Uganda tourism industry wants government to get behind them

Uganda tour operators have reiterated the need for government to increase its funding budget to tourism marketing to at least $5 million.

The operators say the government has not yet prioritized the sector giving it little attention.
The government and the World Bank recently signed a credit financing facility of $25 million to tourism, of which $12 million were allocated to the revamping of the Jinja Tourism Training Institute. About $3million was allotted to building capacity in the Uganda Tourism Board and the tourism ministry.

However, the remaining $10million has not been assigned according to Tourism Minister Maria Mutagamba.
It’s this $10million balance what tour operators want the government to avail to tourism marketing this year.
“Funding towards tourism marketing is still very low. Kenya provides $34 million to marketing, Tanzania ($12 million), Rwanda ($5 million), Burundi ($1.5 million) and Uganda- only $90,000. Even the new management at UTB will struggle with such kind of funding.

The sector should be given minimum $5m if we’re serious with tourism as a business,” said Ms. Kelly McTavish Mungar the Managing Director Pearl of Africa Tours and Travel.
“Uganda’s tourism industry has been confined. It’s given limited attention yet it’s a multi-billion generating sector,” added Mr. Cuthbert Baguma the immediate former Executive Director of the Uganda Tourism Board, the official government tourism marketing agency.

This was during a breakfast meeting in Kampala where the Uganda Investment Authority presented a study and findings of the constraints to fast tracking tourism development in Uganda. The study- Building Competitiveness in Tourism as a strategic intervention for attracting quality investment was carried out and presented by Rebecca Wamono of the Uganda Investment Authority.

According to her findings, the lack of identity/brand at the international level, inadequate value addition of tourism products and services, the negative media publicity that discourages international travelers and tourists and the insufficient supporting infrastructure and utilities like roads, energy, and air travel makes it difficult to attract high end international investors and joint ventures in tourism. She said the lack of a national carrier and the very few domestic carriers have affected marketing, flight numbers and visitors to Uganda.

“The impact of the construction of the 180MW Isimba Hydro Power Project on water rafting on the Victoria Nile is huge as well as the lack of national mentorship programme for children and the general public about budget gorilla tourism and conservation,” Wamono noted in her findings. Tourism Minister Maria Mutagamba advised the different tourism associations to get united and always compile, and disseminate the right figures for proper planning.

“Tourism is currently a disjointed sector. We need to build competitiveness in the sector by always proving the correct tourism figures and statistics,” she advised the meeting. James Tumusime, the Chairman of the Uganda Tourism Board, warned the grumbling different associations in tourism not to make his body a rival of other agency organizations

“UTB is ready to fly with the new management. Invest in areas that empower Public Private Partnerships,” Tumusiime advised the private sector in tourism.  Herbert Byaruhanga, the president of Uganda Tourism association said the government should create an enabling environment for local tourism investors to invest by allowing them tax waivers and holidays. EAC countries are also working towards a single destination marketing plan.

Bwindi impenetrable forest gorilla dies aged 28 years old

A photograph of Mishaya taken in June 2012. Mishaya was a leader of a commuinty of gorillas in Bwindi (UWA Photo)

At 28 years, Mishaya had lived only half his life in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda. On Monday, Mishaya died after a short illness, according to top wildlife officials.

 

The lifespan of mountain gorillas is estimated at 50 years, according to Dr. Gladys Kalema, the director of conservation through public health. She described Mishaya, who broke away from Nshongi about two years ago, as an active, friendly and assertive gorilla.

 

“Mishaya will be missed,” Kalema said. Others who eulogised Mishaya said he would amuse them, giving many tourists compelling opportunities for photographs.

 

Dr. Andrew Seguya, the executive director of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) said: “We have lost a lovely mountain gorilla which was free with tourists.” He said he had sent a team of veterinary doctors to investigate further what caused Mishaya’s death.

 

Preliminary results indicate that he died after the coiling of the intestines. Mishaya was the only silverback (alpha male) after which a group of habituated gorillas in Bwindi was named. His group lives in Rushaga, in the southern region of Bwindi.

 

Apart from Mishaya, the southern sector of Bwindi is home to habituated gorillas, Nshongyi, Kahungye and Busingye groups.

