Bloody clashes in the first two months of 2008 and a disputed election in Kenya contributed to a decline in Kenya's tourism earnings. Kenya’s tourism earnings dropped by 32 percent in the first half of this year due to post-election violence which led to massive cancellations of bookings by visitors.
With most of the world’s currencies driven by their central value against the dollar, the Kenyan shilling’s slide against the dollar has seen it lose ground against every currency that is holding its dollar value, including that of its biggest export market, Uganda.
The Ugandan shilling, supported by buoyant dollar-denominated aid flows, is suddenly looking a lot more valuable compared with the Kenyan currency.
While a Kenyan shilling in April would buy 27 Ugandan shillings, today it buys just 23, a tumble of some 15 per cent.
The cause, say traders, is the Kenyan shillings retreat against the dollar, while the Ugandan shilling has held its dollar ground: thus the two now buy different amounts in the world, even though Kenya’s exports to Uganda have been robust, after the first quarter setback.
For Kenyan exporters, the depreciation against the Ugandan shilling comes at a hard moment. Kenya supplies many of Uganda’s manufactured goods and particularly those made from oil. This means that Kenyan producers are being hit in the marketplace from two sides. Just as they are being squeezed on one side by rising oil prices, they have to take a beating of lower revenues in their biggest export market.
This latest impact of the decline in foreign exchange earnings highlights the potential scale of secondary impact from the knock-out of an important export earner such as tourism, even as the industry gears itself back up, with bookings returning and money moving once again.
“There is now real demand for the greenback as opposed to speculative positions that people took at the beginning of the year,” says Brian Muigai, a senior dealer at NIC Bank.
On the dollar front, currency dealers say that a huge demand of the greenback against tight supply has been the driving factor behind the weakening of the Kenyan shilling.
Most of the demand is coming from the telecommunications and energy sectors as well as the large number of non-governmental and humanitarian organizations based in the country.
Dealers say that while dollar supply – mainly from horticulture, tourism, tea and coffee – has remained constant, demand for the greenback has been rising steadily.
Remittances from Kenyans living in the Diaspora have however picked up in the past few months, mitigating the full impact of declining dollar inflows from traditional sources such coffee and tea.
Dollar inflows from the Diaspora stood at $329 million for the first half of this year compared to $257 million in the first six months of 2007.
Pairs of non-US dollar currencies such as the Kenya and Ugandan Shilling are called “crosses.” One foreign currency is traded for another without having to first exchange the currencies into American dollars.
Ordinarily, an individual who wished to exchange a sum of money into a different currency would be required to convert it into US dollars, and then reconvert into the desired currency. Cross currencies help traders bypass this step.
But for non-US dollar currencies that lack crosses, a conversion to US dollars is required to work out the exchange rate.
Now for your Kenya safari and Uganda safari visit the Uganda tour company, Uganda safari, Uganda tours
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Uganda’s oldest Chimpanzee, Zakayo turns 44
Growing up i remember going to the then Entebbe Zoo, which has now been transformed into the Uganda Wildlife Education Center. The main attraction then was and still is Zakayo, a male chimpanzee whose name is probably more well known among the younger generation in Uganda than many people's names. This Chimpanzee which was brought to the zoo in 1976 turned 44 years old early this month. To mark this great occasion the Uganada Wildlife Education Centre hosted the public to celebrate this old grandpa's birthday party on Friday 15th of August. One would have thought it was a politician or some big shot who was celebrating his birthday party.
According to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre press release, Zakayo is one of the main attractions at the Conservation centre and his birthday deserved to be recognized together with a number of activities and the public needed to be invited. In the past this celebration involved the public mainly schools that came in bus loads and involves answering questions especially in connection to wildlife conservation, quiz and other competitions during the celebration.
Zakayo was rescued from Semliki in Bundibungyo district in june 1972 and was raised by hand. It is said to be very fatherly to the rest of the chimpanzees in the education centre going out and coming in the morning and evenings respectively. Zakayo has sired 8 chimpanzees since his arrival at the centre.
The Education centre officials urged the public to continue supporting tourism which has was the second highest income earner to the country in 2007.
For travel packages to East Africa visit;
According to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre press release, Zakayo is one of the main attractions at the Conservation centre and his birthday deserved to be recognized together with a number of activities and the public needed to be invited. In the past this celebration involved the public mainly schools that came in bus loads and involves answering questions especially in connection to wildlife conservation, quiz and other competitions during the celebration.
Zakayo was rescued from Semliki in Bundibungyo district in june 1972 and was raised by hand. It is said to be very fatherly to the rest of the chimpanzees in the education centre going out and coming in the morning and evenings respectively. Zakayo has sired 8 chimpanzees since his arrival at the centre.
The Education centre officials urged the public to continue supporting tourism which has was the second highest income earner to the country in 2007.
