ZAKAYO – UGANDA’S OLDEST CHIMPANZEE MARKS 53 YEARS OF EXISTENCE – UGANDA SAFARI NEWS

The history of Zakayo is very touching while its appearance and behaviour mark one of the exciting moments that can be explored on Uganda Safaris and tours.  Dating far back in time when he was kidnapped from his initial family and eventually surrendered to Government after the “owners” could not withstand it due to his aggressiveness; Zakayo has passed through the thick and thin including surviving in the run down zoo during the turbulent times of Amin.

Amazingly, Zakayo is still living and now enjoys comfortably his evening years with his fans treating him to an exciting birth day event with a cake every year which is not only a moment of joy to him but also a move to raise awareness about Chimpanzee conservation and their significance among which include attracting world travellers to plan safaris to Uganda.

On Thursday Oct 27^th in the lush green of Budongo Island in the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) the former Entebbe Zoo; the Zakayo was treated to a sumptuous fruit cake amidst loud cheers from the patrons singing birth day song to commemorate his special day. The key cutting moment followed a conservation poem recite by Zoe Tushabe from Entebbe Education Centre and after Zakayo was through with his cake cutting moment, the patrons also cut their cake at the Budongo Island Pavilion with the UWEC Executive Director Mr. James Musinguzi and Mayor of Entebbe Godfrey Kiryowa taking lead.

This Male Chimpanzee that retired from its Alpha position five (5) years ago is noted to have been rescued on June 10^th 1964 in the Uganda tour destination of Semuliki National Park by a white man who attempted to raise him until June 19^th 1976 when he handed Zakayo to Government. Though the soldiers used to tease the chimp at the zoo with alcohol and cigarettes, it is very fortunate that it did not acquire lung cancer which gives it hope for more years.

It is recorded to be the first leader of Budongo Chimpanzee group which today boasts of Sixteen (16) members before it was succeeded by Matooke and Onapa respectively. Zakayo, according to Jimmy Awany – the Curator, is a caring chimpanzee and at times adopts juveniles creating a favourable environment for integration.  During his reign, Zakayo is recorded to have sired Shaka.

Uganda is among the countries in the world with high Chimpanzee Populations thriving in her lush tropical forests of Budongo, Kibale, Semuliki, Kalinzu, Kyambura Gorge and the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. The Chimpanzee trekking and Habituation are among the most sought after activities by travelers on Primate Safaris in Uganda Africa.

THE 110 YEARS OF MOUNT RWENZORI SUMMIT BY DUKE OF ABRUZZI – UGANDA SAFARI NEWS

 110 years down the road, Italy still bears the memories of the Mount Rwenzori summit by their Duke of Abruzzi in 1906.

Rwenzori Mountains rising to 5,109m above sea level is noted to be among the historical legendary physical features that pulled the European explorers to undertake safaris to Uganda Africa. The Luigi Amadeo di Savoy who lived from 1873 to 1933 was born in the city of Madrid to then King of Spain who abdicated the throne and retreated to Italy few weeks after the birth of his son. Luigi was given Italian Navy at the age of six (6) and attended only Military schools before leading the first ascent to the 5,484m Mount St. Elias in 1897 at the age of Twenty four (24).

In the year 1906, Luigi planned an Africa adventure Safari in Uganda to the famous Rwenzori Mountains which the ancient Greek Geographer Ptolemy had earlier in 150AD called snow capped legendary Mountains of the moon and anticipated to be the Source of River Nile –  the world’s longest.  Luigi made history by summiting Margarita (5,109m) along with extensive exploration of the Mountain range which is actually the highest Mountain range on the continent of Africa.

At the event to mark the 110 years of this historical expedition, the Uganda’s Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Defence teamed up with the Italian Embassy to commemorate it. Two military Officials from Italy attached to the Alpine Training Center of Aosta in the names of Corporal Major Jules Pession and Marshal Giancarlo Graziosi were joined by four (4) Officials from the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) to trek Mountain Rwenzori and were able to reach the peak on October 22^nd 2016.

This Uganda Safari holiday adventure exploration was made known to the general public on October 26^th during the Press Conference at Uganda Museum where the Hon. Ephraim Kamuntu – the Uganda’s Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities was in attendance.