Uganda Birding Safari

12 Days Birding Tour Uganda -12 Clients Group Safari

Uganda winning the name “Pearl of Africa” was because of the tourism resources endowed and out of that Uganda is known to be a region “Gifted by Nature”. The “ornithology” tours has become  more exciting together with wildlife encounters which Uganda  has to offer from different tourist important bird areas, destinations, list of birds in Uganda can be spotted from these areas: the Mabamba wetland birding site a best birding place in Uganda, Kibale national park, Queen national park the “medley of wonders”, Bwindi impenetrable birding park, Mubwindi birding wetland, Lake Bunyonyi-Uganda birding tour the “ Switzerland of Africa” in Kigezi region. Our aim is to show and explain all types of birds and other tourist resources to surpass our client’s expectation.  On this safari we have opportunity to spot other tourism resources like mountain gorillas, chimps, wildlife and other leisure amazingly experienced like game drives, boat cruising, nature walks among others. 

Day1: Entebbe-Bird Botanical Gardens

Upon arrival at the Entebbe international Airport, you will be welcomed by our guide or company representative who will transfer you to your hotel in Entebbe. Depending on your arrival time you can be able to go birding later on at the Botanical gardens. The most common bird species which include Wood, Common, Marsh Sandpipers, Common Green Shank, Long-tailed and Great Cormorants, Madagascar Bee-eater, Green Crombec, Orange weaver, Entebbe Weaver (an endemic to Uganda that was recorded at the site only once), White spotted Flu tail. Dinner and overnight at Bomah Guest House (L)/Airport Guest House (M)/Sun Set Motel (B).  Meal plan: BB

Day2: Mabamba Bay Birding Wetland

Have breakfast, thereafter drive to Mabamba bay wetland birding site, the unique site referred to as the best in Africa and the whole world, where the elusive Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) can be spotted at any one time of the day. Other bird species include; Rey-headed Gull, White Winged Terns, Madagascar Bee-eater, Yellow Billed Egret, Long toed Plover. Have lunch and in the afternoon you could have a walk along the tracks on the main road in search of more birds then you expect to see the Black Crake, African Fish Eagle, African Jacana, Malachite and Pied Kingfishers, Cape Wagtail, Swamp Flightier, Winding Cisticola, Blue- Breasted Bee- eater, Red Chested Sunbird and many more. Return to lodge for dinner and overnight as above. Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch.

Note: Today we shall provide Breakfast and Lunch in the field, then with Dinner it is the clients to buy his or her dinner at lodge, lodges in towns do not have set menu so it’s hard to predict how much the client will eat!

Day3: Entebbe-Kibale Forest National Park

Early morning breakfast and drive to Kibale Forest National Park. Lunch en-route in Fort portal town at Gardens Restaurant. Afternoon  bird watching in the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary that is found 5 km after Kibale Forest National Park on the road to Kamwenge. Birding is a major activity around the swamp with paths cut and areas of the swamp board trails to give access to areas of the swamp that would be otherwise inaccessible. Species for Bigodi include Great Blue Turaco, Black Billed Turaco and White Spotted Crake. Dinner and overnight at Kyaninga Lodge (L)/Kibale Safari Lodge (M)/Kibale Forest Camp (B). Meal plan: Full Board

Day4: Kibale Forest (Chimp Trek)-Queen Elizabeth National Park (Evening Game Drive)

After breakfast, participate in the chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest National Park and along the way you will see a number of bird species which include: black-capped apalis, blue-headed sunbird, collared apalis, dusky crimson wing, purple-breasted sunbird and red-faced woodland warbler. Other Kibale specials include the African pitta, green breasted pitta, black bee-eater, yellow spotted nicator, yellow rumped tinker bird, little Greenbul, black-eared ground thrush, brown chested alethe, blue-breasted kingfisher, Abyssinian ground thrush, and the crowned eagle. Have lunch and in the afternoon drive to Queen Elizabeth National Park which is home to total of 604 different bird species. Key species: African Skimmer, Black Rumped Button Quail, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, Red Footed Falcon, Lesser Flamingoes, and Saddle-billed Storks, and numerous classes of Raptors. Birding in the evening, Dinner and overnight at Mweya Lodge (L)/Enganzi lodge (M)/Bush Lodge (B). Meal plan: Full Board

