern banks of the river towards the albert delta The launch cruize from Paraa to the falls 16km and back takes about three hours. A boat trip from Paraa to the Delta there are various boat trip that departs at diffent intervals Top Of The Falls the first one leaves at exactly 2:00pm ,the second one at 30 minutes after the depature of the first boat , the last one depart almopst ah hour after the other 2 boats .there's an optional walk to the top of the fall which is charged at rate of $10 Trail

Trails around the top of the falls go right up to the water's edge. You have an opportunity to hike to the top of the falls from the boat landing and to get close to narrow gorge through which the river explodes into the falls. http://www.vacation-safaris.com

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2009-11-21T12:32:00.001-08:00

uganda rounched the first ever move to name the gorillas .Hollywood celebrities made a visit to Uganda to launch the Friend a Gorilla Campaign.

The celebrities took ajet in Uganda ahead of the official launch of the campaign on 26th September.

Some of the celebrities included American actor Jason Biggs who stared in movies like The Glitch (2007) and My Best Friend's Girl (2008). Others include Simon Curtis (TV Series- Five Days-2007, Hunter-2009), Nicholas Brendon (Blood on the Highway-2008, The Portal- 2009), Eddie Kay Thomas (American Dad- 2005 to 2009, Blind Dating-2006, Venus and Vegas-2009), and Kristy Wu.

Besides the Hollywood stars, South African celebrities such as TV personality Rose Mutene, Hlub Mmopi and Fared Khimani are expected to attend.

The celebrities on 23rd tracked the newly habituated mountain gorilla family called Nshongi which is the biggest ever habituated gorilla family in the region.

They also engage in various community projects such as giving talks to school children, volunteering at community health centres and visiting women's associations.

On 24th September, the stars engaged in the first of the three major events which will be the grand launch of the Nshongi gorilla family at Rubugiri in Kisoro district, South-western Uganda.

Under this campaign, people who had a Facebook account were able to befriend gorillas and pay one dollar for each gorilla they befriend.

A Gorilla Gala at Serana Hotel Kampala took place

THE BEAUTY ASSOCIATED WITH QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

2009-08-29T08:01:00.000-07:00

ALL WAS FUN & REAL ADVENTURE AND FUN MY FAVOURITE ANIMAL WAS SEEN ON THE TRIP

Vacation is not reserved for the chosen few New gorilla group come into existance

2009-06-04T04:14:00.000-07:00

uganda Wildlife Authority has announced the launch of the Nshongi family starting from June 2009. Permits will be sold from one month in advance. This new gorilla group will be visited by four tourists for the beginning, as UWA evaluates the impact before opening fully.

1. Mountain Gorilla
As you probably know, 2009 has been declared as the "Year of the Gorilla". With only 720 mountain gorillas left in the world, Uganda is home to more than half of the population. Not surprisingly, there is still a lot of movement within the gorilla families:

* The Rushegura family, who has been moving up and down between DRC and Uganda since a year now, has again crossed the border. Consequently, this group can currently not be tracked by tourists, although their movement is monitored closely.
* The Bitukura family became available for tourism in the second part of 2008 and is now frequently visited. The group consists of thirteen members including four silverbacks.
* The gorillas of the Habinyanja group have recently extended their home range and moved deeper into Bwindi Forest. While Uganda Wildlife Authority keeps monitoring the situation, trackers may now take longer to track and visitors to this group will start their hike earlier in the morning.to those who would like to spend thier time on vacation in Scottsdale & Phoenix, Arizona hotels, resorts, vacation rentals & AZ golf travel lodging spa packages. Accommodations & corporate housing in condos, furnished temporary apartments and rental homes.

DO YOU LIKE SPOT FISHING???

2009-05-10T05:02:00.000-07:00

I LIKE SPOT FISHING AS MY FAVORITE GAME

EXPAND YOUR COB WEB OF FRIENDSHIP

2009-05-10T04:27:00.000-07:00

It would be good for every one to have time for leisure as one can interact with new people ,as adventure creates a cob web of friendship to many people this come to me when I went on a 14 days fishing tour along the longest river in Africa river Nile as most elites say that always It's interesting to see differences between western and non-western culture. Which is the basic route and light for every one to realize a sence of Brotherhood keeping aside the element of ones geographical location its true Driving from one place to the next is often its own adventure. For sure learning a foreign language its self is sexy., Trying new foods/ local foods is always fun! Adventure is 100% the best thing one achieves in his earthly life as it helps you remember not to take things for granted when one returns back home. As you See/experience things firsthand that you learned about in school.!! Can you believe that it helps you see things that one would have seen in a zoo or aquarium, can be seen on ground forexample animals can be seen from their natural habitat while trekking in the jungle or adventuring in the wildernes.its self makes you fell happy in reality experiencing different places and cultures can expand ones level of tolerance.

****ABOVE ALL YOU MEET GREAT PEOPLE AND CAN MAKE LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS **

ALL WAS REALL ADVENTURE

2009-05-09T04:10:00.000-07:00

All was real adventure my first TIME to cruize on River Nile this was an adventure OF my life time all day long on water as i got time to lean and adventure new thing while on water it took us only 14 days to acomPlish the task . there was enough time for fishing along the Albert Nile, Victoria Nile AND SOME COMMUNITY VISITS the people were friendly especially the mad tribe the only thing that scared me was the hard of hippos that come to our harmocup tents one night where we had staged up in the middle of the river near Lalopi side below is acopy of the jouney plan that we took with my friends from Estonia ( Victor, Vladmir, and Alexandra ) all were friendly .

Day 1: Upon Arrival at Entebbe International Airport, we were taken to Kampala for an overnight at Metropole Hotel ( Bed and breakfast )

Day 2 Early in the morning you’ll have breakfast and then we took our own speed boat to the pier to connect us to kalangala we enjoyed some spot fishing enroute with our friend chrles who was in charge of the boat it took us almost 2 and half hours to reach Kalangala Island. You will reached the island in the afternoon to have lunch and then go half day fishing along the shores of Kalangala Island. Dinner and overnight on the island. (mirembe resort beach )

Day 3 In the morning we had a heavy breakfast and then with packed lunch you to go for full day fishing where we cought Nile perch. Of about 24kg in the evening we Returned in the evening for dinner and overnight on the Island.( mirembe resort )

Day 4 we were Transfered back to the boarding area to board a ferry back Kampala to connect us to Jinja overnight at the source of the Nile camping

Day 5 & 6 Morning transfered to Kayunga to do fishing along Victoria Nile River, Lake Kyoga near Galilaya since it’s 3-hrs drive to connect there.we cought fish like tilapia, mud fish, nile perch after we boaded our vehicle to connect us to kampla for an Overnight at Africanna hotel .

Day 7 we took a road transport to connect us to murchison falla national park arrive in the evening , we crossed the ferry and took an overnight at mweya safari lodge

Day 8 we took a morning drive to the top of the falls Nile to the bottom of the falls to view animals like Hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, and birds. You will return to the lodge for lunch and then in the at mid day we went to wanseko for aboat to connect us for fishing in some sites at lake Albert . Dinner and overnight at along theRiver nile in hamocoup tents at pakwach .

Day 9. Whole day fishing on the Nile. In the morning have breakfast and with packed lunch cruise fishing in the different fishing sites that are safe. Dinner and overnight in the Rhino camp along the White Nile.

Day 10 Transfer to the Chobe area where fishing is done from, arrive late in the evening, dinner and overnight in harmocop tents along the Albert Nile. At Riri

Day 11 Full day fishing along the Albert Nile, following the Nile and other small rivers like river Ora will be crossed through. Dinner and overnight at camp along the Albert Nile/ river banks at Laropi .

Day 12 After morning breakfast proceed fishing along the Nile in Moyo near Adjumani side towards Nimule , in the evening you will visit the local communities in the area. Dinner and overnight in a tent, full board

Day 13 Morning breakfast, transfer back to Kampala, this is 9 hours drive from Defile to Kampala, you will have lunch en-route, proceed with the drive to reach Kampala/Entebbe in the late evening, dinner and overnight at lake Victoria hotel in Entebbe hotel (Half board)

Day 14 Morning breakfast we had time for shoping and after we were taken for lunch at garden city then laiter in the evening we were taken up to entebbe international airport by our friend BILLy.

IT'S ALL ABOUT SERVICE DELIVERANCE!!!!

2009-04-01T08:47:00.000-07:00

With the current economy, now is the time to ramp up your customer service techniques.
HERE ARE 10 TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND:
1. Understand how your clients' expectations rise and change over time.
What may have been good enough before no longer applies. Ask them and understand how to better serve them to help them with their business and needs.
2. Differentiate yourself from the competition.
Provide personalized and responsive service and go "beyond the call of duty." Treat them in a way that they will appreciate and remember.
3. Raise the bar for yourself.
You've heard of "dazzling the client" -- now find ways to do it. Be more flexible, faster and more efficient.
4. Never be content.
Find ways to stay ahead of the pack. I find every day there is so much to learn and new ways to implement. Make it your goal to learn and apply something new each day.
5.Manage expectations.
Build a firm foundation of trust and deliver what you promise. Then if something comes up, you will find the client more understanding and forgiving. A great line I heard once was to "under-promise and over- deliver."
6. Take personal responsibility.
You want your name to be golden to them and make sure you live up to that standard. Make it easy for them to do business with you and let them "sleep at night."
7. Bounce back with effective service recovery.
Things happen that are often out of our control. When it does, go into major "repair mode" and do whatever it takes to restore great customer goodwill.
8. Appreciate.
When your clients complain, they can be your best allies because they will tell you what you really need to know. Listen with your ears totally tuned up, then fix the problem. And thank them!
9. See the world from the customers' point of view.
Take off any blinders and take the time to step into their shoes. Actually become a customer. See what the client sees and the way they might feel and then work to make it better then ever.
10. Service is the currency that keeps our economy moving.
Customer service is always in fashion!! Strive to improve each and every day.
Go through your client base today, and think of one thing you can do differently. Remember, your clients become your biggest advocates because they praise and brag about you, which builds your brand and leads to a stronger and bigger network.

