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Baker’s
Grand Son and a Daughter at Murchison Falls

Posted in Gorilla
Conservation, Gorilla Trekking Tips | February 2nd, 2013

A Memorable Adventure of Sir Samuel
Baker’s Grand Son and a Daughter at Murchison Falls

David Baker, Sir Samuel Baker’s great-grandson,
and his daughter Melanie Baker at Murchison Falls, retracing their ancestor’s
expedition footsteps on January /27/ 2012.

In
Summary, his great-grand father came to Uganda and discovered the beauty that
later attracted Europeans to Uganda. 150 years later, David Baker retraces the
roots of the expedition that amazed his ancestor.

Samuel Baker has for long been known for having
“discovered” or found the “source” of River Nile at Albert Nyanza (Lake Albert)
and led the fight against slave trade in northern Uganda among other expeditions
in the 1880s according to Uganda’s history.

For Long, Samuel Baker’s expeditions were left
in the books of history; his great-great grandson David Baker came to Uganda to
re-trace his ancestor’s expeditions last week.

In company of renowned anthropologist and modern
day African explorer, Julian Monroe Fisher, David Baker, 73, and his daughter
Melanie Baker came to Uganda for a 10-day ethnographical research project
entitled, The Great African Expedition to revive their ancestor’s findings and
make them relevant to today’s society. The team that arrived on January 18
kicked off their expedition by visiting Masindi and Hoima towns where they met
the Omukama of Bunyoro, Solomon Gafabusa Iguru, at his palace in Hoima town.

The team also reached to Sir Samuel Baker
Secondary School in Gulu built in memory of the great explorer, years after he
had left Uganda. More important, they also visited Fort Patiko, a legacy to the
work of the explorer and anti-slave trade campaigner.

The team looked through the writings of Sir
Samuel Baker and compared them with their findings. With Samuel Baker’s diaries
and maps, the team set off to discover the view of the great explorer from where
he named the Lake Mutanzige, Albert Nyanza.

“In his dairy, he said, he saw a great lake in
the south and mountains in the south west that are the Congo mountains that is
the exact view we stood at and put GPRS coordinates and named it the Baker’s
view,” says David Baker, who is a consultant in Aviation Regulatory affairs in
the UK.

Away from Baker’s view, was a visit to the
bottom of the Murchison Falls in the Murchison Falls National Game Park that
according to the modern day explorers were not very different from what Baker
wrote in his diaries

“Also in his dairy, he saw about 27 crocodiles
in a corner near the spectacular falls that the guides tells, are the crocodile
banks. The place offers a beautiful scene of waters flowing through a
23-inch-wide cleft in the rocks to plunge 148 feet below forming a spectacular
rainbow and foam with steam that Sir Samuel Baker had named the Murchison falls
in honour of the president of the Royal Geographical Society.

At the bottom of the falls, is an exciting
hiking experience up the falls that is about 1.5km to reach the top of the falls
that according to the Bakers still gives an impression of what their ancestor
could have seen according to his dairy notes. This visit has reminded the UWA to
develop all the historic tourist attractions based on the discoveries that have
been made Baker.

“Sir Samuel Baker came and named Lake Albert and
Murchison Falls in 1864, nearly 150 years ago and it’s remarkable that David
Baker had been able to return to the country to re-trace the footsteps of his
ancestor, one of the key historical figures. One of the places the great African
Expedition unearthed was a place referred to as Baker’s View some where in
Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve where Sir Samuel Baker stood as he watched the
beautiful view of Lake Albert that has not been known that we want to utilize as
a great tourism attraction,” Dr Andrew Ggunga Sseguya, Uganda Wildlife Authority
Executive Director notes.

He says they will partner with Royal
Geographical Society and any other partners to draw attention to all areas that
have been covered by the Great African Expedition.

Sir Samuel Baker first sighted Lake Albert on
March 14, 1864 and then sought to establish the fact that the lake poured
significant volumes of water into the famous River Nile.

He identified the place where the White Nile
enters the lake, and then christened the lake “Albert,” after England’s Prince
Regent.