COMMUNITIES AROUND LAKE MBURO NATIONAL PARK BENEFIT FROM UWA REVENUE SHARING SCHEME – UGANDA SAFARI NEWS

As part of the World Tourism Day celebrations that were held in Mbarara, the Uganda Wildlife Authority took the initiative to incorporate in the disbursal of 175 Million Shillings to the local communities around the Uganda Safari destination of Lake Mburo National Park under the revenue sharing scheme.

The 20% of the entrance fees collected from the travelers on wildlife safaris in Uganda at the park gates is supposed as per the Uganda Wildlife Act of 2000 to be shared among the local governments touching the boundaries of the park every year.

The event which was presided over by Rt. Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda – the Prime Minister of Uganda along with Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities and his State Minister Hon. Godfrey Kiwanda saw the 175 million Shillings for the year 2014 / 2015 handed over to the local leaders in cheques amidst great excitement.

The three of the beneficiaries namely; Mbarara Municipal Council, Kiruhura District and Isingiro District received 11,033,390/=, 89,369,900/= and 74,963,193/= respectively to facilitate various project developments for community empowerment and livelihood improvement that will in turn strengthen community conservation and appreciation of Uganda Safaris and tours.

In the District of Kiruhura, the funds will be utilized to facilitate water dam construction in Akaku and Rushororo in Kanyaryeru Sub County, Rwabarata – Kakunyu community access road opening in Rwamuranda parish, supporting self help projects like; Poultry scheme in Kiribwa, bull fattening in Nombe II, goat rearing in Kigarama all in Sanga Sub county, piped water in Byembogo Cell, fencing of valley tanks in Rurambira Nyakashashara Sub county and Akatoma Primary school construction in Nyakahita

In Isingiro District, the projects include; the classroom block completion at Rukuuba Primary School, Kyenjojo road maintenance in Rwentango Parish, goat rearing in Ihunga Parish, heifer project in Kyarugaju Kabingo Sub County and Office and classroom block at Kiretwa Mixed Primary School among others.

In the previous year, 455,957,607 Uganda Shillings was disbursed under the same scheme benefiting the surrounding communities.  The funds are disbursed as per the guidelines of revenue sharing scheme and the projects supported must be in line with these guidelines.

Lake Mburo National Park is noted to receive a range of 26,000 Uganda tour undertakers every year earning about 200 million Uganda Shillings. And as per the Uganda Wildlife Act, the 20% has to be disbursed to the surrounding communities under the collaborative management approach that aims at mitigating human wildlife conflict. The surrounding communities are always victims of problem animals and animal encroachment on private lands.

GORILLA FOREST CAMP; THE LUXURY LODGES OF BWINDI – UGANDA GORILLA SAFARI NEWS

Positioned in the Buhoma sector to the north of the Uganda gorilla safari destination of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Gorilla Forest Camp is a top notch facility that offers up class accommodation services in the wilderness.

Gorilla Forest Camp is inside the Mountain Gorilla Forest close to the park and the starting point for the Uganda gorilla trekking safari activity presenting an easy access for its guests and gentle transfer to catch up with briefing compared to those that would have slept a little far from the briefing site.

The lodge is crafted in natural materials making it environmental friendly. The eight (8) exclusive chalets are very spacious equipped with two (2) Queen Sized comfortable warm beds and a huge bath tub overlooking the forest ideal for a soothing and refreshing bath after a challenging hiking day to the Mountain Gorillas.

The luxury touch comes along with a majestically set private terrace on each chalet overlooking the forest where possibilities of enjoying the bird sights and songs and the visiting Mountain Gorillas are likely to lure the guests to remarkable excitement generating ultimate Uganda Safari holiday memories.

Gorilla Forest Camp draws its expertise from its multinational operations and thus offers unmatchable service supplemented by the lush facilities like cozy lounge, Dining, Bar, Mini-spa and the fire place that takes you back to the ancient African times. The lodge presents a comfortable and perfect ground for tracking the three Mountain Gorilla groups of Buhoma namely; Mubare, Rushegura and Habinyanja while on gorilla safari in Uganda Africa.

WHERE TO SLEEP IN ZIWA RHINO SANCTUARY – UGANDA SAFARI NEWS

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary stands as the only home of Rhinos in the whole of Uganda and thus the only destination where they can be explored on Safaris and tours in Uganda.