AN OVER VIEW OF RWANDA

2009-03-26T01:33:00.000-07:00

Location of uganda's national parks

2009-03-26T00:12:00.001-07:00

MOST OF UGANDA'S NATIONAL PARKS

Uganda's Accomodation establishments

2009-03-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

TAL CottagesKampalaRubaga-Kabusu Road P.O.Box 71377 Tel:+256 41 073330lukwanzit@yahoo.comSunset Hotel Internatonal Jinja P.O.Box 156 Jinja Tel: +256 43 120115 +256 39 704765 +256 77 373991 Fax: +256 43 120741 sunset@utlonline.co.ug Hotel Africana Kampala plot 2/4 Wampewo Avenue,Tel:0414 348080,0752 348080 ,0772 348088 africana@hotelafricana.com Sheraton Kampala Hotel Kampala Ternan Avenue,Tel:0414 420000fax:0414 256696 saleskampala@sheraton.com www.sheraton.com Grand Imperial Hotel Kampala Nile Avenue.Tel:0414 272336 Fax:0414 250422 imperialhotels@utlonline.co.ug Imperial Botannical Beach HotelSpeke Hotel Kampala7/9 Nile Avenue.Tel:0414 235332/5,259221.Fax:0414 235345speke@spekehotel.comSemliki Safari Lodge Semliki Wildlife ReservePlot 14b Kyadondo Road Nakasero PO Box 23825 Kampala, Uganda Tel: +256 (0)41 251182 or +256 (0)77 489497 Fax: +256 (0)41 344653 info@wildplacesafrica.com Apoka Safari Lodge Kidepo Plot 14b Kyadondo Road Nakasero PO Box 23825 Kampala, Uganda Tel: +256 (0)41 251182 or +256 (0)77 489497 Fax: +256 (0)41 344653 info@wildplacesafrica.com The Emin Pasha Hotel Kampala27, Akii-Bua Road P.O.Box 23825 Tel: +256 41 236977/8/9 +256 31 264 712/3/4 Fax: +256 41 236231reservations@eminpaha.comhttp://www.eminpasha.comArra Fishing Lodge Adjumani P.O.Box 150 Tel: +256 75 2122601 +256 77 9754681 +256 77 374 560arra-fishing-lodge@hotmail.comAfrica Travel EmporiumKampala1st Floor Colline House Pilkington Road Tel:+256 31-2-280450 +256 71-2-846961 +256 77-2-527922info@hotelsinuganda.comwww.hotelsinuganda.com Mweya Safari Lodge Kasese Located in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Marasa Central Reservations
Pan Africa House
Shop 9 Ground Floor Kimathi Avenue
P.O.Box 22827
Ph: +256 (0) 31 2260260/1
+256 (0) 41 255992
Fax: +256 (0) 31 2260262
mweyaparaa@africaonline.co.ugwww.MweyaLodge.com Paraa Safari Lodge Masindi Located in Murchison Falls National Park

Marasa Central Reservations
Pan Africa House
Shop 9 Ground Floor Kimathi Avenue
P.O.Box 22827
Ph: +256 (0) 31 2260260/1
+256 (0) 41 255992
Fax: +256 (0) 31 2260262
mweyaparaa@africaonline.co.ug www.ParaaLodge.com Colline HotelMukono21 Kms on Jinja Road.Tel:0414 290240/251 031/290 533.Mob:0392 790212 colline@infocom.co.ug The Lake Victoria Hotel Entebbe Located 5 Kilometres from Entebbe International Airport .Tel:256-31-2310100.Fax:256-31-2- 310404info@ivhotel.co.ug or sales@Ivhotel.co.ugFang Fang Hotel KampalaPlot 9 Ssezibwa Road,Nakasero.Tel:256-414-235828.0414 344806.fangfang@africaonline.co.ugForest CottagesKampalaPlot 17/18 Old Kira Road,Kampala.Tel:256-312-261279.MOB:256-0772 847336info@forest-cottages.com Hotel Equatorial KampalaLocated on William Street.Tel:256-414-255500.imperialhotels@utlonline.co.ugRidar HotelSeetaLocated on Kampala-Jinja Highway.Tel:256-414-290697sales@ridarhotel.comwww.ridarhotel.comMunyonyo Commonwealth Resort limitedMunyonyoLocated in Munyonyo on the shores of Lake Victoria.Tel:256-414-227111 mob:+256-772-771701spekeresort@spekeresort.comwww.spekeresort.comSerena HotelKampala5 star hotel located in the heart of kampala.Tel:256-414-309000.Fax:256-41-259130kampala@serena.co.ugKabira Country ClubKampalaPlot 63 Old Kirra Road,Bukoto.Tel:256-312-227222/3/4/5 Fax:0312-227226kabiracountryclub@kabiracountryclub.comWhite Castle AruaAruaLocated at Ewuata,5 km Arua-Nebbi Road.Mob:256-772-880830,0772-384724,0774-048581info@whitecastlehotel.comAgip MotelMbararaLocated near the gates of Mbarara town.Tel:256-485 421615,0485422213.Fax:0485-420575agipmotel@utlonline.co.ugRwizi Arch HotelMbararaThe hotel provides a sophiscated and enchanting escape to western uganda.Tel:256-485-421173.Mob:0752 648980,0772684839rwizi-arch@africaonline.co.ugOxford InnMbararaBananuka Drive.Self contained rooms and stocked bar.Mob:0382-271737.0772 546538oxfordinn@spacenet.comLake View Regency HotelMbararaLocated on Fortportal road.Tel:256-0485-21397/8.Fax:0485 21399Mantana Luxury Tented Camp,Lake MburoLake Mburo National ParkTel:0414 320152.Mob:0772 401391Mbale Resort HotelMbaleLocated on Bungokho Road.Tel:256-454-433920,0454-433922sales@mbaleresort.orgMt Elgon Hotel LtdMbalePlot 30,Masaba Road.Mob:0772 680249.Tel:0454 433454info@mountelgonhotel.comWash & Willis Country Home LtdMbalePlot 27 Mbiro Road,Mbale.TEL:256-45-35264,77-2518675sales@wash&willis.com Hotel .Kidepo Guest House Ltd Entebbe Plot 4 Moroto Close, Kitoro P.O. Box 322kaspanta_222@kidepoguesthouse.com, kaspanta_222@ya

RWANDA REMOVES VISA FEES

2009-03-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

RWANDA IN AN ATTENT TO PROMOTE BOTH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL TOURSM IT HAS REMOVED VISA FEES .
KIGALI, RWANDA - Rwanda has announced it has exonerated East African citizens from resident visa or work permit fees.
This, according to the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration, started on March 9, 2009.
The changes were announced following a cabinet decision last month, which requested the directorate to deal with issues of visa and work permits on foreigners going to work or reside in Rwanda.
The directorate announced work permits fall under two categories: Category A for a foreigner whose monthly gross remuneration is Rwf500, 000 (US$ 881) and Category B for those whose monthly gross is below Rwf500, 000 ($ 881). The directorate said, for all other nationalities, resident visa fees will drop from Rwf200, 000 ($352) to Rwf50, 000 ($88) per year.
The annual work permit fees will change from Rwf200, 000 ($352) to Rwf50, 000($88) for category A and Rwf10, 000 ($17.63) for Category B.

MUNYONYO IS COMING UP AS ANOTHER TOURISM SPOT NEXT TO NAMUGONGO MARTYRS SHRINE

2009-03-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

MYNYONYO IS COMING UP AS ANOTHER TOURISM SPOT NEXT TO NAMUGONGO MARTYRS SHRINE .
On every 3rd June Uganda celebrate the normally known as Martyrs Day in the East African region. As arememberance to the previous mascre /exetution of the matyrs who felt rebellious to the king of buganda kabaka Mwanga who following the introduction og Christianity in Buganda.
Other than the popular Namugongo Catholic and Protestant Martyrs shrines, and later may be St. Balikuddembe (Owino) Market, one neglected or less talked about place is Munyonyo.
The first culprits of Kabaka Mwanga's rage were Andrew Kaggwa and Denis Sebugwawo just on the outskirts of Mwanga's Munyonyo Palace. And there is no better way to introduce Munyonyo as a place of religious rebellion or rather martyrdom and therefore, it is crying for attention so that religious pilgrims can come and experience the feel of the beginning of the road to martyrdom.
Munyonyo is home to Denis Sebugwawo's shrine that has been gazetted by Gaba Catholic Parish as an open church. Every Sunday, mass is said at this open church near Boutique Hotel while Andrew Kaggwa's shrine which has a church that can sit not more than 20 people, rubs shoulders with The Royal Impala Hotel.
Other than Munyonyo being a posh residential place, it is here that the martyrdom (1885-87) marked the beginning of the end of Mwanga's rule and his subsequent exile to the Seychelles. For this, Munyonyo is beckoning for attention as a religious and cultural heritage tourism destination centre. And the well tended Andrew Kaggwa's shrine that seats on a five-acre piece of land is ideal for picnics, while the Mulungu landing site is out there calling for attention.
Hotels are springing up for one to partake of this religious and cultural heritage of Uganda and, other than the famous Munyonyo Speke Resort Hotel; the area is dotted with other pocket friendly, tranquil tropical hotels where 'the sound of silence' can be heard. This sound is the massive Lake Victoria waters hitting the shores, crickets chirping away, birds singing and trees inviting the sweet winds.
Munyonyo has a potential of becoming a commercially viable religious, political, cultural tourist destination where pilgrims will be fascinated by the gaiety of this inviting place. But it can only provide that invitation if the seeds of religious, political and cultural tourism are sown and nurtured beyond Namugongo shrines by both the church, the kingship and Bulange, the seat of Buganda Kingdom.
According to Godfrey Walusimbi, who loiters around Munyonyo landing site and who claims to be possessed by the ancestral spirits of Buganda, the whole idea of 'murdering' the martyrs was hatched at the Munyonyo palace.
This is confirmed by an elder who does not feel comfortable to be revealed in the press, that Munyonyo is home to two important Catholic martyrs: Andrew Kaggwa and Denis Sebugwawo.
The elder says these were pages of King Mwanga II at the Munyonyo palace which is currently home to Prince Walugembe. The king had called for a conference of his people regarding his pages' rebellion and what could be done to stop their fanaticism.
The name Munyonyo is derived from the Luganda word 'okunnyonyola' meaning to expound, to educate, inform, or to enlighten. The king would call a conference of his people to Munyonyo to discuss or explain a given happening.
During the religious wars and the kingship of Mwanga II, the British administration would intervene and exile Mwanga to Bulingugwe Island which is just a kilometre from the landing site of Mulungu.
Mulungu itself has its various connotations. It derives its name from 'okulungamya' or 'okumulungula ensonga' meaning, to make clear or to clear some air over a given matter or issue within the kingdom.
This landing site is where Arabs penetrated the hinterland of Buganda from Karagwe in Tanzania. And they would always say: 'Tumefika Salaama' meaning we have arrived safely and they would meet King Mwanga at Munyonyo Palace. That is also how a whole village just outside Munyonyo is called Salaama.
Arabs convinced Mwanga to become a Moslem from Munyonyo Palace. The Christians later met Mwanga at Munyonyo and convinced him to change religion and become a Christian. However, interestingly, Mwanga kept his shrine for the spirit of Nalongo Nagadya at Mulungu.
Mulungu is the very point through which Mwanga wanted to have a canal linking Bulange Palace and Munyonyo Palace. This was the reason the Kabaka's lake was dug so that the canal could go through the Kibuye artisan town and Salaama and drop in at Mulungu on Lake Victoria.
The king loved the canoe sport and wanted to have canoe rides from Bulange to Munyonyo and hold clan canoe competitions from Bulange to Munyonyo. Every year, the Baganda under the kingship of Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II hold canoe competitions at Mulungu.
Munyonyo, therefore, was not only a place of discussing issues pertaining in the kingdom but also the beginning of hatching the plan to finish off all those who had rebelled against the king for the sake of foreign religions.