Day5: Queen Elizabeth National Park (Game Drive-Birding & Boat ride)

The whole day reserved for birding in the park while on a morning game drive but also see other wildlife like the mammals that include some big five Lions, Hippos, Buffaloes, Leopard, Spotted Hyena, Elephants and the elusive Giant Forest Hog in this park. Primates like the chimps and monkeys and Reptiles. All these are regularly sighted around the tourist village on the Mweya Peninsula. In the afternoon go for the boat cruise along Kazinga Channel, with the concentration of water birds and photographs is extraordinary. A variety of birds grace the grasses on the channel’s edge and these may include the Great White and Pink-Backed Pelicans, Great and Long-tailed Cormorants. There is also a Bird Observatory here, which was set up with the aim of studying both migratory and resident birds. Since its inception in 1997 more new species have been identified, including Uganda’s first record of the Bar-tailed Godwit. Return to lodge for dinner and overnight and dinner. Meal plan: Full Board

Day6: Queen Elizabeth-Bwindi Gorilla Park

After breakfast, drive via Ishasha Sector with birding experience and the search of the tree climbing lions those enjoy lying on the top of fig trees during the hot hours of the day. Later proceed to Bwindi National park best known for gorillas; lunch en route. Though the gorillas are its most famous inhabitants, Bwindi is also noted for its biodiversity and the richness of its flora and fauna. The diversity of birds in Bwindi National Park is extremely high, representing one of the forest’s avian-fauna in Africa. The bird list for the park currently totals 334 species, 67 non-forest-dependent species, and 182 forest-dependent species. Thirteen of these species occur nowhere else in Uganda, seven are not known to occur anywhere else in East Africa, and 17 are known for East Africa only in Bwindi and one or two other East African forests. The rare species include the spectacular globally threatened endemics like the African Green Broadbill and Shelley’s Crimson wing. Dinner and overnight at Ruhija Gorilla Resort (L)/Gorilla Mist Camp (M)/Trackers Tavern Cottages (B). Meal plan: Full Board

Day7: Uganda Gorilla Trekking

Today you will go, gorilla tracking in Bwindi Forest National park; the most exciting wildlife experiences. The activity starts with a briefing from the ranger guides after which you proceed with the trekking. Bwindi forest in Uganda has a population of about 370 gorillas, which is half the world population according to 2007 gorilla population surveys. It is not predictable the time you will spend to encounter the gorillas but it normally takes between 2 – 6 hours. You have an hour to observe the primates and their behaviors, while taking photographs. Do not forget to carry your lunch boxes and water, insect repellent, sun screen, rain gears, hut and walkable shoes. Evening take birding around the lodge to spot birds like handsome francolin, archers robin chat, stripe breasted tit, purple breasted sunbird, mountain Green bul, duikers, warblers, dusky Crimson wing, mountain Illadopsis, mountain yellow warbler to mention a few. Return to lodge for dinner and overnight. Meal plan: Full Board

Day8: Ruhija Birding Sector-Lake Bunyonyi

Have breakfast and proceed to Mubwindi birding wetland at Ruhija sector. Ruhija is likely to be one of the highlights of any trip to Uganda with excellent birding in spectacular surroundings. Birds are both plentiful and easy to see; many species associating in mixed feeding flocks that are active throughout the day. An early start offers the best chance of finding the striking handsome Francolin, Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, western Green Tinker bird, Mountain and yellow-streaked Greenbul, Mountain marked and chestnut-throated Apalises, red-faced woodland Warbler, Rwenzori Batis, white-tailed crested Flycatcher and many more. Dinner and overnight at Bunyonyi Resort (L)/Bunyonyi Overland (M)/Jajama lodge (B). Meal plan: Full Board