At 176km from Kampala, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is positioned along the main Kampala – Gulu Highway which is also the main road to the Uganda Safari destination of Murchison Falls National Park. The branch off to Ziwa is at Nakitoma from which you follow the sign post to the sanctuary.

In this vast wilderness, it is very ideal to explore the accommodation possibilities should there be need to spend an overnight. It can be noted that though Rhino tracking in Ziwa has been mostly packaged under Uganda tour itineraries as an en route stop activity, some travelers that have opted to spend an overnight have found it very thrilling.

Amuka Safari Lodge is the icon lodge in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary offering lush comfortable accommodation in the wilderness of the sanctuary.  Amuka has eight (8) Chalets with two of these equipped with two bed rooms suitable for family stay, four of these chalets are deluxe with one bed room and dressing room while the remaining have 3 varied bed rooms equipped with Private Veranda and bathroom. Interestingly, these chalets are named after Rhino in Uganda’s local dialects setting a foundation for understanding the diverse cultures that are popularly explored on cultural tours in Uganda.

Besides Amuka Lodge, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary also feature budget Bandas and Campsite for travelers on safari in Uganda who prefer to travel at low cost. The guest house at Ziwa features both en suite and shared in door facilities while the budget rooms have shared washroom. The place is lit by solar power along with backup generator and guests can recharge their batteries.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary supports a count of fifteen Southern white Rhinos under the breed and re-stock programme following their re-introduction in 2005 as they had got extinct from the country by 1983. The Sanctuary also features 250 species of birds including the Shoebill stork and 40 mammal species making it very diverse and worth exploring.

FORT JESUS; THE MAN MADE WONDERS OF EAST AFRICA – UGANDA SAFARI NEWS

Fort Jesus positioned in Mombasa Kenya is one of the Africa Safari man made attractions with rich history and heritage.  The Fort is noted to have been constructed between 1593 and 1596 on the orders of King Philip I of Portugal with the intention of guarding the Old Port of Mombasa.

Fort Jesus was built featuring the shape of a man when viewed from the Air and it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 2011 as among the most outstanding well preserved features of the Portuguese Military fortifications in the 16^th Century increasing its significance in the East African Safari tour product portfolio.

From 1631 to 1875, Fort Jesus is noted to have been won and lost nine (9) times by the Imperialist nations that contested to gain control of Kenya. In 1958, the site was considered a historical monument. The remarkable architecture was designed by Giovanni Battista Cairati who was the head Architect of all the possessions of the Portuguese in the East and Fort Jesus is recorded to be the initial European style fort that was built outside Europe with the capacity to resist the cannon fire.

Its Military significance made it a center of contest by the Imperialist forces as it would provide a perfect base for administration of Kenyan coast. The British used the Fort as a prison up to 1958 when it was turned into a historical monument. The monument excavation was headed by James Kirkman from 1958 to 1971.

Fort Jesus walls rise to 18meters following the addition of 3meters by the Oman on top of the 15 meters originally set by the Portuguese. This shows that the Fort features the influence of various nations that took control of it especially the Portugal, Oman and Britain. The Portuguese along with the British are represented by their relevant cannons of 200meters and 300meters respectively while the Oman Arabs are represented by the Koran inscriptions displayed on ceiling beams and wooden door posts. The 5 pillars Muslim tradition is also showcased around the Fort including the pillars of the former meeting halls.

Apparently, Fort Jesus features a range of the historical features including the Oman House – the former Sultan’s house, 76 foot deep well dug by the Arabs and Open water cistern that was set up by the Portuguese to harvest rain water. It is now a host to a Conservation Lab, a range of research programmes, Old Town Conservation Office and an Education Department.

Travelers on Safaris in Uganda Africa can explore the Fort Jesus as an extension to Mombasa. The combined Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania Safaris are also ideal points from which such amazing sites can be explored.