GORILLAS IN THE MIEST

2009-02-11T04:39:00.000-08:00

HAVE AN EXPERIENCE OF YOUR LIFE TIME ,DON'T YOU FEEL AMAZZED WHEN ONE TALKS OF ADVENTURERING IN THE WILDERNESS!!!! ENCLOSE YOUR SELF WITH THE TEN REASON AS TO WHY ONE WOULD FELL FREE TO PARTICIPATE IN ADVENTURING
Top 10 Reasons to Travel

10) It's interesting to see differences between western and non-western culture.

9) Driving from one place to the next is often its own adventure.

8) Pick up cool gifts for your friends/family like rain sticks from the E.Africa Uganda/Rwanda.

7) Learning a foreign language is sexy.

6) Trying new foods is always fun! Have some grilled cuy (guinea pig) in kampala one of uganda's capital city.

5) Helps you remember not to take things for granted back home.

4) See/experience things firsthand that you learned about in school.

3) Instead of zoo or aquarium, see animals in their natural habitat while trekking in the jungle or adventuring in the wildernes.

2) Experiencing different places and cultures can expand tolerance.

1) You meet great people and can make lifelong friendships.
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THE HECTIC NATURE OF LIONS

2009-02-09T01:02:00.000-08:00

An photo of an African king of the jungle (lion)http:

THE HECTIC NATURE OF LIONS

2009-02-06T02:52:00.000-08:00

Life is so hectic in nature as its being looked at in different perspective as both are complements to each other one would ask him self about the mighty lions with all its superiority of being king of the jungle bending down to its knees where the forces of demand and supply interacts in the wilderness there fore animals should be given an ample time of privacy with minimal human interference as observation greatly affects the breeding patterns of theses wild species as a photo a lion escaped from Congo DRC because of much interference of the rebel groups that paved way to migration of most wildlife to Uganda’s side/Ishasha sector . though nature has checks and balances there fore human beings should leave a breathing space for nature to take its course since in any eco system there must be apray and predator but one would as him self that ‘lion is predator to most species in the jungle but in terms of population they are the few species compared to other species in the jungle yet there is no prey to lions why do you think so……………….??????

UGANDA WILD LIFE AUTHOLITY CREATES UNIQUENESS OF TOURIM PRICES SO US TO BOOST TOURISM IN EAST AFRICA (New Tariff)

2009-02-03T00:32:00.000-08:00

Uganda — Beginning January 2009, nationals of the East African Community are to pay the same amount as their Ugandan counterparts to gain access to utilities and services of Uganda’s national parks and game reserves.
With effect from January 2009, Kenyans, Tanzanians, Rwandans and people from Burundi will pay UShs5,000 for adults and UShs2,500 for the children or the equivalents of those sums of money to visit any wildlife gazetted area in Uganda. The money will, however, not cover other additional activities like mountaineering, gorilla tracking and chimpanzee habituation experiences amongst other services that may be provided by national parks.
In Uganda, wild life protected areas include Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park and Kibale National Park amongst others.
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the body charged with managing the country's protected areas, undertakes a biennial review of the entry and tourism tariffs with the aim of determining whether the tariffs correspond to the market forces and are in line with those charged by neighbouring countries.
Under the new tariff regime, the differences between Ugandans and the other East Africans has been removed and replaced by the category of East Africans under which Ugandans fall.
Children under the age of five years, students from Ugandan schools and honorary wardens will always receive free admissions to the protected areas. Students on educational trips must however carry valid identity cards and a letter from their schools.
In addition to harmonising the fees charged on East Africans, UWA has offered a 50% discount from the 15th of December 2008 to the 15th of January 2009.
The Executive Director of UWA, Moses Mapesa said they had decided to offer the discount at this time of the year because it falls under school holiday time.
"We have decided to offer this discount because this is when most people are on holiday. We would like it if Ugandans and the East Africans took this opportunity because entry into the national parks is going to be UShs2500 (below $2) for all those people who have residence in the East Africa region," he said.
Mapesa also said UWA provides annual entry permits to all protected areas for foreign residents and East African residents. An annual permit costs $50 for an individual, $75 for a couple, $100 for a family of four people with children not exceeding 15 years of age and $400 for corporate organisations providing entry for 10 people.
Foreigners resident in Uganda will now pay $20 for adults and the children below 15 years of age will pay $10. The foreign non-residents will, however, pay $30 for adults and $15 for children below 15 years.
"The need to harmonise tourism tariffs in the East African region is what has compelled us to act in this way. We under took the measure after extensive consultations with other stakeholders in the region," Mapesa said.
It is still unclear whether the other East African countries are also going to charge uniform fees to their nationals and the nationals from the other East African states.
The UWA has also increased the tariffs for chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park from $70 to $90 for foreign non-residents and from $50 to $70 for foreign residents. Citizens of East African countries will pay UShs60,000.
A single day for the chimpanzee habituation experience which involves spending 12 hours watching the chimpanzees feed, play, care for their young and construct nests will cost foreign non-residents $220, foreign residents $150 while the citizens of East Africa will pay $70.
Foreign non-resident persons are the people who come into East Africa exclusively as tourists and do not have any sort of residences while the foreign residents are the people currently residing in East African as expatriates or otherwise.
Gorilla tracking fees have also increased: tracking permits in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are now at $500 for the foreign non-residents, $475 for the foreign residents and UShs250,000 for East Africans. Ugandans too will pay Ushs250,000 up from the previous Ushs150,000.
In an attempt to attract more locals into the tourism sector, the UWA is encouraging people by reducing entrance fees this festive season, harmonising tariffs for East Africans and expanding points of accommodation at most of the major tourist attractions.
"there has been an extensions to Kyobe and Pakuba lodges, we have also received requests to reconstruct Katurumu lodge at Kidepo Valley National Park and Kyambura in Queen Elizabeth is being expanded,blogcatalog" content="9BC9161900"

Shoe Bill stock : Africa’s most sought after bird

2009-02-02T06:51:00.000-08:00

Shoe Bill stock : Africa’s most sought after bird
Uganda is widening its range of tourism activities currently Uganda is under a drastic change of promoting Avi- tourism so most special interest tourist tourists have started flopping into Uganda for birding exactions Uganda is more than just Gorillas. With 23 years of dramatic tourism growth Uganda has now been voted the number one birding destination in Africa. Travelers to Africa have unanimously consented that Uganda not only has a great diversity of wildlife but also a profusion of bird species.
Sir Fredrick Jackson, a former Governor of the Uganda protectorate and keen ornithologist once described Uganda as a "hidden Eden….and a wonderland for birds".
He was right as no other area in Africa can match Uganda's amazing diversity of habitats and this richness is reflected in the available 1056 bird species that include the rare shoebill stork - arguably one of the worlds's most sought after birds.
Also known as Balaeniceps rex translated as "King Whale head"; the shoe bill is remarkably a striking bird with certain pre-historic looks. It is classified in the phylum Chordata, subphylum Vertebrata, class Aves and order Ciconiiformes.
The shoe bill has a large head and unusually long and wide colored bill, which ends in a hooked tip. Standing at 1.5 m in height and sharing attributes with both herons and storks, shoe bills with broad wings, long legs and unwebbed feet live alone in widely spaced pairs.
Some of the places known for viewing of this rare bird specie include Mabamba swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria, the banks of the Nile River in Murchison Falls National Park, Lake Kikorongo in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Lake Kyoga and the southern fringe of Lake Albert that adjoins with the Semliki wildlife reserve.
Their stealthy movements over rafts of floating vegetation, enable them to get hold of prey that include lung fish, water snakes and small crocodiles.
Partially nocturnal and sluggish, the shoe bill obtains its diet by probing the mud with its boot like bill. They also fly with their heads and necks folded back.
As the breeding season approaches usually in the months of April to June, the male and female start engaging in a bill clacking courtship prior to mating and putting up a nest of broken reeds and other aquatic vegetation.
Two eggs are usually laid with both the female and male taking turns incubating them for a period that takes about a month. Two silvery brown chicks are hatched - and do remain helpless for some time. The young birds are dependant on the skilful hunting of their parents.
This goes on for about four months - till the young bills are properly developed. Shoe bills life span usually ranges between forty and forty -five years. Approximately 1000 shoe bills are still believed to survive in different parts of Uganda. With increasing human population characterized by continued habitat destruction and encroachment the survival of the shoe bill stork is paramount considering the increasing number of dedicated ornithologists as well as the novice bird watcher to Uganda who are coming in big numbers to get a glimpse of this rare bird.
For more information on these excursions, contact vacationwildholidays the tour operator under the umbrella of Uganda Tourism