You can visit Uganda parks and Murchison Falls
National park with Gorilla expeditions Ltd, No.1 gorilla trekking
company in Uganda, also offers gorilla tours in Rwanda.

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Gorilla
Tracking in Uganda and Rwanda – Comparison

Posted in Gorilla
Trekking Tips | September 16th, 2012

My name is Paula Bonson, I recently went gorilla
tracking in both Uganda (Bwindi Impenetrable National Park) and Rwanda
(Volcanoes National Park). In my observation, I would say that trekking gorillas
is easier in Rwanda (unless you visit the Susa group in Rwanda – you can choose
the difficulty of the trek you want in Rwanda on the morning of trekking while
on the briefing about gorilla trekking, but in Uganda you are assigned a gorilla
group when you buy the permit) – both in terms of steepness, distance and
density of vegetation. Steve at African Jungle Adventures Ltd
helped me choose one of the best gorilla groups in Uganda when he was buying my
gorilla permit and that was Oruzogo group.

I had a very different gorilla tracking
experience in Rwanda and Uganda – in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, we were
closer with less vegetation in between and the group were very peaceful, playing
and relaxing. We got fantastic photos. While on Uganda Gorilla
Tracking, we saw more gorillas and they were more active, climbing trees,
playing and eating. Therefore, it was more difficult to get a good view and
photographing. But I don’t think this is a difference between the countries,
just the difference between different gorilla families and different visits. But
if you can afford it and have time it is definitely worth doing both as you will
have two different both amazing experiences.

There is a difference in prices of gorilla
permits whereby, gorilla permits in Rwanda cost US$750 each, while in Uganda,
gorilla permits cost US$500 each. This makes gorilla tracking in Rwanda expensive than in Uganda. Bwindi
impenetrable National Park in Uganda can be accessed from Rwanda (Kigali)
through Katuna boarder. the journey takes 3-4hrs drive to southern bwindi
national park, 5-6hrs drive to Norther bwindi National park.

Both countries are beautiful (in my opinion
Rwanda more so) with incredibly friendly people. In Rwanda the golden monkeys
are also fantastic and the genocide memorial museums like Gisozi, Nyamata and
Ntarama churches very interesting. In Uganda the chimps (in Kibale) were also an
amazing experience as was white water rafting on the mighty Nile at Jinja and
Lake Bunyoni is very beautiful. The magnificent Murchison falls are so amazing.
This is where the Nile river perfects its beauty!! We saw lots of elephants,
Buffaloes, tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth. I was lucky I had 3 weeks so
I could see it all!

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Community
Tourism Uganda

Posted in Gorilla
Conservation, Gorilla Trekking Tips | April 22nd, 2012

Home stay tourism with local
communities.

Honestly, from our Uganda safari Packages, it is
revealed that home stay tourism is of positive impact to both the local
communities and the visitors/tourists. It creates either way teach of cultures,
strong relationship, earn of income, innovations and initiative developments in
local villages. It is out of this type of tourism concept that some projects in
Uganda like Tinka’s home near Kibale forest, Uganda community and Tourism
Association (UCOTA), Bomu women’s group and much more have developed. These
projects specialize in African art and crafts, provide local food taboos,
African technology methods, clients do participate and at the end of their
gorilla safaris / holidays are skilled to make out
these arts and crafts, prepare foods, they take them at their home for their
life memorable experience. Therefore it is believed that for those clients
participating in this tourism concept enjoy a lot of fascinating experience and
it is a must for such clients to come back. So it is an advice to clients to
book for such package with us in advance for proper arrangements to avoid
dissatisfaction during the holiday. I think this article found of value, may i
request you to forward it to friends and other relatives.

Tags: Gorilla Safaris, Uganda Safaris

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Uganda’s
fun facts and wildlife!

Posted in Gorilla
Conservation, Gorilla Trekking Tips | April 14th, 2012

The most attractions for a lot of visitors to pearl of Africa are the
wildlife. It is not that they are many than in any other regions but are
certainly unique. There are quite good number of animals like elands, impala
among others that you would not be able to see anywhere else. The reason is
because of the unique geography of the country and you can enjoy all when you
choose to take a Uganda Safari on your holiday vacation to Africa!

