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Wild Camping Makes Travel Easy

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Are you planning to go on a safari in Africa? Going wild camping is a memorable safari experience, that you should not miss. Here is everything you need to know about going wild camping;

What is wild camping?

Wild camping means sleeping in a tent in the wild with everything around you wild. Camping in the national parks is most especially the one termed as wild camping because you sleep hearing the lions roaring next to you.

Before you head out to wild camp it is important to do your research and plan your walking routes carefully, check the weather conditions, terrain and ensure you’ve got all the camping gear you need to hike and camp safely.

Many wild campers opt to camp during multi day safaris, pitching up their tents later in the day and cook their dinner early. This gives room for analyzing all the daily activities and planning for tomorrow’s day.

Is wild camping legal On Safari?

The general rule for wild camping is to check whether you can legally camp – or get permission and it is vital to leave no trace.

Before heading to the wilderness to wild camp, it’s important to talk to your travel agency about it and get all the first-hand information before you head out.

Some travel sites in Uganda Kenya and Tanzania like the Bwindi impenetrable national park do not allow camping at whatever cost. There is however camping in Queen Elizabeth national park which is just a few hours’ drive to Bwindi.

In some countries on a Kenya safari you will need a permit for camping in some places. This permit may be for protection as it is a wild life area it may get too wild for you in the night.

Wild camping code: Leave no trace

  • Do not leave a thing when going after: This is the crucial rule of wild camping and ideally you will create minimum impact on your desired area so it still remains natural and wild. Better still, you should leave the site so no one can tell you’ve even been there.
  • Litter: We all know this for a fact they do not litter in the park and in Uganda this call for a heavy fine from 300- 1500 dollars. Ensure you collect all your rubbish and take it with you, Walk the site slowly before leaving to check that nothing is missed.
  • Leave the site as you found it, even the small tinny tent holes are supposed to be filled back with sand, fire damage, litter, and take care not to damage vegetation. When it comes to the toilet duties cover it properly on your departure and let nature take its course on it.
  • Fire: you are allowed to light a fire, because most animals fear it so it will act as a barrier between you and them as well as light for you. Ensure you do so correctly and leave no trace that you were ever there
  • Keep group numbers small: try to minimize disturbing wildlife by camping in a small group and reduce noise and light where possible. In case of a very large group of about 20 persons you can divide into three in different places to keep the noise down.

Stay just the one night or two if you must – animals are very wise for your information if you stay in their place for a very long time they may get used to you or some will even charge to hurt you in no time. To avoid such incidences one night may be the best.

Top Uganda Spots for Primate Encounters

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kibale chimpanzee tracking

Uganda is a magnet for primate enthusiasts. Located in the Eastern part of Africa, this prime destination is among the top countries with the highest numbers of primate species in Africa. Its lush habitats include tropical rain forests, montane forests and bamboo forests are one of the reasons for the wide range of primates.

Some of these species are chimpanzees, Golden monkeys, Red-tailed monkeys, black and white Colobus monkeys, baboons, Vervet, blue monkeys to name but a few. Listed below are some of the places to go for primate encounters while on a safari in Uganda;

Kibale Forest National Park

There are other places that inhabit primates in Uganda, but Kibale Forest National Park is referred to as the country’s primate capital. Located in Western Uganda, this Park covers a total area of 560 square kilometers and was declared as a National Park in 1993. The biggest area of Kibale is occupied by the moist evergreen, Savannah grasslands, and semi-deciduous forests.

With its blend of evergreen trees and deciduous around Kanyanchu, Kibale’s vegetation rises up to 55m establishing a semi-closed canopy that protects more than 13 different species of primates. Moreover, Kibale Forest National Park is ranked to harbor the greatest concentration of primates in East Africa. Some of these are Chimpanzees, grey-cheeked Mangabey, Black and White Colobus, Blue monkeys, and Red-tailed monkeys.

The current population in this protected area is approximated to 1000 individuals and part is habituated for tourism in the Kanyanchu area. Actually, chimpanzee tracking is the main reason for most trips arranged to this Park in western Uganda.

Other than primates, this park plays host to over 325 bird species including forest and water birds. This makes it a perfect getaway for those who seek a mix of primate watching and birding. Some of the birds common in Kibale include green breasted pitta, white-bellied crested flycatchers, woodland warbler, and orange tufted sunbird.