Day9: Lake Bunyonyi-Lake Mburo National Park

After morning breakfast, take a motor boat ride on Lake Bunyonyi for birding. The Lake is one of the most popular destinations for birding and the guide will help you spotting birds over different islands. Bird species include: Pied kingfisher, Malachite kingfisher, Cinnamon chested bee-eater, Bronzy sun bird, Knobbed coot. Very rare, Pied wagtail, Black clack, Common stone chat, Grey shrike, Grey crowned crested crane, Hadada ibis, Swamp fly catcher, Black heron, Great cormorant, Fan tailed widow bird, Streaky seed eater, Speckled mouse bird, Pin tailed whyder, Bronze manikin, Black headed weaver. Have lunch in Kabale and from there proceed to Lake Mburo where you will have a game drive as you enter the park. Dinner and overnight at Mihingo Lodge (L)/Rwakobo Rock Lodge (M)/Eagle’s Nest Camp Mburo (B). Meal plan: Full Board

Day10: Lake Mburo National Park

Have breakfast and then go for a morning game drive to intangibly consumer birding experience. The park has about 313 different bird species which include the rare Shoebill stork, White-winged Warblers, Black-billed Barbet, Crested Francolin, Brown Parrot, Red necked Spur, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Temminck’s Courser, common Quails, Greenwood Hoopoe, Blue-napped Mouse bird, Barefaced Go-away bird, African-grey Hornbill, Nubian Woodpecker, Trilling Cisticola, Lilac-breasted Roller, Coqui Francolin, Red necked spur fowl, Black Bellied Bustard, African-wattled Plover Rufous napped and Flappet larks, Rufous chested Swallow , Southern Red Bishop and Yellow-throated Long claw among others. Return to lodge for lunch and thereafter afternoon drive to Masaka town for dinner and overnight at Brovad Hotel (M). Meal plan: Full-Board

 Day11: Masaka-Mpanga Forest Birding Site–Entebbe

After breakfast, drive to Mpanga forest the eco science research forest and here expect to spot a lot of unique birdlife species, but before you reach have amazing stopover at the equator to take awesome photos and shop some souvenirs’ and edible snacks. Lunch; enter into the forest to spot different types of birds, floras and faunas and this adventure are so much awesome. Then in evening set off to Entebbe for our dinner and overnight at Bomah Guest House (L)/Entebbe Airport Guest House (M)/Sun Set Motel (B). Meal plan: Full-Board

Day12: Entebbe–Ngamba Islands Chimpanzee Sanctuary

After breakfast you will be transferred to Entebbe water front club and board your speed boat to Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary to indulge in quite big list of informative activities like chimp feeding, bird watching and you will have lunch at the island. Thereafter drive back Entebbe with entrance to the Uganda wildlife education Centre and watch some big five caged and other species, birds. Evening you will be transferred to airport for your home flight. End of services, Meal plan: Half-Board.

NB: (L) Luxury, (M) Mid-range and (B) Budget

The price staying in Luxury Lodges and based on 12 pax will cost $$ 4626 dollars per person and using 2 --- 4x4 Extended Land Cruiser and based on full board meals.

The price staying in Mid-range Lodges and based on 12 pax will cost $$ 3698 dollars per person and using 2 --- 4x4 Omni-Bus and based on full board meals.

The price staying in Budget Lodges and based on 12 pax will cost $$ 3310 dollars per person and using 2 --- 4x4 Omni-Bus and based on full board meals.

The safari package includes:

Airport transfers

Transportation by 2 4wd vehicles

Accommodation and meals as per itinerary

Bigodi birding walking safari

Chimpanzee permits

Park fees

Car entry

Boat ride

Gorilla permits, one per person to be paid in advance

Nature walks birding

Visit Ngamba chimp sanctuary

Visit Mabamba wetlands

Full day professional birding guides + Birding tour leader

En-route lunches

Game drives

The package excludes:

Expenses of personal nature like: Visa, drinks, laundry, tips to local guides while gorilla trekking, telephone, personal insurance and cigarettes.