CREATE LIFELONG MEMORIES OF BEAUTY, ADVENTURE & TOGETHERNESS IN QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK

2009-01-15T23:44:00.000-08:00

When it comes to wildlife conservation and eco-tourism, Uganda does command outstanding respect. However, a visit to the country cannot be complete if some time is not set aside to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The park can be reached from Kampala either by air or road. From Kampala, the park can be approached from the south via Mbarara (420 km) or the north passing through Fort Portal (410 km). Three airstrips serve Queen Elizabeth National Park and these include Ishasha, Mweya and Kasese airfield.
This 2,056 square kilometre park was established in 1952 when the two game reserves of Lake George and Edward were merged into Kazinga National Park. Two years later it was renamed Queen Elizabeth National Park when Queen Elizabeth II of England visited Uganda.
It is one of the oldest national parks in Uganda and is designated as a Biosphere Reserve for Humanity under the auspices of UNESCO. Together with Kyambura and Kigezi wildlife reserves, the park forms one of the most diverse eco-systems in Africa.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is really enticing. Take time off and visit it. Visit with your family or that special person in your life, but go prepared to fall in love all over again for the park is blessed with spectacular scenery and attractions to fill one action packed holiday and still leave scores of other experiences to be enjoyed on a return trip.
The low attitude and its location directly on the equator mean that the temperatures can be warm, rising from a mean minimum 18ºC to mean maximum of 28ºC. The park receives up to 1250mm of rain mostly from March to May and September to November.
The melting glacier waters of the Rwenzori Mountains create a vast wetland system comprising of two main lakes George and Edward. Edward was named by the explorer Henry Morton Stanley after the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII.
The two lakes are connected by a 40km long channel whose shorelines are populated by thousands of hippos and birds all year round.
This park is a paradise for dedicated ornithologists as well as the novice bird watcher. The bird list is 612 species including the rare Shoe Bill, the Martial Eagle, Papyrus Gonolek, White tailed lark, Verraux's Eagle Owl and the Lesser and Greater Flamingos.
The park is an ultimate feast for all senses. There are over 95 mammalian and hundreds of butterfly species.
Activities like the launch cruise along Kazinga Channel will offer you a unique unequaled wildlife experience. It puts one right in the heart of nature where many buffalos nest in the water while big herds of elephants can be seen enjoying themselves along the channel banks.
Many who experience it consider it the highlight of their entire African safari. The launch cruise schedules run in the morning and afternoon.
The open savannah dotted with Acacia and Euphorbia trees provides habitat for lions, leopards, buffalos and Uganda kobs. Among the many other animals seen frequently are the water bucks, giant forest hog, hyenas and topi.
Networked by over 200 kilometres of well maintained tracks, the visitors get access to the park's game as some of the tracks pass through large mating grounds of the Uganda kob. The game drives can be arranged through reputable tour companies who are under the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO).
The Kasenyi sector on the east side of Kasese road is best known for lions which prey on large populations of the Uganda kob while the famous tree climbing lions can be spotted on large fig trees in the Ishasha sector which is 100 km south of Mweya Lodge.
Another principal feature of the park is Kyambura Gorge. This steep gorge was formed by turbulent waters of the roaring Kyambura River. It provides a lush riverine forest that is home to chimpanzees, red tailed monkeys, black and white Columbus monkeys, olive baboons and other primates.
The park also has one of Uganda's largest tracts of tropical forest - Imaramagambo forest which translates as "the forest beyond description".
This forest stretches from the foot of the Kichwamba escarpment to Lake Edward. Pythons are often observed in the crevices of the bat cave floor using the bats as a source of food.
The cave is near the copper rich blue lake and hunters' cave. Beautiful crater lakes are spread throughout the park, the most notable being the Katwe explosion craters.
This cluster of extinct volcanoes north of Mweya peninsula can be explored by the winding 27km crater drive between the main and equator gates which provide superb views into the numerous craters.
Considering that the festive season is fast approaching, it is advisable to make reservations in advance for your overnight stays. A variety of accommodation caters for all budgets.
Mweya Safari Lodge, Jacana Safari Lodge, Ishasha Wilderness Camp, King Fisher Lodge, Katara Lodge, Kichwamba and Hippo Hill Camp are good options for overnight stay. Other budget accommodation facilities can be provided by the Ecology Hostel at the Mweya peninsula and Ishasha Bandas.
For those who prefer staying out of the park, Kasese town would be an option.
Hotels such as Margherita and Rwenzori International Hotel are not only good options for families but also for free independent travelers. Queen Elizabeth National Park is truly amazing - take your camera, for you will want to record all the wonders you will see!
PUBLISHED BY AFRICAN WRITER

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GORILLAS AND HUMANS 'GORILLAS IN THE MIST'

2009-01-15T23:34:00.001-08:00

Gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans and humans all belong to the order of primates. Humans share 98.4% of their genetic material with gorillas and 98.8% with chimpanzees.

Gorillas; the largest of the great apes are divided into three subspecies that include the western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and the eastern lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla graueri). The eastern and western lowland gorillas were identified for science in 1847 and 1877 respectively.

The third subspecies - the mountain gorilla (Gorilla gorilla beringei) was identified for scientific purposes in the year 1903 and has gone on to become Uganda's star attraction.

Mountain gorillas are physically distinct from lowland gorillas. They are larger, have more hair, a short trunk, a broad chest and shoulders and also have a longer and slightly different nose shape.

Mountain gorillas are born small, covered with black hair and usually weigh about 2.3 kilogrammes. Gorillas develop about as twice as human babies with the mature female mother also undergoing a gestation period of nine months. They are unique species; as a gorilla with an infant may not have another baby for up to four years: good family planning.

Male and female gorillas between the ages of three and six years are classed as juvenile. They increase in size and weight at similar rates for the first six years. On reaching six years; most mountain gorillas weigh about 68 kilogrammes and are usually about four feet tall.

The female mountain gorillas stop growing taller at around six years whereas the males continue growing both in size and weight till they reach the age of ten to eleven.

Between the ages of six and ten, the males have a black hair colour and are thus referred to as the blackbacks. On reaching maturity which is usually between 10 and 12 years, they develop silvery grey hairs on their backs thereby being referred to as silverbacks.

The silverbacks usually leave their parental group at the age of 11 and then moves alone or in the company of other males for a few years before managing to attract females from other groups to him hence forming his own family. Silverback is a dominant male in a group of about 12 or more gorillas that usually include females, juveniles and other infants.

On a good day, you will find them chewing leaves, laughing and farting not only continuously but with a lot of contentment. They are diurnal and nomadic, sleeping each night in a fresh nest built from leaves and branches.

Mountain gorillas are primarily vegetarian with their menu comprising bamboo, nettles and gallium being some of their favourites.

They occasionally also eat safari ants which are scooped in huge handfuls to stuff into the mouth until the safari ant bites overpower them. Gorillas spend most of their time traveling and foraging in search of food since plants and trees change with seasons.

Gorillas communicate through vocalizations. Twenty-five distinct vocalizations have so far been recognized with each one having its own particular meaning.

As an element of their socialization, they communicate through howls, grunts, barks and hoots. Screams and roars signal alarm or warning and are often produced by silverbacks.

They also communicate by beating on their chests or on the ground. This is done to show stature, prevent a fight or even scare off opponents.

However, even the infants beat their chests as a kind of displacement activity during play perhaps just to copy their elders.

Mountain gorilla life is peaceful and quite. It is from this that they have come to be called Africa's gentle giants.

These gentle giants are found in the areas of Parc des Volcans - in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo while in Uganda, they are confined to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park gazetted in 1992, is situated in south western Uganda on the edge of the western rift valley (Albertine rift) and is shared by Kanungu, Kabale and Kisoro districts. It is 331 square kilometres in size; on an altitude range of 1,160 metres (Ishasha gorge) to 2,607 metres (Rwamanyonyi peak).

The total number of mountain gorillas in Bwindi is approximately 340 which is almost over half of the total estimated 720 left in the whole world. Gorilla tourism provides over 50% of tourism revenue for Uganda thus being a strong reason for its protection.

PUBLISHED BY AFRICAN WRITER"

RAFTING ON THE LONGEST RIVER IN AFRICA & SECOND LARGEST IN THE WORLD (RIVER NILE)

2008-12-22T03:34:00.000-08:00

Become truly advantureous associate your self with rafting ,in Uganda Rafting is one of the activities where most people spent their leisure time ,The White Nile Makes the legendary Nile river look small. The roar of the rapids drift upstream with the gentle breeze and wooden canoes laden with excited locals congregate in the calm waters anxious to see the rafts in action. Rafts explode through huge walls of whitewater and adrift through warm green pools in the equatorial sunshine. This is whitewater rafting at its very best.

Each trip is accompanied by an oar-powered raft which we fondly call the suntan raft. The guide will row you down the river, tackle the smallest waves and very seldom flip. All you have to do is hold on and work on your tan.

Safety and Risk Management.
Safety is our priority with the help of Adrift and they lead the field with our proactive approach to the management of risk. Adrift has internationally qualified guides are carefully chosen based on their skills, experience and their ability to address the need and expectations of each individual client. Adrift has the most experienced team on the continent (with over 100 years combined experience) and all guides are comprehensively trained in CPR, wilderness first aid and swift water rescue. “We can not eliminate the risk but we do our best to minimize it.”

Don’t miss this adventure when you visit Uganda, Spend at least a half day rafting though it can go beyond half day depending on your time availability and wealth of your pocket .
In the region there are other interesting activities like quad biking and horse riding as both activities make one forget his usual stress and focus only on joy and fun become an active participant associate with adventure !!!!!.

UGANDA AS ASEREN DESTINATION

2008-12-17T00:27:00.000-08:00

Uganda is widely known for its interesting bird worching and primate trekking of which is Uganda is reviving from its pre colonial period where it was looked at with abad image during those dark ages
Sir Winston Churchhill described Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa”. This is a fact that is not disputed by any visitor to Africa. Uganda is one the most magnificent countries in Africa with fantastic natural scenery, half the world’s most sought-after mountain gorilla population, first class white-water rafting at the Source of the Nile River and national parks with a high concentration of wildlife.
The natural attractions are among the best in Africa. Take your pick from the highest mountain range in Africa, the Rwenzori Mountains; one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world, Murchison Falls; the highest primate density in the world, Kibale Forest national park and many more exist in Uganda.
Uganda has an area of 236,580sq km, of which about 25% is fertile arable land with a potential of high Agricultural yields. Lake Victoria and the Nile River create one of the best watered areas in Africa. Most of Uganda’s terrain is fairly at a constant altitude with mountains only in the extreme west (the Rwenzori), extreme east (Mt Elgon) and the Mufumbira ranges at the southwestern border with Rwanda.
The country enjoys a similar tropical climate with temperatures averaging about 260c at day time and 160c at night. The wet seasons in the south range from April to May and October to November, the wettest month being April. In the North, the rainy season is from April to October and the dry season stretches from November to March. In the rainy season the average rainfall is 175mm per month. Humidity is generally low during the dry seasons.