Budongo Forest Reserve

Seated atop the Albertine Rift part of the Great Rift Valley, Budongo is simply described as a medium-altitude, semi-deciduous, and moist tropical rain forest. It is part of the Murchison Falls conservation area and covers a total area of 825 square kilometers of which 430 square kilometers is a continuous forest.

This forest was under strict protection by the King of Bunyoro until it was gazetted as a reserve in 1932. Budongo forest is currently one of the protected areas in Uganda that boast rich biodiversity that consists of nine primate species including chimpanzees, 280 butterflies, and 24 species of small mammals.

About 600 individuals of Chimpanzee primates call Budongo home although a small community is habituated for tracking excursions. The community for tracking is composed of 80 individuals and is common most of the days except in the dry season when they tend to move into the forest in search of food.

Other primates that breathe life in the Budongo forest are red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, Black and white colobus, grey checked mangabeys, and olive baboons.

Adding to primates, the reserve boasts over 360 birds and 465 plant species including the Mahogany trees that can grow up to 80 meters. Some of the common birds in this protected area are chestnut crowned Eremomera, Dusky long-tailed cuckoo, Black-headed paradise flycatcher and chocolate-backed kingfisher.

Kalinzu Wildlife Reserve

With its large communities of Chimpanzee primates, Kalinzu forest is ranked to be the second-best place to meet with Chimps if not Kibale Forest National Park. It is a great stopover for those who are heading to Queen Elizabeth National Park. You can as well connect to Kalinzu from Queen and the drive takes about 40 minutes.

Over 320 chimps are recorded in the reserve, but only 50 are habituated and fully approved for tracking. The session usually takes about 3-4 hours and includes walks through steep slopes and valleys, therefore physical fitness is highly required. There are two sessions on offer (morning and afternoon sessions).

The morning session starts at 8:00 am and the afternoon session starts at 3:00 pm. Sometimes these chimps are not welcoming to strangers, that’s why a ranger guide is assigned to lead the group of trackers. During the tracking, you are also exposed to other primates and various species of birds.

Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Established to provide a home to the rescued and orphaned chimpanzees, Ngamba is a paradise for primate lovers. It is located on an island that is part of the Koome group of Islands.

Ngamba Chimp Sanctuary covers a large part that consists of tropical rainforests, grasslands, and swamps. Since it is located on an island, you can only get there by boat or plane. This notable locality treats visitors with a number of captivating activities such as chimpanzee feeding, caregiving, and bird watching.

Kyambura gorge

With its inviting scenery, the Kyambura gorge is amongst the best places to see Chimpanzees in Uganda. It is home to a plethora of primate species although most travelers visit this area for Chimps. Kyambura gorge is part of Queen and a stunning spot that is rarely anywhere else in Uganda.

It was established mainly to act as a buffer zone for animals that come to the gorge for water in the dry season. Chimpanzees in this area tend to hide and a deep walk into the forest reveals more of other wildlife species that inhabit the gorge. Some of these species are birds, primates like baboons, vervet, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and more.

5 Quick Tips to Get the Best out of a Gorilla Trek

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Bwindi Forest Gorilla

Mountain gorillas are one of the most interesting primates to watch in their natural habitats as you interact with them by observing them do their social antics, learn about them and also enjoy and take pictures of them. With their unique social antics that are almost similar to human beings, it is why gorilla trekking has become so popular in the world as people come to Uganda or Rwanda to meet their closest cousins in the animal kingdom. There are only three countries where you can encounter the mountain gorillas that is Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo but Uganda and Rwanda bring out the best gorilla trek experience as each differs from the other as for Uganda it is more adventurous and explorative and for Rwanda, it gives ease to trek the gorillas.  However, like any other wildlife safari you have to prepare to get the best out of the gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and Rwanda;

  1. Dress up clothes that cover your body properly

Put in mind that during gorilla trekking you walk through the bush and forested jungles of Bwindi national park or volcanoes national park where you encounter thorns, nettles, protruding branches on the walking trails, insects, and pesky that can cause skin damages. You have to put on headgears, long pants, carry gloves, jackets, and sweaters, and also ornaments for insect bites.