What to wear/bring

Dress codes are informal. Daytime temperatures are generally warm, so bring lots of light clothing, supplemented by light sweaters for the cool evenings and heavier clothing for the higher altitudes especially Bwindi. When tracking gorillas layering your clothing is the best idea and we suggest: long sleeved shirts, cotton or gore tex trousers, strong walking shoes with ankle support, socks that you can tuck your trousers into, light gloves to protect your hands from thorns and nettles, a hat and sunglasses to provide protection against the sun and a waterproof jacket in neutral colors may come in handy in the moist mountains. Travel light and remember that soft-sided luggage is required. One medium sized duffel bag and one small daypack (carry-on) per person should be adequate. Laundry services are available at most accommodations. You should also pack some zip lock bags for spare clothing, cameras, binoculars and film. Please note that you are not allowed to use a flash when photographing Gorillas. It is a good idea to take along several different speeds of film (64 to 1000) as gorillas can be found in open sun or in the dark underbrush of the forest.

Contact +256-751-915-622

info@ugandantour.com or ugandantour@gmail.com

 

Tour Consultant

Nature Adventure Africa Safaris Ltd

Uganda Kampala, Entebbe Airport Road, Najja Shopping Centre, 03 B Office 2rd Floor

Self Drive Uganda Car Rental with Car Rental Low Rates

Self Drive Uganda car rental gives you excellent car hire value with low rates, a professional service and the freedom to explore Uganda. Cheap car rentals in Uganda and Rwanda are Uganda Car Rental’s specialty. Self drive Uganda, Uganda self drive, Kampala car rental, Entebbe car rental, Jinja car rental, Uganda car hire, Car hire Uganda, gorilla safaris self drive vacation, cheap car hire, Uganda self drive tours, is easy with Uganda car rental.

As a car rental company we offer an extensive range of vehicles across our car hire network, catering to local and international customers. Our range extends from budget car rental to luxury car rental, for short term or extended long-term car rental in Uganda.

Self drive Uganda Car Rental offers un-mileage and suitable model vehicles, available through our easy to use online reservation system. Car rental reservations are made by Uganda car rental on your behalf, ready to collect from the specified destination on time. Uganda car rental with well established and reputable reservationists ensures you receive professional services after sales service and are covered for any eventualities requiring roadside assistance and have access to multiple pick-up and drop-off locations throughout Uganda and Rwanda.

We cover all airport car hire and city car rental. You’ll never be far from a rental branch or a collection and return location. Just because you’ve found cheap car hire in Uganda doesn’t mean you relinquish your right to comprehensive national assistance for break down cover or customer service, Uganda car rental ensures all its customers receive a professional and courteous service.

Special Car Hire Services

For the online car rental services, Uganda car rental offers a comprehensive range of choices covering unlimited mileage, comprehensive car insurance, tailor-made best safari packages to suit your budget when traveling Uganda and Rwanda. For clients traveling with our cars on self drive option, we offer other services at no cost like we do secure for our clients gorilla permits, lodge bookings, free airport pick and drop, free Uganda direction map and for our clients on long term travel we offer free one box of mineral water! For clients interested to discover Uganda while experiencing the wilderness camping we can as well offer these camping equipments at low extra cost, we provide the tent, sleeping air mattress, table, chair, cups, sause pans, knife, plates, gas cylinder, barbeque net, torch.

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We conduct frequent vehicle rental price to bring you the lowest rates for car hire in Uganda. Cheap car hire, economy car rental and luxury high end vehicles are all available through self drive Uganda specialist car rental service, we’ve got cars to help you to discover and explore Uganda.  Please confirm with one of our travel consultants what documentation you require when traveling across Uganda.

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Self-drive holidays allow travelers to explore at their own pace, without the constraints and timetables of a scheduled tour. Uganda Car Rental promotes discount long-term vehicle hire and monthly specials to facilitate extended self-drive holidays through Uganda.

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Uganda is a 4x4 enthusiast’s playground with limitless opportunity for off road adventure. Uganda Car Rental offers a broad range of Rav4 4x4 vehicles, Omnibus, Super custom for hire in Uganda and the best car rental rates. Rav4 4x4 hire can be provided fully equipped for up to 4 pax, Omnibus of 8-9 pax, super custom of 7 pax. We offer rates including and excluding camping equipment. We offer all trips like gorilla trekking self drive vacation, wildlife self drive safaris, Uganda culture self drive vacations, City tour self drive, Uganda birding tours, Kibale chimpanzee trekking self drive adventure.