For travel packages to East Africa visit;
Monday, August 18, 2008
The Mpanga Cycad plants
The cycads plants in the area surrounding the Mpanga falls may soon be no more despite their environmental values and the income it generates for the communities around from the tourists and botanist who visit the region. The government of Uganda wishes uses these falls to generate the much need electricity for the development of the country with the help of the South Asia Energy Management Systems. However, environmentalists like Achilles Byaruhanga argue that the destruction of the cycad plants is in contravention of the Convention on Biological Diversity. On the other hand protagonists of the proposed development argue that the economical development that will accompany the development of the 18 Mega Watts hydro power plant far surpasses the need to conserve the area and the cycads plants and the falls and the “paltry” income the Banyaruguru and communities around are getting from the tourism. Achilles Byaruhanga argues that the destruction of these 200-300 year old trees is not worth the construction of the power plant. The cycad plants have been described as the “dinosaurs of Uganda” by many conservationists and tourists around the world.
This is indeed a catch-22 for both developers and conservationists not only in Uganda but around the world. Development without a good conservation program is a definite way to a country to loss out in the end, since there will be no way to ensure continuity of what has been achieved.
The protagonists argue that 200-300 year old plants mean nothing to the poor communities in which they are found. However, if we continue to destroy all that is around us with no regard for environmental impacts that will result we are only shooting ourselves in the foot. It is not any different from bandaging a wound without cleaning it and a not thinking about its proper healing, it will only lead to gangrene.
On the other hand we have to look at ways of fostering development while thinking about the future generations rather than looking at short term goals which are sure to leave us playing catch-up and trying to remedy the situation.
For Uganda Wildlife Safari and Wildlife tours visit the Uganda Safari Company
This is indeed a catch-22 for both developers and conservationists not only in Uganda but around the world. Development without a good conservation program is a definite way to a country to loss out in the end, since there will be no way to ensure continuity of what has been achieved.
The protagonists argue that 200-300 year old plants mean nothing to the poor communities in which they are found. However, if we continue to destroy all that is around us with no regard for environmental impacts that will result we are only shooting ourselves in the foot. It is not any different from bandaging a wound without cleaning it and a not thinking about its proper healing, it will only lead to gangrene.
On the other hand we have to look at ways of fostering development while thinking about the future generations rather than looking at short term goals which are sure to leave us playing catch-up and trying to remedy the situation.
For Uganda Wildlife Safari and Wildlife tours visit the Uganda Safari Company
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Rebels Hampering Gorilla Conservation in The Congo
Mountain gorillas are an endangered species with just over 750 left in the wilds of the region bordering Uganda, Congo and Rwanda. These 3 countries have greatly tried to increase conservation efforts to protect these primates, however, the Democratic Republic of Congo's efforts are being hampered by the take over of the Virunga national park since september last year. This is home of approximately half of the mountain gorilla population left in the wild.
Early this month a group of the Mai Mai rebels set ambush on a vehicle carrying conservationists killing 2 and wounding three. This on the heels of the murder of 5 mountain gorillas last year. This a very huge number of gorillas considering their population. These rebels do not only kill these mountain gorillas but have also started taking naive tourists gorilla tracking. This is not only financing the rebels but also paying the very same people who kill these primates for meat. Besides they do not follow the rules associated with gorilla tracking tours.
For Bwindi gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda gorilla tour visit the gorilla tracking company.
Technorati Profile
Early this month a group of the Mai Mai rebels set ambush on a vehicle carrying conservationists killing 2 and wounding three. This on the heels of the murder of 5 mountain gorillas last year. This a very huge number of gorillas considering their population. These rebels do not only kill these mountain gorillas but have also started taking naive tourists gorilla tracking. This is not only financing the rebels but also paying the very same people who kill these primates for meat. Besides they do not follow the rules associated with gorilla tracking tours.
For Bwindi gorilla tracking in Uganda and Rwanda gorilla tour visit the gorilla tracking company.
Technorati Profile
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Mountain Gorilla Tracking Tours and Human Contacts
Mountain gorillas are an endangered species of primates. These primates live in close knit family groups. These mountain gorilla family groups are only found in the three countries of Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC ( Democratic Republic of Congo ). There’s one of the last surviving families in Rwanda called the Amahoro which means Peace in the English language. In this family there’s a mountain gorilla named Ghahinga which has the habit of sneaking up on those doing gorilla tracking ( gorilla tours ) and pulling their sleeves or even pinching them. Weird as this might sound, people doing gorilla tracking safaris are not allowed to go within 15m (some 7m depending on where you are doing the tracking ) of these endangered mountain gorilla species for fear of making the gorillas catch a human communicable disease. It is however clear from these experiences that some of the rangers are not adhering to these park rules and are allowing contact between humans and gorillas.
These mountain gorillas in Rwanda are found in the misty shrouded mountains of the Virunga straddling the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and Congo. The game rangers help tourist track these mountain gorillas whose movements are very unpredictable and may cross over from any one of these three countries into another. Unlike humans, gorillas don’t need passports to cross from one country to another. This depending on which family and where you are tracking can be very frustrating especially if the rangers in other country deny you the permission to track in their country.
For those of you who might be wondering how a gorilla in the wild can have a name, in Rwanda gorilla naming has been turned into a world renown conservation event to raise awareness about the plight of these endangered primate species who share over 90% of our genes. This year’s conference, namely Kwita Izina was held on 1st July with a concert by Oliver Ngoma an International music artist to raise funds for the conservation of these mountain gorillas. The naming of these mountain gorillas is to help in tracking individual gorillas as sometimes these apes fall prey to some selfish poachers wishing to make a quick buck. It is obvious that much as the communities surrounding these conservation areas that have been turned into habitats for the gorillas, there are those who have never appreciated the importance of conserving these great apes for future generations.