2. Prepare your body and mental for the trek

Gorilla trekking takes a lot of time as you hike the forested jungles searching for the gorillas and this normally takes 2-8 hours. It is really a very physical and challenging activity. So you have to be fit and also have the good mental strength that you can walk for long distances and hours. However, when you reach the gorillas, you can never think of the distance you have come because the moment with the gorilla is very tremendous.

3. Carry all the essential tools

There are important things, the gorilla tracker is supposed to have like sunscreens, a waterproof bag, a camera, walking sticks, and drinking water, and some edibles and insect repellents. This equipment is of serious help while in the jungle trekking the gorillas.

4. Get the ideal time to trek the gorilla

In Uganda and Rwanda, there are two weather seasons i.e. dry and wet seasons throughout the year. Gorilla trekking is carried out in both seasons. However, there are people who find it hard to trek the gorillas in the wet season as it is very challenging as the trails are slippery and there is a lot of mist and frost in the forest. So it is better to choose a dry season where the forest is crystal clear and the trails are in fine form.

5. Make your trip well organized

Making an expedition is very exciting and yields joy but when in an organized matter. To do the latter, look for a tour company in Uganda or Rwanda to make a very organized itinerary of your gorilla safari so that there are no inconveniences like time delays, losing your bearing, and also losing your bearings.

Uganda or Rwanda gorilla safaris are one of the most amazing safari trips in the world as you come close to nature through man’s closest cousins “the gorillas”.

Go Green Ireland

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Ireland is a country of contrasts- it has both brains and beauty. Of course, it is well known for its green landscapes and beautiful villages, where life remains much as it did hundreds of years ago- but there are cities like Dublin and Cork that can compete with major cities of the world.

The locals are friendly in Ireland, and most are well-read and talkative- they’ll be happy to discuss almost anything over a pint. Ireland has a rich art history, but the outdoors is what most people come for- the country has many ruins and almost prehistoric monuments (think of the tombs in the Boyne Valley). It does rain quite a bit in Ireland, but you can duck out of the inclement weather into any one of a number of old fashioned little pubs. Who knows, you may happen upon a sort of impromptu fiddlers and dancers jam session. At the very least, you’ll leave with a few pints of ale and a great chat.

Dublin is Ireland’s capital, and it is the envy of most of Europe. The city of today is full of shops, pubs, and enough fast paced nightlife to satisfy almost anyone. Its culture is storied and wonderful, and although its economy, like so many others, has taken a hit, Ireland is a country that looks only to the future.

Stop by the Guinness Brewery for a tour and taste of the famous brew. Dublin’s Heuston station is conveniently located just five minutes from the Brewery. This is ideal, since you won’t want to drive after your visit. From here, reach all points south and west of the city, including more cities of green, myth and glass.

Get to Gal-way, birthplace of the Claddagh ring, in less than three hours. Waterford, home to the world-famous crystal factory is clearly in your sights in just over two hours. Near Cork, you can’t go home without kissing the Blarney Stone at the castle of the same name. With a little maneuvering (you’ll need to lean out of the castle wall and scale down a bit), the myth goes that upon planting a wet one, you’ll be blessed with a magical eloquence. Whether a bunch of blarney, well, that’s up to you.
Back on the train, peer out your window in search of rainbows and fields of shamrocks. And realize that all of Ireland is a traveler’s pot of gold.

It doesn’t matter if you like to hike through the countryside or shop in a bustling marketplace- Ireland will provide you with the vacation of a lifetime.

Budget Gorilla Treks in Rwanda

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Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Are you planning for your budget gorilla tours in Rwanda the land of thousand hills and thinking of mountain gorillas? We are here to help you to have a very affordable tour in this country even though the Rwanda Development Board has increased the gorilla permit from US$750 to US$1500 per person. We help our travelers to either go on wildlife tours in Akagera National Park with chimpanzee trekking in the Nyungwe Forest National Park and also if you travel during low season in November every year we can secure for you a discounted gorilla permit, and for those coming before in Rwanda for conference and seminars we can to acquire for you a discounted permit.

This safari trip takes you to Nyungwe National Park a primate capital in Rwanda located south west of Kigali to trek the cheerful chimpanzees and then we move to the most two attractive parks in Democratic Republic of Congo in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park for mountain and Eastern lowland gorilla experience and climbing mount Nyiragongo.