Get a chance to enjoy Country Lake Resort this Valentine’s

Three lucky couples have a chance to enjoy this relaxing and naturally-romantic experience on Valentine’s Day. To get lucky, get participating in the Just the two of us promotionValentine’s promotion.

Valentine’s Day is about 14 days away, so Heart to Heart together with KFM have something special planned for you and your loved ones. Here are some of the memorable romantic experiences of those participating in our promotion, and Esther Oluka takes you through what the lucky couples will enjoy if they got a chance to go to the beautiful Country Lake Resort, Garuga for Uganda Tour.

“They will be our queens and kings on that day and our role will be to make them feel at home.” These were words from Mr Moses Odomel, the general manager of Country Lake Resort Garuga, to three couples who will win a Valentine’s Day treat at the resort.

The treat will be part of the Just the Two of Us Valentine’s promotion sponsored by the Heart to Heart magazine and KFM.

Located in Garuga, off Entebbe Road, Country Lake Resort offers a fresh, breath-taking, relaxed, romantic environment, with a fresh breeze ideal for loved ones.

Nature is written all over the resort as soon as you get to the driveway, punctuated by beautiful sculptures and antique paintings. If you ask me, every stroll offers a photo opportunity. Overlooking the lake, the resort is quite busy. You won’t miss people taking boat rides, kayaking, bird watching, playing mini-golf or volley ball, among other games. If you are not the active one, there are perfect viewing points.

The lucky couples will also be treated to a free photo shoot at the resort gardens, which are decorated with beautiful water fountains and crafted antiques.

And for couples who would want to unwind after a fun-filled day, did I mention the resort has two large dance floors where you will get to shake it off to live video mixing by their in-house DJ Jimmy?

The resort’s cottages are named after Uganda’s beautiful lakes, according to size. So guests have a choice to pick their favourite lake as they prepare for a warm, quiet night. You can be guaranteed to sleep like a baby.
According to Mr Odomel, the promotion is an opportunity for loved ones to pamper themselves and indulge in various fun-filled activities. The promotion is open to couples; married or not and any other loved ones.

To win a chance, join the 93.3 KFM Facebook page and post your most memorable romantic experience or listen to the K-Zone with Jaq Deweyi from 8pm-12am and read the Heart to Heart magazine every Thursday to know if you have qualified. The top 10 posts will be in for the final draw. You could also recommend a couple you think deserves a treat. Good luck!

My baby looked beyond my skin

I met the love of my life in December 2009 and I thank God everyday because my life has never been better. I like the way my baby adores me. When I had just met him, I used to feel ugly because my skin wasn’t clear. I felt so insecure but one day, he sat me on his laps and told me: “Baby, I don’t see anything wrong with your face. You are so beautiful and shouldn’t care about such stupid things because I see beyond this pretty face, I see your heart and character and that’s what matters.”

He then kissed my face and hugged me. He made me feel so worthy and I have always felt beautiful since then. He calls me his model and uploads my pictures on Facebook with special messages. I feel like the luckiest woman on earth and there is nothing more I would want but to be everything he wants. He doesn’t know I entered this competition but I want to tell him: “Nsubuga James, I want you to know in front of the whole world that I love you and even if I don’t win, I just want you to feel as special as you always make me feel. HAPPY EARLY VALENTINE’s.

Money wasn’t her target

As a young man from a humble family, I went through struggles to get to school, so I vowed never to date until I had finished school and found a job since I had once lost a girl I loved so much just because I couldn’t afford to take her out on days such as Valentine’s. However, after resisting so many beauties at campus for a year, I met this one beautiful girl whom I found irresistible. I promised to take her out at least twice a month and promised her that Valentine’s would always be heaven for us.

We dated for a year but I don’t remember even one time when I took her out or bought her flowers. Another year went by and nothing changed but she stuck with me. In 2010, she visited my place on Valentine’s but we all ended up in tears because I had nothing for her. That night we decided that we should stay together and since then, I still have never done something special for her. I feel this offer would be a real surprise to her and could bring more fire in our relationship.

Lunch, walk, memories
He invited me to his place and told me I was smart and beautiful and that I deserved a good treat. He asked me to keep him company in the kitchen as he prepared us lunch. Time after time, he would walk up to me and peck me on my forehead...he served lunch and later suggested we go for a walk, which ended in a treasure hunt at a place where we first met.