Uganda’s national parks include:
*Queen Elizabeth
*Murchison Falls
*Kibale
*Semuliki
*Mt Elgon
*Mt Rwenzori
*Kidepo
*Mgahinga
*Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Uganda’s mountains include:
• Rwenzori
• Mufumbira (Virunga ranges )
• Elgon
• Moroto
The above mountains form a natural border of Uganda with her neighbors that include: in the west, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); in the South, Rwanda and Tanzania; in the east, Kenya; and in the north, Sudan where they are all being looked as transboundary resources

MOUNTAIN OF THE MOON

2008-12-17T00:23:00.000-08:00

RWENZORI MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
The fabled “MOUNTAINS OF THE MOON”- the Rwenzori Mountains (996 km2) runs for almost 120km along Congo (DRC) border. The legendary, mist-covered Rwenzori Mountains have a reputation for being very wet at times. This was summed up by a comment on the wall of Bujuku hut: “Jesus came here to learn how to walk on water. After five days anyone could do it”. At its centre are several mountains that are permanently glacier-covered: Mt Speke (Vittorio Emmanuele is its highest peak at 4890); Mt Gessi (Iolanda, 4715m); Mt Baker (Edward is its highest peak, 4843m); and Mt Luigi di Savoia (4627m). The three highest peaks in the range are Margherita (5109m), Alexandria (5083m) and Albert (5087m), all on Mt Stanley.
Mountain trekking of the Rwenzori always takes 7 days as the standard, but climbers need more 2 days to access the peaks. The appropriate periods for mountain trekking are from December to the end of February, and mid-June to mid-August, when there is less rain. October is the wettest month. The routes to the peaks on Mt Baker and Stanley all cross snow and glaciers, so equipment such as ice-axe, crampons and ropes need to be used.
The Rwenzori ranges are known for their challenging climbing and hiking abilities. The ranges also support a diversity of animals, including 70 mammal and 177 bird species. The largest number of bird species comprises of Albertine Rift Endemics. The Angola colobus has been recorded only here. Black-and-white colobus monkeys are in plenty. Every zone, like other East African ranges, has its own distinct microclimate and flora and fauna. Several mammals present include elephant, chimpanzee, servalline genet, golden cat, yellow-backed duiker and giant forest hog.

Rwenzori bird watching (brief facts)
DISTRICTS Kasese, Kabarole & Bundibugyo and part of DRC congo
SIZE 996km2
ELEVATION 1700m – 5109m atop Margherita
STATUS Gazetted a national park in 1991
HABITAT Montane forest with bamboo on the lower slopes, Afro-alpine and heath moorland on higher slopes
TIMING January-February and July-August are driest periods but rain is possible year round
TIME REQUIRED 6-7 days for the normal mountain loop and 3 days for shorter foothill hike however the hike can go beyong 7-12 days depending on the number of picks one would wish to climb.
BIRDS RECORDED 197 species

KEY SPECIES ALBERTINE RIFT ENDEMICS
Rwenzori Turaco, Handsome francolin, Kivu Ground Thrush, Montane Masked and Collared Apalises, Red-faced woodland Warbler, Rwenzori Batis, Strange Weaver, Dusky and Shelley’s Crimsonwing, Regal and purpal-breasted Sunbirds and stripe-breasted Tit.

OTHERS
Sparrowhawk, Lammergeier, Western Green Tinkerbird, grey-chested illadopsis, African long-eared, Montane Sooty Boubou, Lagden’s Bushshrike, Olive woodpecker, red-faced Crimsonwing, golden-winged and scarlet-tufted Malachite, Long-tailed Cuckoo, and Orile-Finch.

RWANDA LAND OF THOUSAND HILLS

2008-11-28T07:30:00.000-08:00

RWANDA
Rwanda located between the eco-system of the Congo basin and the Great Rift Valley of Eastern Africa and thus shares the natural riches of both worlds resulting in a country of exquisite beauty and unsurpassed biodiversity.
The country lies at 2 00 S, 30 00 E, bordered by Uganda to the North, DR Congo to the West, Burundi to the South and Tanzania to the East. To the outside world, it’s well known for the genocide of 1994, but it has recovered from those years of turmoil that characterised the nation in the period 1950-1994
For today, Rwanda is under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, Rwanda is peaceful, prosperous and inviting. In Rwanda are three national parks - Nyungwe Forest Park known for its large size and a vast army of chimps and monkeys; Akagera National park for game, including zebra, giraffe, antelope, buffalo; and Parc National des Volcans where Dian Fossey dedicated her life researching the celebrated gorillas.
Among its many and enduring attractions are the primates, in particular the mountain Gorillas. One of the most awesome wildlife interactions in the world.
Primates Adventure Company is the only company to take you to the gentle giants, our ancestors sharing some 97% of our character, in their natural habitat, the verdant jungle and misty mountains of Rwanda. Our primate trekking safaris, led by professional guides, provide the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Rwanda and its People.
The pygmoid hunter-gatherers are among the first in habitats of Rwanda, ancestral to the modern Twa people who comprise 0.25% of the national population. Some 2,000 years ago, agricultural and pastoralist migrants from the west settled in the area. Oral traditions recall that prior to the 15th century a ruler named Gihanga forged a centralised Rwandan state with similar roots to the Buganda and Bunyoro Empires in neighbouring Uganda. Comprised of a cattle-owning nobility and agriculturist serfdom majority - the precursors respectively of the modern-day Tutsi and Hutu - this powerful state was able to repel all early attempts at European penetration

MORE ABOUT THE VIRUNGA VOLCANOES - (PARC DE NATIONAL)

2008-11-19T12:38:00.000-08:00

AN OVERVIEW OF GORILLA NEST ACCOMMODATION
Located a few metres from the main entrance of the Parc National des Volcans, with extraordinary views, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. To one side are Virunga mountains, where Dian Fossey lived a good part of her life (and where she is buried)
The Mgahinga Forest National Park covers the slopes of the three northern Virunga volcanoes and gives the park its name. The volcanic soils are full of lava rocks and the area is inhabited by more than half the world's population of Mountain Gorillas. About the same size as Bwindi, 340 square Km, Mgahinga is a high-altitude savanna woodland, with rich forests of bamboo on the slopes and dwarf heath vegetation found near the summits. The Mountain Gorillas spend most of their time in the hagenia woodlands and bamboo forests. During the rainy season when new bamboo shoots are growing, the gorillas forage at base altitude. The climb to the natural habitat of bamboo forest and Hagenia woodlands offers fantastic views.
DIAN FOSSEY

Dian Fossey is known throughout the world for her pioneering research on Gorillas and their behavior. Born in California in 1937, she saw her first wild gorillas on a trip to Africa in 1963. Later, Louis Leakey encouraged Fossey to conduct a long-term study of the animals in their natural environment.After a brief stay in the Congo, Fossey moved to Rwanda and established a research camp, Karisoke, in 1967. There, she spent years tracking Gorillas up and down the steep slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes.

It wasn't until two of her beloved gorillas, Digit and Uncle Bert, were killed in 1978 that she changed from pure scientist to active conversationist, launching an often controversial campaign against poachers. Articles in "National Geographic" magazine, television appearances, and the 1983 publication of her book "Gorillas in the Mist" (which was later made into a popular movie), focused world attention on the he Gorilla's plight, but gave her little protection from the hatred of the poachers.

Fossey was found murdered at Karisoke in 1985 and was buried in the camp's cemetery next to Digit and Uncle Bert. Her epitaph reads, "No one loved gorillas more

AIR UGANDA IN ALANDSLIND ATTEMPT TO EXPAND ITS SERVICES BEYOND DESTINATIONS AS ONE WAY TO PROMOTE TOURISM

2008-11-19T01:01:00.000-08:00

Air, UGANDA - Air Uganda has entered into partnership with Belgian Airline, SN Brussels to fly its passengers to European destinations. So as to increase service delivery to tourists all over East Africa, Under the agreement Air Uganda will also fly all SN Brussels airlines passengers some of which are tourists who are traveling to Zanzibar, Entebbe and Juba in south Sudan. Air Uganda is also in talks with the Qatar airlines, to transport Air Uganda passengers to the Middle East while Air Uganda takes Qatar passengers to its regional destinations of Zanzibar, Entebbe and Juba. as this will promote easy movements of tourists .Negotiations are also underway with an undisclosed regional airline to fly Air Uganda passengers through linked flights from Entebbe direct to Khartoum with a stopover in Juba.
When negotiations are finalized, Air Uganda hopes to issue single tickets from either Entebbe or Khartoum that will be honored from Juba for onward connection, thus eliminating the need for different tickets for connected flights.
Speaking at the company’s headquarters in Kampala recently, the airline’s chief executive officer, Peter de Waal said as part of the company’s first anniversary celebrations of operations in Uganda, it was taking into consideration the provision of quality products to exploit the potential that exists in the region, alongside the need to provide a Ugandan carrier for the region.
Air Uganda begun operations on November 14th 2007. Last week they announced a new partner for the Juba-Khartoum Route. Plans are also underway to take the carrier to the Rwanda skies for a more complete coverage of the East African skies, de Waal said. Since inception Air Uganda has flown over 70,000 passengers, introduced and begun operations on new routes, signed landmark agreements with Kenya airways and will soon launch its cargo service, which will be available on all routes that the airline has operations.
The airline’s pay load has also increased by over 50% on some routes while other routes have not registered as high increments as yet. Jennifer Musiime, Air Uganda’s sales and marketing manager, said the Juba route has in the last three months increased from 50% to 70% while the Zanzibar route has increased from 10% to over 50%.
The walk to the one year mark has not been an easy one, at the near completion of Air Uganda’s first year of operations was when Wall Street tumbled and a majority of airlines were affected.
IATA the airlines industry regulator predicated that airline worldwide would suffer a $20 million loss to which the East African region is no exception.
Somewhere in the second quarter of the airline’s operations is when the prices of fuel became unpredictable plus the hostile aviation industry that Air Uganda joined. The Uganda aviation industry is so hostile that sometime the mortality rate is reduced to just six months as was the case with Victoria International Airline.
Musiime also said the airline had over the past few months been in negotiations with several stake holders in the regions’ aviation industry so as to make the airline a regional carrier, despite the troubles that are involved while joining a near market monopoly. Among the new Air Uganda partners are Kenya Airways that has for long been player on the Entebbe-Nairobi route SN Brussels and soon Qatar Ai

EAST FRICA'S HOPES IN OBAMA'S WIN OF THE USA ELECTIONS

2008-11-19T00:56:00.000-08:00

How East Africa may benefit from the Obama presidency as way to promote tourism
according to the recent election in the USA where Obama come up with a land slide victory over McCain where by he will be swearing inn officially as USA president .according to my news correspondent its believed that many Americans will flow into East Africa to observe where their current president is coming from so Kenya being ahead of its neighbors interms of tourism its will benefit a lot as many tourists will be flowing inn from various destinations but the major likely part to benefit will be Nakuru where Obama come from
Though its alleged that Uganda being the country with some unique features and attractions ( Mountain gorillas) it also benefit as tourists are likely to extent their visit to these areas in Uganda to see the mountain gorillas of Bwindi

What followed was jubilation in EAC and in various parts of the continent, a sign that the victory resonated well and was received with pride and gratification. All East African leaders congratulated Obama for winning the polls. Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki later received a telephone call from the White House bound Barack Obama.

The regional media continues to be awash attributing headlines and lead stories to the famous victory. Nobody wants to miss a piece of the action – including that of his ancestry and roots.