Uganda is well-known for its own tree climbing lions, endangered mountain
gorillas. There are a couple of reasons for this; the first is that the
availability of unspoilt forests, savannah woodlands for such lions and the
political stability. The result of the unique environment in Uganda is that
there are animals that you would not see in other regions. This can be both good
and bad news; the gorillas and chimps for example are regarded as unique species
that most tourists would like to see. On the other hand the country is also home
to the half of leaving endangered mountain gorillas in Africa. More of the
world’s remaining mountain gorillas are found in Rwanda and can be tracked when
you choose to take Rwanda Safaris to see gorillas in Volcanoes National park.
There are a lot more fun facts about Uganda when it comes to
geography.

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Mountain
Gorilla Population

Posted in Gorilla
Conservation, Gorilla Trekking Tips | February 8th, 2012

Evaluation and evolution of Gorilla populations in
Africa
Based on recent estimates (Gray et al., 2003 and McNeilage et
al., 2001), the total number of Mountain Gorillas is between 650 and 680, living
in two isolated populations. This has boosted gorilla trekking
safaris in Uganda, Rwanda & DR Congo as many people come from allover
the world to visit these endangered species. Both populations are entirely
located within protected areas. The number of Mountain Gorillas declined
throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, and some declines were seen into the 1990s
(e.g Binyeri et al., 2002). IUCN (1982) described a decline in the Mountain
Gorilla numbers in the Virungas, from 400-500 in the late 1950s, to 275 in 1973
to 250 by 1981, with most of the decline occurring in the Democratic Republic of
Congo. However, since the mid 1980s, the Mountain Gorilla appears to be
gradually increasing in numbers. A  census of the Virunga Volcanoes
Mountain Gorilla population carried out in 2003 shows a 17% increase in
population size since 1989. Their number is now estimated at a total of 380. 71%
of these animals are habituated (used to the presence of humans). A 1997 census
conducted in Bwindi forest where Uganda Gorilla safaris take place resulted in an estimate of
292 gorillas from 28 groups, along with 7 lone silverback males. A similar
number (290-310) had also been found during the period of 1987 to 1993 when all
groups were identified and monitored by Thomas Butynski and his team.

The Mountain Gorilla (G.g.beringei) is listed as Critically Endangered on the
IUCN Red List of Endangered Species (IUCN 2008, CR C1). It faces an extremely
high risk of extinction in the wild due to its very small population level,
habitat loss, poaching, human disease and war.

Actual and potential threat
The major threats affecting
or having affected Mountain Gorilla populations are (1) habitat loss or
modification and forest encroachment (Muruthi et al., 2000), (2) disease and
disease transmission from humans and (3) war or political unrest
(Plumptre et
al., 2003; Muruthi et al., 2000; IUCN, 2002).

Tags: Gorilla Conservation, Gorilla Safaris Uganda, Gorilla Trekking Safaris

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Domestic
flights & Gorilla trekking Uganda

Posted in Gorilla
Conservation, Gorilla Trekking Tips | December 3rd, 2011

Air Uganda to begin domestic flights

As Air Uganda marks 4 years of existence this month, there are plans to
commence domestic flights. Airline activity is to pick up with the arrival of
the major world players such as Turkish airline, Delta and Qatar airlines at the
EBB. There are many opportunities to improve Uganda’s economy especially
tourism. In other words, fur national parks like Murchison falls and Kidepo
valley shall be easily accessed as well as Bwindi impenetrable National park for
gorilla trekking adventures.

“Plans were underway to acquire a new fleet of planes to explore the Uganda
destinations in the next two years…..” says Kyle Haywood, the Air Uganda
boss.

Air Uganda is very much recognized as the national carrier after the collapse
of Uganda Airlines in May 2001. According to Haywood, Air-Uganda is improving
its service to fliers along the Entebbe- Nairobi route, and also increase flight
frequencies to Juba in southern Sudan to consolidate its presence in the region.
Haywood further says that the arrival of larger international airplanes will
feed into the Airliners sales to boost the local economy through increased
passenger traffic at Entebbe who include tourists on gorilla trekking safari in Uganda.