THE MOUNTAIN GORILLA HABITATS – UGANDA GORILLA SAFARI NEWS

The Mountain Gorilla is members of Great Apes dating far back to the Old world monkey and are apparently the main icon for gorilla Safaris in Uganda and Rwanda.  Thriving at 900km from the Western Low land Gorillas, the Mountain Gorillas limited in range to only three countries in the world namely; Uganda Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Known to have initially belonged to the same group, the separation of the Mountain Gorillas and the Western Low land gorilla groups occurred during the Last Ice age which destroyed the equatorial jungle of Central African basin leading to the growth of savannah vegetation. These gorilla groups could not reunite because the vegetation was not favoring them and though the equatorial vegetation later redeveloped, the groups had taken different directions and could not re-unite.

This historical separation created two groups; the Western Low land Gorillas and the Eastern Low land Gorillas. The Mountain Gorillas are noted to have separated with the western low land at about two (2) million years ago and then with the Eastern low land at about 400,000 years. Due to this separation, these groups developed distinct genetic formation, the body spread and the color as explored on Africa gorilla Safaris and tours in Uganda Rwanda and Congo.

Currently, the known habitats of Mountain Gorillas are the montane cloud forests of the Albertine rift partitioned in two distinct areas namely; the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with a minimum of 400 Mountain Gorillas and Virunga Volcanoes protected as Mgahinga National Park on the side of Uganda, Volcanoes National Park on the side of Rwanda and Virunga National Park on the side of Democratic Republic of Congo with total of 480 Mountain Gorillas.

The habitats are at an altitude of 2,200 – 4,300m above sea level with dense vegetation at the bottom Mountain layers and sparse at the higher altitude. The gorilla highlands as they are always referred tend to be cloudy, cold and misty which forms the background of slogan “Gorillas in the Mist” commonly used on gorilla trekking safari holidays in Uganda and Rwanda.

Mountain Gorillas are majorly herbivores and much of their diet features stems, leaves and shoots (85.8%) from the range of 142 species of plants. But they can as well feed on the bark (6.9%), flowers (2.3%) roots (3.3%) and fruit (1.7%) along with minor invertebrates (0.1%).  The availability of these food sources would determine the home range of the Mountain Gorillas thus prompting them to dwell in various zones including Bamboo, Hagenica and giant senecio zone. But they are noted to spend much time in Hagenica where the gallium vines tend to be available throughout the year and would be in Bamboo when the season for fresh shoots is on. These movements also determine the duration of gorilla trekking activity for travellers on Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Safaris and tours.

THE MOUNTAIN GORILLA HABITATS – UGANDA GORILLA SAFARI NEWS

The Mountain Gorilla is members of Great Apes dating far back to the Old world monkey and are apparently the main icon for gorilla Safaris in Uganda and Rwanda.  Thriving at 900km from the Western Low land Gorillas, the Mountain Gorillas limited in range to only three countries in the world namely; Uganda Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Known to have initially belonged to the same group, the separation of the Mountain Gorillas and the Western Low land gorilla groups occurred during the Last Ice age which destroyed the equatorial jungle of Central African basin leading to the growth of savannah vegetation. These gorilla groups could not reunite because the vegetation was not favoring them and though the equatorial vegetation later redeveloped, the groups had taken different directions and could not re-unite.

This historical separation created two groups; the Western Low land Gorillas and the Eastern Low land Gorillas. The Mountain Gorillas are noted to have separated with the western low land at about two (2) million years ago and then with the Eastern low land at about 400,000 years. Due to this separation, these groups developed distinct genetic formation, the body spread and the color as explored on Africa gorilla Safaris and tours in Uganda Rwanda and Congo.

Currently, the known habitats of Mountain Gorillas are the montane cloud forests of the Albertine rift partitioned in two distinct areas namely; the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with a minimum of 400 Mountain Gorillas and Virunga Volcanoes protected as Mgahinga National Park on the side of Uganda, Volcanoes National Park on the side of Rwanda and Virunga National Park on the side of Democratic Republic of Congo with total of 480 Mountain Gorillas.

The habitats are at an altitude of 2,200 – 4,300m above sea level with dense vegetation at the bottom Mountain layers and sparse at the higher altitude. The gorilla highlands as they are always referred tend to be cloudy, cold and misty which forms the background of slogan “Gorillas in the Mist” commonly used on gorilla trekking safari holidays in Uganda and Rwanda.