On arrival in Kigali, you are met and then drive south to Nyungwe Forest. The drive can take around 6-7 hours on roads that vary in quality. Traditional villages and rolling hills form the backdrop of this drive and as you enter Nyungwe Forest, the scenery changes again as you enter what many consider to be one of the most beautiful forests in the country and the largest single tract of montane forest remaining anywhere in East or Central Africa.

With over 13 different species of primates found here, including L’Hoest’s monkey and vervet monkey, it is still the chimpanzees who take the starring role. The birding here is also beautiful, with over 300 species and 26 endemics, along with 120 species of butterfly and the occasional, ever-changing chameleon hiding in the bushes. The forest is also home to Rwenzori Colobus monkeys including a four hundred-strong semi-habituated group thought to be the largest troop of arboreal primates in Africa.

Head out today to search for Rwanda’s other famous cousins, the chimpanzee, in the beautiful Nyungwe forest. After a short briefing from your guide on how to behave when you’re with the chimps, walk through stunning tea plantations, before entering the forest. Nyungwe itself is considered to be one of the most beautiful parks in Rwanda and whilst lying at a lower altitude, it can be very steep and challenging in places.

With an estimated 500 chimpanzees in the forest, the chances of seeing them is 95% and you will hear them shout before you see them, but trekking can take anything from one to four hours. The on-going habituation process gives you a good chance of seeing them but nothing is guaranteed. If you are lucky enough to find them, you will spend one hour watching them play, fight and eat in the atmospheric forest, before retracing your steps back to the lodge.

We then drive from Nyungwe Forest National Park we can to drive towards the Volcanoes National Park via the Gisenyi Lake Kivu and you can relax at the shores of this Lake staying at Discover Guest House and you can enjoy the Dancing Pots of the local communities of Rwanda and after transfer to Volcanoes and here if you cannot afford the $ 1500 USD per person please you can experience the golden monkey tracking, Hike mount Visoke & Karisimbi, Dian Fossey trek, Iby’wacu cultural village and after back to Kigali for your city tour visiting  the Kigali genocide memorials and craft shops like Caplaki shopping villages marking the end of your safari in Rwanda.

Exploring Akagera National Park

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Akagera Wildlife

This is also another protected montane rain forest in central Africa covering an area of around 970 km² of rain forest, bamboo, grassland, swamps, and bogs.  It is located in the south western part of Rwanda near the edge of Burundi to the south and the Lake Kivu and the democratic republic of Congo to the west.

It is just a drive of about 5-7 hours up to the park from Kigali Rwanda’s capital and its largest city. It was recognized as a park in 2004 and it is one of the best places to enjoy safaris in Rwanda. The park is considered one of the most visited of Rwanda’s national parks due to the fact that it houses a wide biodiversity of animal species, it is a home to over 13 species of primates coupled with chimpanzee the most close relative of man sharing almost 98% of human DNA, other primate species include the black and white colobus monkey, baboons, civet6 monkey, red tailed monkey, olive baboon, golden monkey the list is endless.

Nyungwe forest national park is also a home to various species of birds over 275 species, over 1068 plant species like the Tall old mahoganies, ebonies and giant tree ferns tower and about 85 mammal species, 32 amphibian and 38 reptile species and butterflies. A number of these animals are restricted-range species that are only found in the Albertine Rift Montane forests ecoregion in Africa. Over 40% of visitors who make it Rwanda visit Nyungwe forest national park.

Activities done in Nyungwe forest national park

Primate Safari:

Most of the visitors to the park go primate tracking since the park is a home to over 13 species of primates; the most to be tracked are the chimpanzee. Tracking starts very early in the morning after receiving a short briefing about chimp tracking after, follow the ranger guide to the forest to begin the activity possibly the most fascinating activity at the park.

Tracking time is unpredictable as it can go from 3-8 hours so a reasonable degree of fitness is needed, as well as tracking gears like strong shoes and boots long sleeved shirts and blouses, bottled water and sometimes parked lunch depending on the lodge. Ounce chimps are met you strictly allowed to stay with them for only one hour observing their behaviors as well as taking photos. Sightings aren’t as reliable or as clear as gorillas however, since they often remain in dense forest. Enjoy watching them doing their daily activities like feeding, playing, making nest, mothers feeding young ones among others.