A by-lined frontpage story in a local newspaper in Tanzania recently reported that Mr Obama has Tanzanian blood flowing in his veins as well. According to the story, Obama’s grandmother on his father’s side had hailed from the Kowak Village in Tarime in Tanzania’s Mara Region which borders south western Kenya. His dad Senior Barrack Obama hailed from Kogelo in Kenya now, famously referred to as “Illinois”.

Victory for the 47 year old Barack Obama ushers in true wind of change as he becomes the first Afro-America in White House.

Indeed, EAC will be casting an eye into the period after January 20, 2009, when he formally takes up the control of the world’s economic, military and political powerhouse.

Personally, I believe the easier part has been won. The period ahead is the real test. It portends one to ask what will East Africa gain out of an Obama presidency? After eight years of a Republican government seen as somewhat partial to the region, one is eager to see just how things will change with the Democrats in charge. Perhaps, the notable would be an increase in regional tourism with tourists eager to visit the once sleepy Kogelo and East Africa in general.

Lately, the region has also been famously pro-free market allowing it relatively easy access to Bretton Woods’ credit. One would be happier for sure if aid was reduced, and trade on the other side increased to cushion the weakening global economic outlook which smacks of prolonged recession. And it may be in the best interest for Obama to negotiate with the Bretton Woods to pave way in strengthening of financial arena to give more power to the emerging markets in Asia and Africa. The multimillion HIV/AIDS initiatives started by Bush have also received a nod from Obama and therefore one hopes they shall continue to save the millions of deserving lives. New scopes of cooperation in terrorism among other areas may need to be defined or re-defined as well.

But fundamentally, what we as East Africa may gain most from are the lessons learned. The euphoria of an Obama Presidency should lead to more and deeper soul searching for the region. Nigerian President Yar Adua seemed to sum it all up when he intimated that in Africa, votes are cast on basis of ethnic affiliation, patronage opportunities and geography among other things. This may very well be the reason why we do not celebrate our very own leaders as much as we are celebrating Obama, and secondly, why there are few if any, good leaders the region can feel good about.

The whole Obama affair reverberates a new feeling of Africanness and a confident aura to go with it.

The Obama story is one of inspiration that the leadership in East Africa and the continent generally should aspire for. It is a good thing that come January 2009, an African –American or better put one of Africa’s gallant sons will be in the White House. One hopes that it shall be the beginning of serious and careful examination of the heart by the African continent often referred to in the west – and wrongfully so, as the “Black Continent”.

KIGALI, RWANDA AND BURUNDI IN AN ATTEMPT TO PROMOTE TOURISM IN THE REGION

2008-11-18T01:06:00.000-08:00

NYUNGWE NATIONAL PARK OF RWANDA AND KIBIRA NATIONAL PARK OF BURUNDI

Rwanda and Burundi have entered into a landslide process to promote tourism in both states , its alleged that both countries have discovered that through enhancing and promotion of tourism among both states it would enable them to acquire direct flow of foreign currency within their economies .Over the recent past few weeks both states have signed a Memorandum of Understanding paving way for mutual protection of two major national parks. (Nyungwe National Park of Rwanda and Kibira National park of Burundi)
The MoU was signed in Rwanda recently by the director general of Rwanda Office for Tourism and National Parks (ORTPN), Ms. Rosette Rugamba and the director of Burundi National Institute for Nature and Environmental Conservation (INECN), Mr. Adelin Ntungumburanye.
The signing of the MoU is a result of the collaboration idea conceived in 2005 by the two countries to initiate joint transboundary protection to achieve sustainable conservation of the ecosystem in Nyungwe National Park of Rwanda and Kibira of Burundi.
Nyungwe National Park extends for 1,000 square Kilometers across the hills of South East Rwanda.
The park has more than 200 different types of tree species and harbours close to 300 bird species.
Kibira National Park is the largest untouched natural area in Burundi situated at the top of Apex DRC-Nile with its 40,000 hectares of preserved forest. It is home to wild life such as chimpanzees, baboons and monkeys.
Burundi, which is just rebuilding after a prolonged civil war has prioritized the tourism sector among other development drives in the pipeline.
Two weeks ago, President Pierre Nkurunziza launched a tourism promotions drive to market the country as a major destination.
Technically, tourism becomes East Africa’s leading sector.
“This is the beginning of a long relationship that will lead to the development of both countries particularly Burundi since our tourism sector has been underdeveloped due to wars but since the war is ending, Rwanda will show us the way,” Ntungumburanye said shortly after signing the document.
Rwanda already has another MoU with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to protect the species and nature in the Albertine Rift.
“We are looking forward to the success of this collaboration and there is no turning back since there is commitment and will which are most important,” Ms. Rugamba said.
The understanding will see the two countries conserve biodiversity, natural resources and associated cultural values, research, monitoring and ecotourism.
They will also lobby for planning and better management to reduce threats affecting the two national parks. The two bodies also agreed on rational sharing of resources and skills development for the sustainable conservation of both areas.
To ensure its successful implementation, the two parties agreed to set up a joint core secretariat comprising of heads of the two institutions and technical advisors and a facilitator from Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). They will also develop a strategic plan to define a work plan and various proposals of both areas will be elaborated.
The collaboration will also deal with common challenges to conservation including poaching which led to the extinction of buffalos and elephants, bamboo cutting, cattle movement, fires where 12% of the park has been burnt in the last 12 years, insecurity and poor infrastructure especially on the side of Burundi.
On the side of Rwanda, however, a lot of efforts and initiatives have been put in place to ensure Nyungwe National Park is protected and developed into an amusement park.
Dubai World, an emerging investor in Rwanda is also putting up $3million tent-made lodges in the park to ensure accommodation in the park.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in its Project named ‘Destination Nyngwe’ is setting up other two lodges.
Nyungwe, which is Rwanda’s largest natural forest, was transformed into a national park. Last year alone it was visited by 4,000 tourists who spent US$234,000.

BIRDERS PARADISE

2008-11-13T01:42:00.000-08:00

CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE WITH ADVENTURE (ASSOCIATE WITH NATURE)

Birding experience in East Africa takes place in different destinations though in Uganda birding areas include ,Mabamba swamp, Entebbe sanctuary , lake Victoria areas, queen Elizabeth national park, Murchison falls areas Msambwa island , Samoka island , whereas in Kenya birding safaris are sited mostly at lake Baringo, lake Nakuru Rhino sanctuary ,lake Naivasha, sweet waters sanctuary, Lake Bugoria, Saiwa swamp, kakamega forest, Arabuko sokoke forest and many well, in Uganda . The Entebbe environments hide a variety of swamp/wetland birds as well as water birds that can be seen around the shores of Lake Victoria and the neighboring wetlands. The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre also gives you the chance to see a number of birds which include Ostriches (Struthio camelus), the crested crane, African grey parrots, Helmeted guinea fowl, the beautiful peacock, Egyptian goose among others.The trail of birding can take you to Mabamba swamp, the large accessible wetland where the rare shoebill stork can easily be seen as well as a number of other bird species. The Mabira forest found in Mukono district supports over 300 bird species many of which are difficult to see else where in Uganda. these birds include the Tit Hylia, Forest Ribbons, Snowy headed Robin-Chat, white Flycatcher, Grey capped warbler, Black and Dusky Tit and common Wattle Eye

DREAM DESTINATION S( ZANZIBAR ISLAND)

2008-11-13T01:28:00.000-08:00

Zanzibar island the place of great deeds where all tourists interests are vest for one to spend his holiday /vacation in a paradise
Enjoy the warm water of spicy Island, Mnemba Atoll is the best snorkelling point. See lot of colourful fish, corals, at a depth not over 8meters.The best access to atoll is from Nungwi North Coast, and daily boat ride are available either Privat or Sharing per your interest. The island has a lot to offer interms of tourism and nature s the island has the high concentration of birds plus other aquartic animals where by the place is conducieve for every one to spend his holiday / vacation have an experience of your life don’t wait to told enrich your self with nature by bringing the world close to your neath
THE CITY OF ZANZIBAR AS FER BACK AND PRESENT

Zanzibar City, Tanzania-From Arab merchants to Portuguese explorers to Omani ivory-sellers and British missionaries, Zanzibar has had more than its share of visitors over the years. Now, with new direct flights to Nairobi, Kampala and Kigali, as well as several European countries, visitors are flocking to the island like never before. It's no longer spices and slaves they are coming for, but sun and sand.
Before being united with mainland Tanganyika in 1971, Zanzibar - for centuries the most important trading hub on the East African coast - fell under the rule of a succession of foreign powers. When we are greeted at the airport by soldiers in uniforms bearing the name, "The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar", we suspect that perhaps the archipelago has changed hands again. No, we're told, there hasn't been a coup, and the Revolutionary Government is just the island's misleadingly named semi-autonomous administration.
We immediately head to the north of the island to for some rest and relaxation. The beach at Kendwa could hardly be closer to perfect. Clean, fine, white sand rolls into the infinite green of the Indian Ocean and the red sun in the cloudless sky completes the postcard setting.
With its sea-level altitude, Zanzibar is hotter than mainland East Africa and temperatures touch 30C degrees all year round. A dip in the mild ocean waves is the perfect antidote to the midday heat. We pass the days there reading, sleeping, lying in the shade.
Our binges of inactivity are interposed with spells of beach volleyball with other tourists. The games get very competitive, in spite of everybody's lack of skill, and it's only when a serious clash of heads nearly takes my friend's teeth out that everyone decides it's best left to the professionals. While everybody else goes back to the books, I occupy myself with a 20-a-side game of barefoot soccer with the locals.
We depart Kendwa three days later with feet bruised, skin burnt, mouths bloodied and minds thoroughly relaxed.
The next stop is Stone Town, Zanzibar City's historic centre. The diversity of cultural influences is immediately seen in the odd blend of Islamic and British colonial architecture that lines the maze of winding lanes where children play outside the shops their fathers make a living from.
"Hello my friend, where are you from?", is a line tourists visiting Zanzibar will soon grow used to. Sadly, it's not a spontaneous outburst of hospitality but the opening salvo in the well-rehearsed sales pitch of the dozens of touts who approach tourists in Stone Town and try, with varying degrees of persistence, to sell them their services.

LAKE BUNYONYI IN THE PEARL OF AFRICA

2008-11-06T03:42:00.000-08:00

THE BEAUTY OF ASSOCIATED WITH LAKE BUNYONYI
every one would wish to spend his/her holiday/ honey moon in lake bunyonyi the lake is in habited by more than 34 islands where it has alot to offer interms of wild life the lake was formed as result of the tectonic movements that red to its formation as its believed that its the deepest lake in East africa.