To arrange for mountain gorilla tracking you can contact gorilla tour, Uganda gorilla tour, Uganda gorilla safari and Bwindi gorilla safari
These mountain gorillas in Rwanda are found in the misty shrouded mountains of the Virunga straddling the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and Congo. The game rangers help tourist track these mountain gorillas whose movements are very unpredictable and may cross over from any one of these three countries into another. Unlike humans, gorillas don’t need passports to cross from one country to another. This depending on which family and where you are tracking can be very frustrating especially if the rangers in other country deny you the permission to track in their country.
For those of you who might be wondering how a gorilla in the wild can have a name, in Rwanda gorilla naming has been turned into a world renown conservation event to raise awareness about the plight of these endangered primate species who share over 90% of our genes. This year’s conference, namely Kwita Izina was held on 1st July with a concert by Oliver Ngoma an International music artist to raise funds for the conservation of these mountain gorillas. The naming of these mountain gorillas is to help in tracking individual gorillas as sometimes these apes fall prey to some selfish poachers wishing to make a quick buck. It is obvious that much as the communities surrounding these conservation areas that have been turned into habitats for the gorillas, there are those who have never appreciated the importance of conserving these great apes for future generations.
To arrange for mountain gorilla tracking you can contact gorilla tour, Uganda gorilla tour, Uganda gorilla safari and Bwindi gorilla safari
THE KENYAN MAASAI MARKET.
AFRICAS LARGEST MARKET (BY TRONY V.INGATI
Growing up as young girl in Kenya, I thought it good to be able to acquire little pieces of handy-crafts that I could call my own. Bangles, black dolls, rings, anklets, weaved baskets, a parrot house and so forth.
To me these things expressed the African way of life and failure to have them meant that I was not such a happy girl at the end of the day. In order to keep this feel good attitude, my mother took me to trips across Africa to get whatever it is that would make me happy.
But of all the African countries that I visited none seemed to be resourceful as the Massai Market, (Africa’s largest handy-craft market.)
The Maasai market is situated in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. Operating three times a week, in different locations (Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday). It provides a good shopping experience for anyone who wants to get everything African.
Carvings of all sorts can be found in this place. Long legged giraffes and Maasai morans (Warriors) carvings fly whisks, crockery, cutlery, and pottery, thousands of batiks to pick form, jewelry and antiques. Whatever it is you are looking for you will find in this market.
An interesting aspect that I have discovered is that every time I spent shopping with my mother in the market for accessories there were always new designs that would make me stand in awe while shopping. So every time you shop you are bound to find something new again and again.
As for other small curio shops you are not unlikely to find plenty of versatility. The creations maybe well selected but not an adequate variety to pick from when it comes to making a choice that will make you fully satisfied at the end of the day.
When looking for good bargains in the Maasai markets, it would do you good to look through very carefully. Get the personal contact of the dealer or the maker of what you are buying, in case you need more supply, a repair on damaged goods and so forth.
The Maasai market traders are very friendly and it will be easy to communicate with them as you carry out with your purchases. However be very careful not to let your friendly nature take toll for they might end up selling their curios at a high price that might not be very pleasing to you as a tourist. If you happen to visit the Maasai market with a local guide and have difficulty throughout your communication while trying to buy something you like, you could ask for assistance from the guide and have them negotiate a good price for you.
Once in the Maasai market grub all you can for it is bountiful with Africa’s finest handy-works. The ‘A Must Buy’ would be the sandals. With a wide variety to pick from you will find yourself getting accustomed to the Kenyan way of life. The fabric painted batiks is another in the category hence worth retaining. Mostly, colorful and well painted they will be great looking on a frame up your wall when you return back home.
It has been years and indeed my mind has eaten up enough dust all around in my travels through Africa. No matter where I go or how far I am from home (Kenya) nothing beats the inspiration for creative hands in artistry of sorts that tends to fill me up to completeness with the variety that the Maasai market offers.
For all your Kenya safari, Uganda safari, and Rwanda safari visit http://www.ugandagorillasafaritours.com.
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Growing up as young girl in Kenya, I thought it good to be able to acquire little pieces of handy-crafts that I could call my own. Bangles, black dolls, rings, anklets, weaved baskets, a parrot house and so forth.
To me these things expressed the African way of life and failure to have them meant that I was not such a happy girl at the end of the day. In order to keep this feel good attitude, my mother took me to trips across Africa to get whatever it is that would make me happy.
But of all the African countries that I visited none seemed to be resourceful as the Massai Market, (Africa’s largest handy-craft market.)
The Maasai market is situated in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. Operating three times a week, in different locations (Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday). It provides a good shopping experience for anyone who wants to get everything African.
Carvings of all sorts can be found in this place. Long legged giraffes and Maasai morans (Warriors) carvings fly whisks, crockery, cutlery, and pottery, thousands of batiks to pick form, jewelry and antiques. Whatever it is you are looking for you will find in this market.
An interesting aspect that I have discovered is that every time I spent shopping with my mother in the market for accessories there were always new designs that would make me stand in awe while shopping. So every time you shop you are bound to find something new again and again.