In the course of tracking chimps other primates like the black and white colobus monkeys, baboons, civert monkeys, golden monkeys among others will also be seen. Chimp tracking is done in a group of eight members per group with an armed ranger guide to protect your movements while in the forest, and to be considered one of the eight members to track chimps you must possess a chimp permit. Always pay in time in order to book your permit in advance, chimp permits are at a fee of 70USD per person per tracking.

Forest Walk

This also regarded as a fascinating activity at the park, exploring the park on foot is so rewarding, while on the walk you will be in position to meet very many forest dwellers in a close range like various species of birds, primate species bird species and tree species. The forest walks lasts from one to eight hours in the jungle. You can take a canopy walk one of its kinds not only in the east but also in the central Africa with spectacular views across Nyungwe forest. This is the shortest trail (Igishigishingi trail). While the 6 hour Bigugu Trail leads you to the highest mountain in the Park at 2950m.

Bird Watching

Nyungwe forest national park is so rewarding most especially to bird lovers as the park hosts over 275 species of birds some of which are really seen in other parks. Giant hornbills, great blue Turacos and red-breasted sparrow hawks are amongst the birds rarely seen and some of these birds are endemic to this section of the Albertine Rift Valley. Bird watching in Nyungwe needs a kin watcher since it’s a tropical forest sometimes it’s hard to see some of the birds. However the park is gifted with experienced guides good at sighting different species of birds.

Community Walk:

Community walk can be arranged to meet the neighboring people around the part, they will entertain you through their cultural music and dance, explain to you how they have managed to leave in the area, teach you their farming skills among other, if interested purchase their locally produced items.

Why Go on a Gorilla Safari in Uganda

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Gorilla in Bwindi

Not only for rich, gorilla trekking is for everybody willing to look into the eyes of Mountain Gorillas. Some people save for year, month while others utilize their Penson funds to make ends meet. Gorilla trekking is believed to be a life time even and indeed it is.

In Uganda, gorilla trekking takes place in Mgahinga Gorilla National park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Guests do decide to go gorilla trekking in Uganda to fulfill the following objectives:

To discover the rare primates – Mountain Gorilla specie is among the world’s rarest primates. Its known that Mountain Gorillas are only found in Uganda and the Virunga region of Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

To save money – A Uganda gorilla safari is money saving compared to Rwanda. The Gorilla permit in Uganda is currently costing US$700 while that of Rwanda at US$1500.  Taking Uganda Gorilla safari enable you save US$800 which you would have spent in Rwanda.

Secured Gorilla trekking – Uganda has two Gorilla parks with five trekking centres. Buhoma sector in northern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Rushaga, Ruhija and Nkuringo sectors in the southern region of Bwindi. The five Gorilla trekking centres give the guest assurance on gorilla trekking. The fact that Gorilla trekking permits are on high demand throughout the year thus advance booking is recommended.

To save time – You can access Uganda’s Mountain Gorillas from Entebbe International Park or Kigali International Park. You can reach by road or fly from Entebbe to Kihihi Airport or Kisoro Airport. Guests on tight schedule are advised to book Uganda Gorilla safari. Among the shortest Gorilla trips in Uganda include: 1-day Uganda trip from Kigali OR 2 days Uganda Gorilla trek.

To utilize other tourist attractions – Uganda is a basket of wanders! Ranging from beautiful relief to amazing drainage system. Guests decide to book Gorilla safari in order to supplement other tourist activities like Chimpanzees trekking, Golden monkey trekking, Game drives, Mountaineering, cultural activities among others.

To Socialize with Ugandans – making friends is part of life and discoursing new friendship is very important. Ugandans are friendly and welcomes visitors. You can even decide to spend some nights in the home of Ugandans to learn more about culture, religion and daily activities.

To discover the pearl of Africa – You can only explore Uganda while on Uganda safari. In his book “My African Journey” published in 1908, Winston Churchill an early explorer commonly referred to Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa”, with regards to a Safari to Uganda which he took in 1907. Its better to walk in the footsteps of Winston Churchill by engaging Uganda tour.

To see other primates – Uganda is a basket of many primates like Golden monkeys in Mgahinga National Park, Chimpanzees in Kibale National Park, Baboons in Ishasha sector, Colobus monkeys and so on. Supplementing Gorilla trekking with other primates is fascinating.