Mountain Gorillas are majorly herbivores and much of their diet features stems, leaves and shoots (85.8%) from the range of 142 species of plants. But they can as well feed on the bark (6.9%), flowers (2.3%) roots (3.3%) and fruit (1.7%) along with minor invertebrates (0.1%).  The availability of these food sources would determine the home range of the Mountain Gorillas thus prompting them to dwell in various zones including Bamboo, Hagenica and giant senecio zone. But they are noted to spend much time in Hagenica where the gallium vines tend to be available throughout the year and would be in Bamboo when the season for fresh shoots is on. These movements also determine the duration of gorilla trekking activity for travellers on Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Safaris and tours.

BOMA HOTEL ENTEBBE; MIDRANGE HOTELS OF ENTEBBE – UGANDA SAFARI NEWS

Boma Hotel positioned in Entebbe Municipality is one of the perfect midrange hotels positioned close to Entebbe International Airport thus offering convenient stay for the travelers on Safaris in Uganda on their first and last night’s stay in the country.

Nestled in lush tropical gardens, the Boma Hotel has a traditional touch that dates far back from the colonial era and the influence of  modernity that combine to offer a matching comfortable environment with minimum standards.  The rooms feature great deal of privacy and furnishing with a mix of African and European décor dating far back to 1940s.

Travelers on Uganda Safaris and tours can choose from the selection of bedding options including King Size double beds, twins, singles, triples and family setting while the baby cribs can as well be provided.

The guests staying at Boma Hotel Entebbe enjoy a wide range of facilities in its rooms including; 24 hour reception, private veranda, mosquito nests, en suite bath room, Satellite TV, Housekeeping, Safes, International Power points along with Wireless connection.  The general hotel facilities are also available for the guest’s comfort including; modern restaurant, well stocked bar, lush swimming pool, gift shop, laundry service and Airport transfer. There is also a complimentary telephone call at the reception and bicycle rental service all availed for the memorable stay of the guests including travelers on gorilla safaris in Uganda Africa.

For those with keen interest in games, Boma Hotel Entebbe has got a lot in stock as regards board games such as dominoes and scrabble and garden games like Croquet and Boules. The Hotel can ably be used as a base to undertake birding excursions to Mabamba Swamp, Lutembe Bay, tour to Uganda Wildlife Education Center, Day Trip to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Lake Victoria among other close Uganda safari tour destinations.

OKAPI; THE ENDEMIC ANIMALS OF CONGO – CONGO SAFARI NEWS

Scientifically referred to as Okapia johnstoni, the Okapi animal is a notable giraffid artiodactyls mammal known to thrive in Democratic Republic of Congo world over where it is explored on Congo Safaris and tours.

It can be noted that despite the possession of stripped marking similar to those of Zebra, the Okapi is majorly related to Giraffe making them (Okapi and Giraffe) the only living members of Giraffiddae family.

The Okapi rise to 1.5m in height and stretch to 2.5m in length while its weight ranges from 200kg to 350kg. It is marked by long neck, wide and flexible ears. The color ranges from chocolate to reddish brown with white horizontal stripes along with rings on the legs and white ankles. The Male Okapis posses horns called ossicones covered by hair stretching to 15cm in height while the females do not have horns as viewed on Wildlife Safaris in Congo.

The Okapi Species are known to be diurnal thus graze during the day but can as well be active for a few hours in the dark. Apart from uniting to breed, the Okapi are majorly solitary and because of being herbivores, they spend time feeding tree buds, leaves, ferns, grasses, fungi and fruits. Following mating, the gestation period takes 440 – 450 days before producing a single calf which remains in hiding with infrequent nursing from the mother. The calf starts to feed at 3 months before weaning at 6 months. The calves are beautiful innocent creatures impressive to view and photograph on Adventure Vacation Safari in Congo Africa.

The Okapi live in canopy forests rising to an altitude of 500 – 1,500m and are endemic to the dense tropical forests of Democratic Republic of Congo across the northern, eastern and central regions. The Okapi is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list and the main threats to their existence include increased habitat loss caused by human encroachment for settlement and logging. Illegal mining and hunting for bush meat have also contributed to the decline in their population.

The exploration of this endemic species can be combined in a Congo gorilla safari to Virunga National Park or with adventure hike to Nyiragongo Volcano with the world’s largest and most violent lava lake.