As for other small curio shops you are not unlikely to find plenty of versatility. The creations maybe well selected but not an adequate variety to pick from when it comes to making a choice that will make you fully satisfied at the end of the day.
When looking for good bargains in the Maasai markets, it would do you good to look through very carefully. Get the personal contact of the dealer or the maker of what you are buying, in case you need more supply, a repair on damaged goods and so forth.
The Maasai market traders are very friendly and it will be easy to communicate with them as you carry out with your purchases. However be very careful not to let your friendly nature take toll for they might end up selling their curios at a high price that might not be very pleasing to you as a tourist. If you happen to visit the Maasai market with a local guide and have difficulty throughout your communication while trying to buy something you like, you could ask for assistance from the guide and have them negotiate a good price for you.
Once in the Maasai market grub all you can for it is bountiful with Africa’s finest handy-works. The ‘A Must Buy’ would be the sandals. With a wide variety to pick from you will find yourself getting accustomed to the Kenyan way of life. The fabric painted batiks is another in the category hence worth retaining. Mostly, colorful and well painted they will be great looking on a frame up your wall when you return back home.
It has been years and indeed my mind has eaten up enough dust all around in my travels through Africa. No matter where I go or how far I am from home (Kenya) nothing beats the inspiration for creative hands in artistry of sorts that tends to fill me up to completeness with the variety that the Maasai market offers.
For all your Kenya safari, Uganda safari, and Rwanda safari visit http://www.ugandagorillasafaritours.com.
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Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Ugandan's The Happiest In East Africa
When one asks you where or not you are happy, what would you reply be? I guess that would depend on a number of factors, imagined or real. A recent study done by the University of Michigan's institute of Social Research in over 91 countries uncovered a number of startling revelations although others were obvious.
In this global survey, it was discovered that in more open societies where the powers that be allowed their citizenry to make free choices regarding life, the people were happier.
This was the case with Uganda, where its citizens were found to be more happier than those within the East African region. It was found that on a 1-10 scales, Ugandans scored 5.1 (0.69 ) coming in at position 70 where as Tanzania scored 0.13 at position 78, Rwanda 0.31 at position 81.
This is a statistic that many Ugandans will agree with given that a close survey of the life of most people especially in the urban areas will reveal that Ugandans, especially the fairly well to do middle class are given to "going out" a lot. There are huge number of night clubs, bars and restaurants. In fact in Kampala city all the roads leading out of the city center into the suburbs are lined with bars, with an average of 100m from one another. Bars and restaurants are a thriving business in the country. This is evident in the increase in weight by most Uganda's especially the younger generation.
Psychologists though state that happiness is a state of the mind and is not so much related to how much wealth one has. It is argued that there are those with huge sums of money who are not happy at all. Where as there are those that are broke and quite happy.
Dr Ronald Inglehart who conducted the study shows that there are more happy people in the world today than a decade or so back. He also said the increased happiness is not due to increased wealth.
This study points out Denmark as the happiest nation in the world, with Zimbabwe coming in on the other end. A fact that is evidently due to the political climate in the country at the moment.
This increase in political freedom though still wanting in some respects has led to an increase in the number of tourists coming to Uganda, despite the fact that it is a landlocked country.
Uganda has also seen an increase in the number of international conferences the hugest being CHOGM, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in 2007, and more recently the IOC the International Islamic Organisation Conference.
Dr Inglehart said that the results prove that it is societies that have and practice the freedom of choice that are the happiest.
For your Uganda safari including gorilla tour, chimpanzee tour and birding safari contact the Uganda gorilla tour company.
“
In this global survey, it was discovered that in more open societies where the powers that be allowed their citizenry to make free choices regarding life, the people were happier.
This was the case with Uganda, where its citizens were found to be more happier than those within the East African region. It was found that on a 1-10 scales, Ugandans scored 5.1 (0.69 ) coming in at position 70 where as Tanzania scored 0.13 at position 78, Rwanda 0.31 at position 81.
This is a statistic that many Ugandans will agree with given that a close survey of the life of most people especially in the urban areas will reveal that Ugandans, especially the fairly well to do middle class are given to "going out" a lot. There are huge number of night clubs, bars and restaurants. In fact in Kampala city all the roads leading out of the city center into the suburbs are lined with bars, with an average of 100m from one another. Bars and restaurants are a thriving business in the country. This is evident in the increase in weight by most Uganda's especially the younger generation.
Psychologists though state that happiness is a state of the mind and is not so much related to how much wealth one has. It is argued that there are those with huge sums of money who are not happy at all. Where as there are those that are broke and quite happy.
Dr Ronald Inglehart who conducted the study shows that there are more happy people in the world today than a decade or so back. He also said the increased happiness is not due to increased wealth.
This study points out Denmark as the happiest nation in the world, with Zimbabwe coming in on the other end. A fact that is evidently due to the political climate in the country at the moment.
This increase in political freedom though still wanting in some respects has led to an increase in the number of tourists coming to Uganda, despite the fact that it is a landlocked country.
Uganda has also seen an increase in the number of international conferences the hugest being CHOGM, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in 2007, and more recently the IOC the International Islamic Organisation Conference.
Dr Inglehart said that the results prove that it is societies that have and practice the freedom of choice that are the happiest.