To get unique experience – Uganda is known for hosting rare mountain gorillas and travelers do book Uganda safaris to share unique experience of Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.

In Conclusion, Gorilla trekking is the top tourist activity in Uganda but when supplemented with other activities like chimpanzee trekking, Game drives, boat trips, birding, Mountaineering and cultural tours among others, your trip will not only be a mere trip, but a life time trip.

Explore the Iguazu Falls

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Iguazu Waterfalls

IGUASSU FALLS (Or Iguacu or Iguacu…depending on the country).

One of the world’s great natural wonders is located on the borders of Argentina and Brazil, near Paraguay. Travelers from the world over are attracted to the mammoth falls, which are 50 feet higher than Niagara.

Three waterfalls in the world surpass the rest: Niagara, Victoria, and Iguassu. While the argument as to which of the three is the most spectacular may never end, one thing is certain: Iguassu is unsurpassed. The tropical rain forest provides the ideal setting for the torrents of water that fall and crash with a thunderous noise onto the rocks below, sending spray shooting back into the air to make beautiful rainbows. The Rio Iguassu, a tributary of the Parana, widens to a distance of two miles just above the precipice over which the river drops almost 200 feet, to create Iguassu Falls. Since the lip of the precipice is uneven, the water doesn’t fall in one great curtain, but rather in dozens of cataracts, interspersed with jungle greenery. The most spectacular cataract is GARGANTA DO DIABO, or Devil’s Throat.

The falls were discovered by conquistador Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca in 1541. Its name comes from the Guarani Indian expression for “big water”.

THE ARGENTINE SIDE: A long system of concrete catwalks, built in 1965, winds along the edge of the Rio Parana and skirts the falls, providing a safe perch from which to view the giant cataracts tumbling at your feet. A two-hour walk will take you past all the falls visible on the Argentine side as well as through the tropical jungle. The cataract called Devil’s Throat is the most magnificent. There is also a ferry ride from PUERTO IGUAZU on the Argentine side to FOZ DO IGUACU on the Brazilian side.

THE BRAZILIAN SIDE: The best panoramic view of the falls is immediately in front of the Hotel das Cataratas in the national park. The well-manicured path and steps down to the falls start directly in front of the hotel. The steps lead to the very edge of the river, and at one point a catwalk goes right out over the river. WEAR A RAINCOAT OR RENT ONE FROM A VENDOR. The path continues to the head of the falls, where an elevator takes you to the top. From here, it is a short walk upstream to the small boats that will take you on the river for an even closer look.

While any time is a good time to go to Iguassu, the months of August to November are best because you can climb around the falls more easily. The Falls are served by two airports. The larger of the two is the International airport on the Brazilian side. The other airport is on the Argentine side.

In addition to taking RAIN GEAR, take along Suntan Lotion, and perhaps a bottle of water.

PARAGUAY: Most visitors to Iguassu take a little side trip to the border with Paraguay. It’s like any border town…full of vendors out to make a buck. Very colorful!

Kwita Izina: The Gorilla Naming Ceremony in Rwanda

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Kwita Izina

The gorilla naming ceremony is one of the biggest events on the Rwanda tourism calendar. Held in September every year, this ceremony enables each new born gorilla get a name. Rwanda with ten habituated Gorillas do annual Gorilla naming ceremony known as “Kwita Izina”.  It is named after the ancestral baby naming ceremony that happened after the birth of a newborn. The ceremony’s main goal is in helping monitor each individual gorilla and their groups in their natural habitat.

Rwanda protects mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park situated in Ruhengeri province of northern Rwanda. The Volcanoes national Park offers daily gorilla trekking cessions (basing on the availability).  Despite high cost of Rwanda Gorilla permit which goes up to US$1500, guests still go for gorilla safaris in high numbers.

Since 2005, naming infant mountain gorillas has become an important annual nationwide tradition in Rwanda. The naming ceremony is based on a historic Rwandan cultural practice for naming newborns in front of family and friends, and has been adapted to celebrate successful gorilla protection and conservation.