Tags: Gorilla Trekking, rwanda gorilla safari

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Bwindi
Gorilla Trekking Tips Africa

Posted in Gorilla
Conservation, Gorilla Trekking Tips | November 18th, 2011

Visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to see the mountain gorillas was
the absolute highlight of my gorilla trip to Uganda. For all gorilla tours in Africa (Uganda, Rwanda & Congo), there
are a few things I wish had known before departure. First and fore most, make
sure you are in good shape! Physical fitness is very important! I booked double
gorilla trekking with Jungle safaris Uganda, where I visited two gorilla groups on
different days. The first gorilla trek was 2 hours, the second
trek was 3 hours, both one-way! Plan for at least a 4 hour hike one way, and
never underestimate steepness the mountains can be or how thick the forest is.
Remember its called BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST.

Fortunately my travel agent (Jungle Safaris Uganda) gave me tips on traveling
to Uganda together with a packing list. My tour guide organized for me alot of
water carried by the porter. You will need a lot of water on the trek. Make sure
you carry enough food; including your packed lunch, or snacks. If it is too much
to carry, there are porters from $10-$15(excluding tip). Thorns are everywhere
and long sleeved shirts and a pair of leather garden gloves are advised. Several
times I reached out to grab hold of something or to stop my fall and I would cut
my hands on the thorns if I had not put on Gloves. Gloves are of a big help
during gorilla tracking! Be sure to bring a rain jacket in case it rains or gets
colder, weather is unpredictable, it can rain any time. Otherwise, just go
there! Consider that visiting gorillas in Africa brings revenue
to the local community and gives them an incentive to protect the forest. Above
all, for all Uganda Safaris, mountain Gorilla Trekking is an amazing
experience to see these beautiful gentle giant creatures (Apes) in their natural
environment (wild).

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African
Gorilla Conservation, Rwanda Uganda Tours

Posted in Gorilla
Conservation, Gorilla Trekking Tips | October 7th, 2011

Frankfurt Declaration on Gorilla Conservation

Marking the “UN Year of the Gorilla 2009”, representatives
of gorilla range states and donor states, the UNEP/UNESCO Great Apes Survival
Partnership (GRASP), other UN agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental
organisations, scientists, conservation experts and the private sector met for a
symposium on gorilla conservation at Zoo Frankfurt in Germany on 9 and 10 June
2009 as one way to sustainable development of Gorilla Tours in
Africa.

Background to mountain gorilla conservation

It has been internationally approved that for any one to take a Rwanda tour in Africa, he
or she must not miss to see the mountain Gorillas. African Mountain Gorillas are
internationally classified as Endangered or Critically Endangered by the IUCN
Red List. All gorilla species are protected by law both nationally in the ten
range states, as well as internationally through listings of Gorilla gorilla and
Gorilla beringei on Appendix I of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and
the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora (CITES).

Nevertheless, gorillas still face a high risk of extinction and global
population numbers continue to decline sharply. Wide-ranging measures to address
the threats outlined below are required to restore gorilla populations for
future generations.

The forest ecosystems inhabited by gorillas provide services to the entire
world, including carbon sequestration and storage, estimated at several billion
tonnes of carbon dioxide, as well as generating rainfall both locally and
globally. The long-term health of these forests depends on viable populations of
animals such as gorillas, inter alia, to disperse the seeds of the next
generation of trees.

The CMS Agreement on the Conservation of Gorillas and their Habitats, which
came into force in June 2008, is the first legally binding international
instrument exclusively targeting gorillas and complements the work of the GRASP
partnership. The action plans under the Agreement provide a well-defined roadmap
for gorilla conservation throughout the ten range states. The Frankfurt
Declaration aims to support this Agreement. On your next holiday vacation, Rwanda
Tours should be your first priority to visit these Gentled Giant Apes and
contribute to their conservation. Gorilla Trekking Rwanda is the highlight for all
Rwanda Trips.

For more info; Email us to:
[email-masked]

Tags: Gorilla Trekking, Jungle Safaris Uganda

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Hello
world!

Posted in Gorilla
Trekking Tips | September 26th, 2011

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start
blogging!

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Rwanda Gorilla
Trips | Africa Safari Tips