For your Uganda safari including gorilla tour, chimpanzee tour and birding safari contact the Uganda gorilla tour company.
“
Monday, July 7, 2008
Another Royal to Tour Uganda and The Source of The Nile River
Swaziland is one country in Africa that has retained its traditional African identity to a great extent. This small South African country is governed by a king King Mswati III. Swaziland is known for its strong cultural identity and its festivals world wide.
Kinga Mswati III is here in Uganda on a state visit in which he is expected to discuss a number of issues with His Excellence the President of Uganda. Among these is thought to be the fight against the HIV pandemic which has greatly hit this small kingdom, with an estimated 38.8% of the population said to be HIV positive.
Uganda is one country that was greatly devastated by this AIDS scourge which almost wiped out an entire generation. This can be reflected in the fact that Uganda has the youngest population in world, with over 51% of the population being under 15 years of age and 78% under 30 years of age.
However, due to an aggressive AIDS awareness campaign, Uganda managed to stave off this pandemic to just under 6% of the population from a whooping 39% in the early 90’s.
King Mswati is accompanied by his wife Inkhosikati LaMotsa, the UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, his brother, Prince Mabizela, sister, princess Ncengencenga and his four children.
The King just as Prince Charles did during the 2007 CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting ) held here in Kampala is expected to tour the source of the legendary Nile river this morning in Jinja before holding meetings with different government officials.
King Mswati is Africa’s last absolute monarch, appointing his prime ministers and other government officials with over 16 wives and 27 children. He has been on a tour of the world to raise funds for Swazi orphans and there has been a number of renown musicians who have heeded his call for help and joined in this effort, most notably Michael Jackson who recorded an album for the Swazi orphans.
For your Uganda tour and gorilla tour visit African Secrets.
Kinga Mswati III is here in Uganda on a state visit in which he is expected to discuss a number of issues with His Excellence the President of Uganda. Among these is thought to be the fight against the HIV pandemic which has greatly hit this small kingdom, with an estimated 38.8% of the population said to be HIV positive.
Uganda is one country that was greatly devastated by this AIDS scourge which almost wiped out an entire generation. This can be reflected in the fact that Uganda has the youngest population in world, with over 51% of the population being under 15 years of age and 78% under 30 years of age.
However, due to an aggressive AIDS awareness campaign, Uganda managed to stave off this pandemic to just under 6% of the population from a whooping 39% in the early 90’s.
King Mswati is accompanied by his wife Inkhosikati LaMotsa, the UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, his brother, Prince Mabizela, sister, princess Ncengencenga and his four children.
The King just as Prince Charles did during the 2007 CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting ) held here in Kampala is expected to tour the source of the legendary Nile river this morning in Jinja before holding meetings with different government officials.
King Mswati is Africa’s last absolute monarch, appointing his prime ministers and other government officials with over 16 wives and 27 children. He has been on a tour of the world to raise funds for Swazi orphans and there has been a number of renown musicians who have heeded his call for help and joined in this effort, most notably Michael Jackson who recorded an album for the Swazi orphans.
For your Uganda tour and gorilla tour visit African Secrets.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Chimpanzee Trafficking
In the last two years alone conservationists have managed to reclaim over 10 chimpanzees from animal smugglers. The Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust director, Ajarova Lilian in Ngamba Island on Lake Victoria announced that the smuggling of chimpanzees out of the country has again began at alarming rates. At a workshop, Lilian said that although chimpanzee smuggling had reduced for at least two years with not reported cases there has been over 10 arrests concerning chimpanzee smuggling. This workshop was organized to celebrate the 10th year of the existence of this chimpanzee sanctuary which was established as a home for orphaned chimps as well as those recaptured from animal traffickers. According to the head of the Uganda wildlife Education Centre, Dr. Seguya, the increasing need for forests covered land is the number one threat to chimpanzees.
What was observed was the fact that chimpanzees are very protective of their young ones and for a person to capture just one of these babies, they will have to massacre the whole colony or contend with the others in the community. A case in point was the family of four chimpanzees that was probable murdered in Kibale forest national park.
Of all the primates in the world, mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in Africa are an endangered species and face extinction if nothing is done about their plight. In Africa Chimpanzees, can be found all along the equatorial region from west Africa to Uganda and Kenya in the East of the continent. As for mountain gorillas these are only found in the border areas of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. In Uganda they are found in the two protected areas of Bwindi impenetrable forest offering mountain gorilla tour, and Mghahinga national park which also offers gorilla safari. In Rwanda, they are found in parc des Volcanes.
In Uganda chimpanzees are found in Murchison falls national park, Queen Elizabeth national park, Kibale national park and Semliki national park.
For those interest in chimpanzee tours, African Secrets offers Murchison falls national park tour, Queen Elizabeth national park safari, Kibale national park tour and semliki national park tour
What was observed was the fact that chimpanzees are very protective of their young ones and for a person to capture just one of these babies, they will have to massacre the whole colony or contend with the others in the community. A case in point was the family of four chimpanzees that was probable murdered in Kibale forest national park.