Facts about Gorilla naming

  1. Kwita Izina is inspired by the ancient Rwandan tradition of naming a baby soon after its birth. During this ceremony, infant mountain gorillas that were born in Rwanda during the previous year receive their names.
  2. At this year’s ceremony 19 infant mountain gorillas will be named, as well as one newly formed family.
  3. About 239 mountain gorillas have been named over the course of the Kwita Izina ceremonies. More are yet to be named as the ceremony is conducted every when the park gets new born babies.
  4. There are less than 1,000 mountain gorillas remaining in the world. This critically endangered species is found only in three countries, spanning four national parks.
  5. Mountain gorillas generate significant tourism revenue, providing direct economic benefits to communities. In 2016, Rwanda generated about US $400 million in tourism revenue — the majority of which was from tourists visiting the country’s mountain gorillas among others.

Reasons for Gorilla Naming

Identification- the facts that each habituated Gorilla family is given a name, even the individual gorillas are given names. Gorilla naming helps rangers, doctors and guests identify each Gorilla by name.

Marketing strategy – by organizing gorilla naming ceremonies, the country gets to be known world wide for hosting mountain Gorillas and how they increase.

Marking historical events – some gorillas are given names basing on the events which took place during birth period.

Marking places – some gorillas are given names similar to places where they are regularly found or places of birth.

Sometimes new born gorillas are named after a donor, a visitor or a contributor or the naming person. The aim is to remember or appreciated the contribution of that person towards the preservation of gorillas.

For head counting, it’s important to give each gorilla a name. The rangers need to know how gorillas increase or decrease.

Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park

There are twelve gorilla families that have been habituated for gorilla trekking in the Volcanoes National Park. Each of these families can be visited by a maximum of 8 visitors per day.

  1. Susa Gorilla Group (Susa A Family)
  2. Karisimbi Gorilla Group (Susa-B)
  3. Sabyinyo Gorilla Group
  4. Amahoro Gorilla Group
  5. Umubano Gorilla Group
  6. Agashya Gorilla Group
  7. Kwitonda Gorilla Group
  8. Hirwa Gorilla Group
  9. Bwenge Family Group
  10. Ugenda Gorilla Family

Endangered Species: Green Sea Turtle Facts

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Watamu Sea Turtle

Green Sea turtles, classified under the class Reptilian, are the creatures that evolved on land but later migrated to sea. As this species originated millions of years ago, they saw evolution of numerous other species that inhabited earth long time back. There are several interesting green turtle sea facts that are quite interesting to know.

Dont miss observing these awesome creatures in diving trips.

These creatures are cold-blooded which means that they keep their bodies warm by taking the heat from surroundings rather than producing on their own. Being reptiles, their body is covered with scales. In addition to it, they have a hard protecting shell that they use for their protection from predators. Their skin is green in color. Depending upon their location, these turtles are of two types. One of the interesting green turtle sea facts is that they weigh more than 300 kegs, more than any sea turtles of the world.

As these turtles attain adulthood, they turn herbivores feeding on sea grasses and algae. Most of the turtles feed on crabs and jellyfish. Being cold-blooded animals, they warm their bodies by swimming in shallow waters. Many a times they shift to land to have a sunbath. There are also many green turtle sea facts that are related to the mating of these animals. The mating takes place in shallow waters and occurs after about two years.

The front legs are modified to act as flippers that aid in swimming. These flippers help in swimming at high speeds in water. The turtles have the capacity to store large quantities of oxygen in their blood which enables them to survive them without breathing for more than two hours. The salt glands situated near eyes are used for extracting excessive salts in order to maintain water-retention balance. Their necks are short and their bodies can grow up to 5 feet. But some species can grow up to a height of more than 6 feet.

The green turtles have a long life-span, many live up to eighty years. This distinction has made them one of the longest living animals of the world. These creatures are endangered as the indiscriminate hunting has reduced their population to a very great extent. They are hunted for shell and eggs. The shells are often used for ornamental purposes. Their skin is used as meat; the fat of their body is used for producing oil.

Some other green turtle sea facts are related to their extinction. As they lay their eggs on land and the females have to return to sea water immediately after that, the eggs are unprotective. Human interference in their habitats has shrunk their population considerably. Water-pollution is another factor responsible for drastic reduction in their numbers. Sometimes, debris is mistaken as food by these aquatic animals which can cause choking and death.

The nesting and feeding habits of these turtles varies depending upon their location in world. An important characteristic of Hawaiian sea turtle is that they regularly come on land to enjoy basking in sun and protecting themselves from being eaten away by marine predators.

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