PEOPLE AND CULTURE

2008-11-06T03:31:00.001-08:00

CULTURE IN UGANDA

have an experience of your life time

2008-11-05T07:14:00.000-08:00

HOW INTERESTING IT IS TO SEE YOUR SELF AMONG THE GORILLA TREKERS!!! FOR SURE HAVE AN EXPERIENCE OF YOUR LIFE TIME ENJOY THE TREK EITHER IN PARC DE NATIONAL RWANDA OR BWINDI !!!! HAVE YOU EVER BEEN THERE ? DONT WAIT TO BE TOLD

THE ACTIVITY IS SO ENJOYFUL !!!

HAVE FUN WITH THE GORILLAS!!

DAY 2 DAY LIFE OF THE GORILLAS

GORILLAS CAN ALSO HAVE FUN !!!!
GORILLAS ARE THE LARGEST OF ALL THE GREAT APES AND POSSES 98% OF THE SAME NUCLEAR DNA AS HUMANS AND ARE CLARIFIED UNDER THE SAME FAMILY HOMINIDAE. THEY ARE NON AGGRESSIVE AND CAN LIVE UP TO FIFTY YEARS IN THE WILD IF AT ALONE THERE'S NO EXTERNAL INTERFERENCE WITHIN THIER WILDERNESS. VEGETATION IN NATURE, GORILLAS EAT FRUITS,LEAVES AND SHOOTS AND MAY SUPREMENT THEIR DIET WITH INSECTS AND SMALL ANIMALS. GORILLAS ARE DIURNAL THAT SPEND MOST OF THIER WORKING HOURS ON THE GROUND BUT SLEEP IN THE TREES AND BUILD THIER OWN NESTS EVERY NIGHT USING BRANCHES AND FOLIAGE ,THE FIRST GORILLAS BIRTH WAS REGISTER IN DECEMBER 22ND 1956 IN CAPTIVE AT COLOMBUS ZOO IN OHIO ,GORILLAS ARE OF THE 2 SPECIES WESTERN GORILLAS AND WESTERN GORILLAS ,EASTERN GORILLAS TEND TO HAVE BLACK HAIR THAN THEIR WESTERN COUNTER PART THEN THEY TEND TO BE BROWNER .GORILLAS HAVE HAIR NOT FUR. MOUNTAIN GORILLAS HAVE LONGER HAIR ,LARGER JOES AND TEETH ,SMALLER NOISES AND SHORTER ARMS THAN OTHER GORILLAS. THEIR LARGEST SUBSPECIES OF GORILLAS IS THE GRAVER GORILLAS (EASTERN LOWLAND GORILLAS) NOT A SINGLE ONE OF THE GORILLAS IN AZOOS AROUND THE WORLD IS A MOUNTAIN GORILLAS ,THEY ARE ALL LOW LAND GORILLAS.DIAN FOSSY WAS THE FOREMOST PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR ALERTING THE PUBLIC AT LARGE TO THE PLIGHT OF THE MOUNTAIN GORILLA.MOST GORILLAS SEE ON THE SAFARI AT HABITUATED MOUNTAIN GORILLAS(BWINDI SUBSPECIES TOO) GORILLAS LIVE IN FAMILY GROUP OF (6-30)INDIVIDUAL LEED BY 1 OR 2 SILVER BACKS. AGROUP OF GOPRILLAS IS CALLED ATROOP WHILE ASILVER MATURE MALE WITH APATCH OF SILVER GREY)HAIR ON HIS BACK FROM WHENCEHEV DERIVES HIS NAME AND WEIGHYS NEARY THREE TIMES AS MUCH AS THE AVERAGE MAN UP TO 222 KGS .ADULT MALE MAY HAVE AHIGHT OF 1.7 M AND WEIGH 135-222 KGS AND EATS UPTO 40POUND OF FOOD A DAY ADULT FEMALES ARE NATURALLY SMALLER REACHING AHEIGHT OF 1.5 M AND WEIGH BTN 70-90 KGM IN THE WILD ,GIVE BIRTH ONCE EVERY 4 YEARS NORMALLY TO A SINGLE BABY BUT OCCASIONALLY TO TWINS ,AND HAVE ASMALLER GESTATION PERIOD TO HUMANS BTW 8.5-9MONTHS ADULTS ARMS ARE 20% LONGER THAN LEGS GORILLAS WALK BY USING ALL THE 4 LIMBS SUPORTED BY KNUCKLES (WALKING) GORILLAS CANOT SWIM BUT SOME TIMES WET INTO SWAMPS TO FEED ON AQUATIC PLANTS.THE FEMOUS CHEST BEATING IS USED FOR INTIMIDATING OUTSIDERS AND COMMUNICATING BETWEEN THE GROUPS. INSPITE OF ALL THESE PHYSICAL EXPRESSIONS OF EMOTIONS ,GORILLAS ARE SHY AND NOT AGGRESSIVE UNLESS IMPROPERLY DISTURBED
THE UN EXPECTED APPEARANCE OF STRANGE MALE IN A GROUP MAY CAUSE THE SILVER BACK TO MOUNT AN ELABORATE WARNING DISPLAY ,HE HOOTS EXCITEDLY BUILDING TO AN EAR SPLINTING LOWER TO THE INTRUDER.HAVING RAISED TO ITS FEARFUL HEIGHT ,TEARING AT TWIGS AND BLANCHES,A GORILLA BEATS ITS CHEST WITH ACAPT PALMS OF HIS ARMS, HE MAY TAKE AFEW STEPS AT THE INTRUDER, GROWING AND NURSING HIS TEETH IF THIS DOEST DETER THE STRANGER,THE SILVER BACK MAY BE PROVOKED TO CHARGE,WAIVING HIS ARMS AND SCREAMING WITH RAGE. THE CHARGE USUALLY STOPS SORT OF ACTUAL CONTACT" THE SILVER BACK WITH THRUST ITS FACE RIGHT UP AND ITS NOSE GLORYING EACH OTHER UNTIL ONE OF THE TURNS OR TAKES OFF ANEW GUIDES WEN ON GORILLA SAFARI ASSET MAXIMUM NUMBER OF A GROUP MAY VISIT A GROUP OF HABITUATED GORILLAS IN UGANDA OR RWANDA SO AS TO MINMISE THE BEHAVIORAL DISTURBANCE TO THE GORILLA AND RISK OF THEIR EX POSER TO HUMAN BORN DISSES THE GUIDES WILL TAKE YOU TO WHERE THEY OBSERVED THE GORILLAS THE DAY BEFORE YOU WILL FOLLOW THE GORILLA TRAIL TO FIND THEM.LOOK OUT FOR THE GORILLAS ,NESTING SITES ALONG THE WAY AND WASH HANDS BEFORE YOU VISIT THEM AS FIVE MITRES DISTANCE SHOULD BE OBSERVED AT ALL; TIMES 15 MITERS FROM THE GORILLAS .KEEP YOUR VOICE DOWN AT ALL TIMES. DO NOT EAT OR DRINK WHILE YOUR NEAR THE GORILLAS. SOME TIMES THE GORILLAS CHARGE,WHEN THEY DO CROUCH WHEN THEY DO DO NOT LOOK THE GORILLAS DIRECTLY IN THE EYES AND WAIT FOR THE ANIMALS TO PASS,DO NOT TAKE PICTURES OR ATTEMPT TO RUN AWAY FRASH PHOTOGRAPHS ARE NOT PERMITTED WHEN TAKING PICTURES CAREFULLY , DO NOT TOUCH THE GORILLAS DESPITE THEIR CADILY LOOK AND SPEND A MAXIMUM OF 1 HOUR WITH GORILLAS, AFTER THE VISITS ,YOUR VOICES DOWN UNTIL YOUR ARE 200 MITERS AWAY FROM THE GORILLAS

Kenya tourism has recover from the past Election Choas

2008-11-05T02:03:00.000-08:00

NAIROBI, KENYA --TOURISMIS BACK ON THE SCENE

The tourism sector is yet to recover from the ravages of post election violence 10 months down the line with a reduction of 30 per cent in earnings in the third quarter of the year compared to the same period last year.

The earnings stood at KSh34.5 billion compared to the KSh49.2 billion registered over the same period last year.

“the post election violence and the after effects have adversely affected revenues to the sector, we lost some Sh14.7 billion as compared to what was achieved over the same period last year," said Ong’ong’a during the release of the sectors third quarter results.

This is despite an estimated KSh350 million having been used in recovery efforts mostly on marketing and advertising in key source markets such as the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Kenya Tourist Board Managing Director Dr. Ong’ong’a Achieng said the recovery efforts will go on until the end of 2009 with the hope that the government will honour its pledge to increase funding to the sector by another Sh1 billion this financial year.

“The recovery programmes are expected to run until the end of 2009 and we expect through this process to reach the 2007 levels," said Ong’ong’a.

“There is little we can do about the delay in disbursing the promised KSh1 billion, but we are trying our best to work with the little we have. We understand the government has quite a lot on its shoulder but still hope the money will come by," he added.

The results reveal a 30 per cent drop in consolidated tourist arrivals for the lat nine months with the figure standing at 939,791 compared to 1.3 million over the same period last year. This was however a six per cent edge improvement against the second quarter.

The global tourism market has been seriously battered by the prevailing high fuel prices that heightened the cost of travel against a background of unstable financial markets and rising inflation levels.

“High fuel prices for a significant part of the year increased the cost of air travel reducing the demand of long haul destinations from the major source markets. These factors also reduced the level of importance of travel in terms of priorities an extent," he said.

In terms of international arrivals by air and sea, the sector recorded a 36.6 per cent decline standing at 496,056 compared to the 782, 690 registered over the same period last year.

Almost all the arrival categories registered a major decline compared to 2007 with the holiday segment dipping by 55 per cent while the business segment registered a 20.9 per cent drop.

Cross boarder arrivals closed at 443,735 compared to 565,191 during the same period in 2007.

This reflects a 21.5 per cent drop but a 7.5 per cent gain compared to the lat quarter.

The hotel sub sector experienced low bed occupancy in the first half of this year. Whereas the sub sector enjoyed a 75 per cent occupancy in the first half of 2007, such occupancies dropped to between 35-40 per cent this year.

The top performing markets for the first half of 2007 were United Kingdom , 42,763, USA 25,315, Italy 13,105 Germany 11,239 tourists while India was fifth with 7,938 arrivals. These were followed by France and Eastern Europe especially Russia which registered a 4.6 per cent increase.

In the emerging markets segment, Japan which was the leading source market registered a 49 per cent decline from 10,507 arrivals last year to 5,351 arrivals in the first half of 2008.

Ong’ong’a said partnerships with airlines such as Emirates and Virgin Atlantic has increased tourist arrivals from the far eastern markets of Japan, Korea and china. The Chinese source market registered a 21 per cent decline in the first half of 2008.