Of all the primates in the world, mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in Africa are an endangered species and face extinction if nothing is done about their plight. In Africa Chimpanzees, can be found all along the equatorial region from west Africa to Uganda and Kenya in the East of the continent. As for mountain gorillas these are only found in the border areas of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. In Uganda they are found in the two protected areas of Bwindi impenetrable forest offering mountain gorilla tour, and Mghahinga national park which also offers gorilla safari. In Rwanda, they are found in parc des Volcanes.
In Uganda chimpanzees are found in Murchison falls national park, Queen Elizabeth national park, Kibale national park and Semliki national park.
For those interest in chimpanzee tours, African Secrets offers Murchison falls national park tour, Queen Elizabeth national park safari, Kibale national park tour and semliki national park tour
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Uganda Chimpanzees Hungry For Sex
Studies carried out by University of Saint Andrews scientists - Evolutionary psychologists Klaus Zuberbuhler and Simon Townsend; on the copulation calls ; that is the sounds that are made while mating by female chimps in Uganda's Budongo forest in Murchison falls national park for 16 months revealed some startling behaviors.
Female chimpanzees have a craving for sex with as multiple males as they can, but are awkwardly silent about it so as to increase their chances of attracting the alpha males as was revealed by a British university on Wednesday, 18th June.
However, they also found out that female chimpanzees make more copulation calls when the alpha males were closer so as to seduce them to mate. This tendency to have sex with multiple partners is believed to reduce the likelihood of alpha males killing baby chimpanzees as they will not which one they sired. This is a tendency seen in many animals, a notable example is lions that immediately kill the cubs of a newly conquered pride so as to raise their own offspring.
The scientists were able to deduce that female chimpanzees are usually quiet during mating so not to draw the attention of other top rival females which would endanger it and lessen its chances of having a top male sire its offspring. It would also lessen the probability for the top female chimps attacking them.
The scientists said competition among the wild females chimpanzees was quite stiff and therefore they make tactical sounds when attracting males so as to reduce the danger associated with the competition. And also to ensure that they also benefit from the alpha males.
However, there was no evidence that alpha males competed with each other for sex with the females when they made the mating calls. There was also no correlation between a females fertility and copulation calls.
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Female chimpanzees have a craving for sex with as multiple males as they can, but are awkwardly silent about it so as to increase their chances of attracting the alpha males as was revealed by a British university on Wednesday, 18th June.
However, they also found out that female chimpanzees make more copulation calls when the alpha males were closer so as to seduce them to mate. This tendency to have sex with multiple partners is believed to reduce the likelihood of alpha males killing baby chimpanzees as they will not which one they sired. This is a tendency seen in many animals, a notable example is lions that immediately kill the cubs of a newly conquered pride so as to raise their own offspring.
The scientists were able to deduce that female chimpanzees are usually quiet during mating so not to draw the attention of other top rival females which would endanger it and lessen its chances of having a top male sire its offspring. It would also lessen the probability for the top female chimps attacking them.
The scientists said competition among the wild females chimpanzees was quite stiff and therefore they make tactical sounds when attracting males so as to reduce the danger associated with the competition. And also to ensure that they also benefit from the alpha males.
However, there was no evidence that alpha males competed with each other for sex with the females when they made the mating calls. There was also no correlation between a females fertility and copulation calls.
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Friday, June 6, 2008
Mountain gorilla tracking rules and regulations
Besides watching the great wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara and Serengeti plains, few wildlife experiences can be compared to mountain gorilla tracking in Bwinidi impenetrable forest, Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda; Parc Des Volcans in Rwanda and also in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Tracing or hacking your way through vine-clad forests as you track these gentle giant creatures through dense forest undergrowth combined with the anticipation of seeing these very few but great creatures is truely and awe-inspiring experience. Many a tourist has left the place mesmerized as they observe these massive yet gentle creatures grunting and chewing away at leaves seemingly oblivious to the curious onlookers. There are only a few of these great apes left in the wild, totaling just over 700.
As a result Uganda wildlife Authority (UWA) has set up a number of guidelines when tracking gorillas. This is to protect these endangered mountain gorilla species. No more than 10 people are allowed to track a family of gorilla per day and there are strict rules to be adhered to. These include;
* Any one with a communicable disease, like as diarrhoea or flu , is not allowed to visit the gorillas.
* Surrounding the gorillas is not allowed, people are to remain in tight groups.
* Once found contact time is limited to only one hour
* Please observe all instructions from your guide.
* A distance of about 5 meters is to be left between the tracker and the gorillas
* A tracker is advised to move back slowly when approched by the gorillas
* No flashes from cameras are allowed.
* Eating and smoking within 200m of the gorillas is forbidden.
* One is required to cover his / her mouth when sneezing or coughing or turn away from the gorillas.
* Human excrement is to be buried at least 30 cm deep in the ground.
* No disposal of litter within the park.
* Spitting in the park is forbidden.
* Minors (those under 15 years) are not allowed to track gorillas.
* Lound noise and sudden movements when with the gorillas is discouraged.
There are a number of tour operators offering gorilla safari and a quick search with any of your most popular search engine will produce a number of tour operators doing Uganda gorilla safari
Tracing or hacking your way through vine-clad forests as you track these gentle giant creatures through dense forest undergrowth combined with the anticipation of seeing these very few but great creatures is truely and awe-inspiring experience. Many a tourist has left the place mesmerized as they observe these massive yet gentle creatures grunting and chewing away at leaves seemingly oblivious to the curious onlookers. There are only a few of these great apes left in the wild, totaling just over 700.
As a result Uganda wildlife Authority (UWA) has set up a number of guidelines when tracking gorillas. This is to protect these endangered mountain gorilla species. No more than 10 people are allowed to track a family of gorilla per day and there are strict rules to be adhered to. These include;
* Any one with a communicable disease, like as diarrhoea or flu , is not allowed to visit the gorillas.
* Surrounding the gorillas is not allowed, people are to remain in tight groups.
* Once found contact time is limited to only one hour
* Please observe all instructions from your guide.
* A distance of about 5 meters is to be left between the tracker and the gorillas
* A tracker is advised to move back slowly when approched by the gorillas
* No flashes from cameras are allowed.
* Eating and smoking within 200m of the gorillas is forbidden.
* One is required to cover his / her mouth when sneezing or coughing or turn away from the gorillas.
* Human excrement is to be buried at least 30 cm deep in the ground.
* No disposal of litter within the park.
* Spitting in the park is forbidden.
* Minors (those under 15 years) are not allowed to track gorillas.
* Lound noise and sudden movements when with the gorillas is discouraged.
There are a number of tour operators offering gorilla safari and a quick search with any of your most popular search engine will produce a number of tour operators doing Uganda gorilla safari
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
The Cost of An African Safari
It is important for those planning on visiting Africa during the holidays or for a safari vacation to realize that the costs may seem strange for the first-time visitor. However, with the high cost of fuel world-wide, the cost of doing an African safari has generally increased. This is particularly so for those in Europe and USA who have the largest number of tourists coming to Africa. The exorbitant cost of airlines is what makes this particularly biting. However, once in Africa, costs are generally very low except the cost of fuel in landlocked countries whose fuel has to be transported through some bad roads. These fuel costs are further reflected in the costs of the tour by the tour operators who are trying hard to see that the can give their clientèle the best without incurring losses in the process.
The depreciation of the dollar against almost all currencies has not helped matters either. Many of the local currencies have fairly gained value against the dollar. However, if you are looking for a great safari experience with minimum costs say in East Africa, you would do well to do an overland tour of the whole region beginning from any of the East African countries. East Africa has generally gained a reputation has a tourist destination due to the rich biodiversity of its protected regions. Many of the major tourist attractions are mountain gorilla safaris in Uganda and Rwanda, the great wildebeest migration of the Masai Mara and Serengeti national park, birding safaris in the Albertine region with its endemic bird species, wildlife safari in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzanian.
All this has been enhanced by the great climatic conditions of the region and the vegetations especially in the Great Rift valley areas. In the Eastern Rift valley region we have great attractions in the Ngorongoro crater area. Here there's a high density of both birds and wildlife due to the climatic conditions in the region created by the surrounding mountain peaks and the rich volcanic soils. Then there is the Albertine region with its many protected areas due to its rich biodiversity, many of which have been declared world heritage sites by UNESCO. This region boasts of bird species, butterflies, reptiles, mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and many animal species found no where else in the world.
The beauty of the region which has been the focus of many a discovery channel documentaries is what has led to the high influx of tourists to East Africa. Despite the increased air travel costs, Africa is increasingly the tourist destination choice of many people from Europe, Australia, Newzeland and USA not to forget the increasing trickle of tourists from Japan, China and the UAE.
For your Uganda gorilla tour vist the gorila tour company.
The depreciation of the dollar against almost all currencies has not helped matters either. Many of the local currencies have fairly gained value against the dollar. However, if you are looking for a great safari experience with minimum costs say in East Africa, you would do well to do an overland tour of the whole region beginning from any of the East African countries. East Africa has generally gained a reputation has a tourist destination due to the rich biodiversity of its protected regions. Many of the major tourist attractions are mountain gorilla safaris in Uganda and Rwanda, the great wildebeest migration of the Masai Mara and Serengeti national park, birding safaris in the Albertine region with its endemic bird species, wildlife safari in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzanian.
All this has been enhanced by the great climatic conditions of the region and the vegetations especially in the Great Rift valley areas. In the Eastern Rift valley region we have great attractions in the Ngorongoro crater area. Here there's a high density of both birds and wildlife due to the climatic conditions in the region created by the surrounding mountain peaks and the rich volcanic soils. Then there is the Albertine region with its many protected areas due to its rich biodiversity, many of which have been declared world heritage sites by UNESCO. This region boasts of bird species, butterflies, reptiles, mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and many animal species found no where else in the world.
The beauty of the region which has been the focus of many a discovery channel documentaries is what has led to the high influx of tourists to East Africa. Despite the increased air travel costs, Africa is increasingly the tourist destination choice of many people from Europe, Australia, Newzeland and USA not to forget the increasing trickle of tourists from Japan, China and the UAE.
For your Uganda gorilla tour vist the gorila tour company.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Uganda's oil discovery rattles conservationists
The discovery of oil in the rich biodiversity region of the Albertine is both a blessing and bane for Uganda. The Albertine region which stretches from the northern end of Lake Albert to the southern end of Lake Tanganyika is blessed with a great number of wildlife and bird species endemic to the region. It also straddles the countries around the western arm of the east African rift valley.