KTB chairman, Jakes Grieves Cook said a Barrack Obama win the US elections next week could see the travel advisories issued by the US government rescinded which could critically boost tourism earnings.

KLM adds fifth frequency to Entebbe

2008-11-05T01:55:00.000-08:00

KLM FLYING BEYOND ALL CORNERS

KLM has introduced a fifth flight to the current direct operations to and from Entebbe - moving its frequencies to Uganda from the current four.AS as this would increase the level of tourist flow in the country since KLm offers the best flight packages to even the budget tourists

This means the carrier's customers will have more choice on when to travel with KLM, more convenient connections and reliability.

The 5th flight will operate on Mondays beginning December 8, 2008 with Airbus A330 equipment.

In addition to the new flight, KLM has introduced extra flights to New York and Washington offering its clients earlier connections which lead to time savings while in transit at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport.

In June last year, the airline moved from three frequencies a week to four on the back of growing traffic on the route, which was re-introduced in November 2005.

Currently, the airline operates four frequencies a week into Entebbe from the Dutch capital.

As of December 8, KLM will fly into Entebbe every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The schedule will not change as another flight will just be added onto what the airline is doing.

Kenya Airways, a partner with KLM operates two flights to Amsterdam out of Nairobi but the flights go up to three in the summer. In case all the three flights are full, passengers are re-routed through Entebbe. KLM flies to Dar es Salaam daily with a stop in Arusha.

KLM resumed operating direct scheduled services between Amsterdam and Entebbe on November 1, 2005.

KLM's decision to return to Uganda after a 30-year hiatus was prompted by Uganda's booming economy and the growing demand for passenger services to and from Uganda.

Before that, KLM was offering twice-daily services to Entebbe via Nairobi through a code-sharing arrangement with KQ. This flight option has remained available to passengers after KLM launched its direct services to Entebbe.

With the increased frequency, KLM and KQ under their code-share agreement will now offer more than 15 weekly services between Amsterdam, Entebbe and Nairobi. Until the new frequency, the airline has been operating three direct services, plus 11 weekly flights via Nairobi.

The Amsterdam-Entebbe route offers passengers from Uganda non-stop service within the Air France-KLM network.

The new flights, in combination with the successful code-sharing services already offered by KLM and KQ, will further strengthen Air France-KLM's presence on the African continent.

Air France operates a weekly freighter service between Paris and Entebbe via Nairobi.

VACATION HOLIDAYS

2008-10-24T03:54:00.000-07:00

Vacation Holiday is a desire in build in ones mind to have love for adventure independent specialist tour operator with in 15 years of experience in planning and arranging memorable summer, beach, lakes and mountain and ski holidays, gorilla trekking holidays. So you can be sure you will be in safe and competent hands. We know all there is to know about our featured travel destinations all over the globe we will continue to offer you the widest choice and the best possible value for money. As the motor stands a customer IS ALWAYS THE KING !!!
Our choice of destinations for travel to
Our resort and properties represent the very best of world holiday spots and we put a lot of effort to make sure that your holiday is as relaxed and enjoyable as you would like it to be. So whether you are looking for cheap summer beach holidays, , package holidays, gorilla trekking holidays all inclusive holidays, tours, clear tranquil waters, breathtaking mountain scenery, fascinating people and cultures, impressive sights or warm hospitality, lakes and mountains or city breaks we are confident that you can find your ideal travel destination here on our web site. If you are looking for, feel free to visit our travel blog other locations page.
When choosing where to travel around on a city breaks why not try to visit Zanzibar Mombasa, Naples, UK? The proud capitals of our special travel destinations -and Durban, fascinating and unusual cities filled with history, culture and exceptional charm.
We offer rafting on the Nile holidays to Jinja, and Murchison falls. You can ski in Nile in the resorts of Uganda and best ski resort is an unique combination of a modern winter sport centre and living town and is taking firm position as Eastern Europe’s and eastern Africa we can arrange your holiday.
Travel Tours
Vacation Holidays invites you to travel and explore the natural beauty of the world whether trekking in the breathtaking Mountains. You can also learn about the rich history of Masai people at rime of the rift valley nique Valley and Roses. Attracts many visitors and is an exciting and vibrant city. There are many churches and museums for guests to enjoy, or simply take an advantage of the shopping and vibrant nightlife.

THE AMAZING MIGRATION WITHIN MASAI MARA NATIONAL PARK

2008-10-24T03:41:00.000-07:00

The Masai Mara lies in the Great Rift Valley, which is a fault line some 3,500 miles (5,600km) long, from Ethiopia's Red Sea through Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and into Mozambique. Here the valley is wide and a towering escarpment can be seen in the hazy distance. Most of the game viewing activities occur on the valley floor. The animals are also at liberty to move outside the park into huge areas known as 'dispersal areas'. There can be as much wildlife roaming outside the park as inside. Many Masai villages are located in the 'dispersal areas' and they have, over centuries, developed a synergetic relationship with the wildlife.
• Wildebeest Migration
The park has become famously known because of the migration of the heart beast which normally starts from early June to end of September
The plains are full of wildebeest, zebra, impala, topi, giraffe, Thomson's gazelle. Also regularly seen are leopards, lions, hyenas, cheetah, jackal and bat-eared foxes. Black rhino are a little shy and hard to spot but are often seen at a distance. Hippos are abundant in the Mara River as are very large Nile crocodiles, who lay in wait for a meal as the wildebeest cross on their annual quest to find new pastures. Every July (or sometimes August), the wildebeest travel over 600 miles (960km) from Tanzania's Serengeti plains, northwards to the Masai Mara and the Mara River is the final obstacle. In October or November, once they have feasted and the grass has all but gone, they turn around and go back the other way.
Attractions and activities

Flora
Masai Mara houses a number of rare species of plants and orchids. The wonderful grassland and the beautiful variety of wild flowers, all these spontaneously attract the tourists every year. The rolling grass scape with the forest rich in natural resources makes a must visit site for everyone fond of travel and adventure.
Fauna
Masai Mara is the natural habitat of a number of rare species from the animal kingdom. This includes all, ranging from the mammals, birds to reptiles. The cheetah, genet, hyena, jackal, leopard, lion, mongoose, serval and wild dog etc. you might also get to see some of the rare game animals moving freely in the wild. Primates like baboon, bush baby and monkey are also some of the interesting species to see in the Masai Mara Reserve. Dividing the species on their characteristics of feet, we can see odd-toed ungulates, like rhinoceros and zebra, even-toed ungulates include buffalo, giraffe, hippo, warthog and antelope etc. Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard and Lion along with the Cheetah, Giraffe and Hippo are some of the major attractions

AMAZING MOUNTAIN KILIMANJARO TREK

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The captivating landscape, with an incomparable diversity of flora and fauna: Africa is regarded as the 'trekkers' paradise' and, indeed, is a refreshing treat to the trekkers. Mount kirimanjalo and mount Stanley are the ultimate destination for a trekking holiday, offering everything from short and easy excursions to the long challenges of the snowy peaks, invoking visions of the spectacular glaciers , the lush meadows, green woodland and fragrant orchards.

In almost every part of Africa, there is a variety of trekking adventure options awaiting the trekker, some soft, others not so. In this vast wonderland, trekking itineraries from one to four weeks or more provide endless opportunities for discovery for the trekker. Among the high altitude regions of Africa major east Africa, reality becomes a dream.

Trekking in East Africa is an unforgettable experience as it not only let you to experience the unexplored trails made by nature, but also bring the visitor directly in touch with the country and its people and helps you to appreciate the mountain environment.
Mount Kilimanjaro
THE KILIMANJARO ROUTES
Hiking - Machame Route

Day 1. Nairobi/Arusha/Moshi
Depart Nairobi in the morning by shuttle to Moshi arriving late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight in a buget hotel in Moshi.

Day 2. Machame Hut
Drive to Machame Village. The climb begins at the end of the tarmac road,
walking for about 6 hrs gradually ascending through the forested hills
onwards to Machame Hut (3000m). Dinner and overnight.

Day 3. Shira Hut
Early in the morning, you will cross a valley and stream before ascending
a steep ridge. The path then drops into a river gorge before you climb
more gently onto the moorland of the Shira plateau - 3,800m. Total
climbing time is about 6hrs. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4. Barranco Hut
The path continues directly up the ridge towards Kibo, then turns right
and descends into Barranco gorge. Climb to Barranco hut at 3940m shortly
after. Total climbing time is about 6 hrs. Dinner and overnight.

Day 5. Barafu Hut
Crossing the Barranco Valley, climb the Barranco wall (not technical
climbing), then follow the Kibo South Circuit. You will then turn left and
climb up a ridge for about 2 hrs to Barafu hut at 4,600m. Dinner and
overnight.

Day 6. Mweka Hut
Very early start for the summit first to Stella Point and then Uhuru Peak
at 5895m. After sunrise, descend down to Mweka hut, which takes about 6
hrs. Dinner and overnight.

Day 7. Mweka Gate
this is the last day of your climb. You will descend to Mweka Gate where
you will be met and transferred to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 8. Arusha/Nairobi
Depart Moshi in the morning with a shuttle bus back to Nairobi arriving
approx 1830hrs.
MARANGU ROUTE
Marangu Route (7 Days/6 Nights)

Day 1. Nairobi/Arusha/Moshi
Depart Nairobi in the morning by a shuttle to Moshi arriving late
afternoon. Dinner and overnight.

Day 2. Mandara Hut
After breakfast, drive 45kms to Marangu Gate (1860m). Walk 9 kms through
dense semi-tropical Rain Forest to Mandara Hut (2744m). Dinner and
overnight.

Day 3. Horombo Hut
Depart early morning for a 10hr walk up to Horombo Hut (3761m). The
landscape becomes more rigged and rocky but superb, with mawenzi and Kibo
peaks in view. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4. Kibo Hut
After breakfast proceeds on a 6hr walk through spectacular mountain
vegetation to Kibo Hut (4732m). Dinner and overnight.

Day 5. Uhuru Peak/Horombo
The final attempt to the summit is made in the early hours of the morning
at 2:00 am. It takes about 5 hrs to the most difficult steep part of the
route to Gilman Point(5681m). From Gilmans, it takes one hour thirty
minutes to Uhuru Peak (5895m.) Descend to Horombo Hut for dinner and
overnight.

Day 6. Moshi/Arusha/Nairobi
Descent is rapid. After breakfast, walk down to Marangu Gate for transfer
to Moshi. Dinner and overnight in Moshi

Day 7. Arusha/Nairobi
Depart Moshi in the morning by a shuttle back to Nairobi arriving approx.
1830 hrs
LEMOSHO ROUTE