Its mountains and lakes are a watershed for clean fresh water for the surrounding communities and the those outside of the region.
It boasts the highest concentration of mammals, birds, reptiles and butterflies in the world. The regions most notable contribution has been foreign exchange through the promotion of eco tourism in its many protected areas. Some of the species to be found here include the endangered mountain gorillas offering mountain gorilla trekking , mountain monkeys, the golden monkey, rare butterflies, bird species, fish and numerous reptiles.
All this however, is bound to be destroyed with the discovery of oil if there's no thorough environmental impact analysis of the region. Not to mention the unsightly oil pipelines that will run through the region.
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) argues that, the discovery of oil in the region will most likely upset the conservation efforts they have put in place over the last 12 years. The landscape and scenery of the region will definitely be destroyed including the habitats of many the regions birds and wildlife which was already being threatened by human population explosion and encroachment.
The lure of petrol dollars and the worlds hungering for more fuel is definitely a great impetus for the government of Uganda. The minister of tourism argues that the development that will come with the drilling of oil will definitely improve the tourism industry rather than impact it negatively. He argues that the construction of hotels and road networks in the region will facilitate easy access of tourist to the protected areas.
However, when the oil wells run dry and there's no more oil to drill, what will we be left with? It is something that the government of Uganda and conservationist have to look into before any concrete steps can be taken.
For your Uganda safari and mountain gorilla tracking visit gorilla tours
Its mountains and lakes are a watershed for clean fresh water for the surrounding communities and the those outside of the region.
It boasts the highest concentration of mammals, birds, reptiles and butterflies in the world. The regions most notable contribution has been foreign exchange through the promotion of eco tourism in its many protected areas. Some of the species to be found here include the endangered mountain gorillas offering mountain gorilla trekking , mountain monkeys, the golden monkey, rare butterflies, bird species, fish and numerous reptiles.
All this however, is bound to be destroyed with the discovery of oil if there's no thorough environmental impact analysis of the region. Not to mention the unsightly oil pipelines that will run through the region.
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) argues that, the discovery of oil in the region will most likely upset the conservation efforts they have put in place over the last 12 years. The landscape and scenery of the region will definitely be destroyed including the habitats of many the regions birds and wildlife which was already being threatened by human population explosion and encroachment.
The lure of petrol dollars and the worlds hungering for more fuel is definitely a great impetus for the government of Uganda. The minister of tourism argues that the development that will come with the drilling of oil will definitely improve the tourism industry rather than impact it negatively. He argues that the construction of hotels and road networks in the region will facilitate easy access of tourist to the protected areas.
However, when the oil wells run dry and there's no more oil to drill, what will we be left with? It is something that the government of Uganda and conservationist have to look into before any concrete steps can be taken.
For your Uganda safari and mountain gorilla tracking visit gorilla tours
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Welcome To Uganda's Safaris and Tours Blog
Welcome To Uganda
In the late 1960 s, Uganda was the most popular destination for tourists seeking to visit the African continent. Although wildlife has subsequently been reduced, Uganda still has the magic and allure to delight any travelers. For those interested in birds, it has an added appeal with over 1,000 species being recorded-Queen Elizabeth National Park, for example, has 606 species on its bird list.
While many visitors come to Uganda for mountain gorilla safaris, the country’s other natural attractions are just as rewarding; tropical rain forests with the highest number of primates in Africa, spectacular waterways, Savannah scenery and majestic snow-covered mountains abound.
This blog welcomes all who have the privilege to visit Uganda and urges them to include our system of protected areas in their itinerary. The areas under protection are truly awe-inspiring; in addition you will find the people to be friendly, courteous and willing to assist.
Here are a list of safaris options by one of the tour operators to Uganda
In the late 1960 s, Uganda was the most popular destination for tourists seeking to visit the African continent. Although wildlife has subsequently been reduced, Uganda still has the magic and allure to delight any travelers. For those interested in birds, it has an added appeal with over 1,000 species being recorded-Queen Elizabeth National Park, for example, has 606 species on its bird list.
While many visitors come to Uganda for mountain gorilla safaris, the country’s other natural attractions are just as rewarding; tropical rain forests with the highest number of primates in Africa, spectacular waterways, Savannah scenery and majestic snow-covered mountains abound.
This blog welcomes all who have the privilege to visit Uganda and urges them to include our system of protected areas in their itinerary. The areas under protection are truly awe-inspiring; in addition you will find the people to be friendly, courteous and willing to assist.
Here are a list of safaris options by one of the tour operators to Uganda
Uganda Primate Safaris
Primates
Monkeys are exceptionally well represented in Uganda. Indeed, Kibale forest boasts the largest primate variety and density in East Africa, with fives or six species likely to be observed over the course of one afternoon walk. Else where, Mgahinga National Park hosts habituated troops of the rare golden monkeys, while Murchison Falls is one of the few East African strongholds for the spindly, plains-dwelling patas monkey. The fossilised 20-million-year-old bones of Morotopithecus, the earliest-known ancestor of modern apes and humans, were unearthed in the 1960’s near Moroto in eastern Uganda, and are now housed in the National Museum in Kampala.
For your Uganda primate tours and Uganda safaris
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