2009 marked the exodus of love in a magnetic field for me. All the love I felt came out of the blue because somebody’s daughter, my classmate then, had charmed my heart and mind. This beautiful girl always made me freeze like water that had spent a while in the fridge. But being new in the game, I had a challenge of how to set a trap, lay strategies and find convincing words to woo this girl. One evening, I asked her friend to ask her to see me. The response wasn’t good.

I continued pursuing her and luckily enough, one evening she agreed to meet me. I poured out my heart, but she rejected me and told me she had come to school to read her books. I felt out of place and confused, but I didn’t give up. On the Valentine’s Day of 2009, she sent me a letter, committing to love me. It felt good discussing love with my sweetheart, someone I had had eyes on for a long time..

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking a gear of conserving gorillas for Eco Tours Rwanda

When the name Rwanda comes up, at least in tourism circles, gorilla tracking comes to mind, first and foremost, as the Land of a Thousand Hills is indeed best known for offering well organized Eco tours Rwanda to see the prized animals in their natural habitat. The Rwanda Development Board’s Tourism and Conservation Department in fact acknowledges that in spite of concerted efforts over the past years to diversify the tourism products and introduce new attractions, inside and outside of the three national parks, gorilla tracking remains the highest profile activity for now, though birding and hiking, especially in Nyungwe Forest National Park, have started to make an impact in the statistics. Culture is also growing tourism product in Rwanda and the Rwanda tourism board has launched the Musanze cave for cultural tourism which you can visit on your Rwanda tour, Eco tours Rwanda.

The Virunga massif, a trans-boundary ecosystem located in Rwanda, Uganda and neighboring Congo DR, is home of – going by the latest figures available – some 400 mountain gorillas and has been described as the world’s only stable great apes population. It is here, that on the Rwandan side some 11 habituated gorilla groups are available for tourism purposes, the 11th only named 10 days ago during the annual Kwita Izina naming ceremony, when a “breakaway group” gained their own recognition, name and status. Additionally there are 10 other habituated groups which are strictly reserved for research and monitoring, outpacing the other two gorilla range countries. The gorilla groups in Rwanda include: Susa—the largest group with 41 gorillas. This family is the hardest to trek as it tends to range high into the mountains but RDB Tourism & Conservation trackers will know well in advance where the group is located. The group is also well known for having rare 5 year old twins named Byishimo and Impano. Sabyinyo—Sabyinyo is an easily accessible group led by the powerful silverback Guhonda. There are fewer members within this family than in the other groups however they are equally impressive as a family. Amahoro—led by the calm and easy going Ubumwe, Amahoro is made up of 17 members and means “peaceful”. To reach Amahoro one must endure a fairly steep climb however the climb is well worth it once in contact with this tranquil group. Group 13—when first habituated this group had only 13 members hence its name. Now the group has approximately 25 members, a very positive sign for conservation and the efforts put forward by RDB Tourism & Conservation to protect the gorillas’ habitat. Kwitonda—this 18-member group is led by Kwitonda which means “humble one” and has two silverbacks and one black back. Having migrated from DRC, this group tends to range far making it a moderately difficult trek. Umubano—a family of 11, Umubano were originally Amahoro members but broke off after the dominant silverback was challenged by Charles, now the leader of Umubano. When a young silverback challenges the dominant silverback he must steal some females from the existing group in order to form his own family; thus Umubano was formed. Hirwa—this group emerged recently and was formed from different existing families, namely from Group 13 and Sabyinyo. Eventually more gorillas joined. Come witness this family continue to grow and Karisimbi– a family of 15, a new group.

The Ruhengeri province in Rwanda is a city where all gorilla trekkers have their overnight before and after budget gorilla trekking. At this area you can stay at luxury, mid-range and budget lodges Sabyinyo silverback Lodge/Virunga safari lodge/ Mountain Gorilla View Lodge/ Mountain Gorilla Nest Camp/Lebombou Lodge/Laplame Hotel/Muhabura Guest House/Kinigi Guest House respectively. The Rwanda Development Board and conservation NGOs are working hand in hand towards a common goal, protecting the mountain gorillas while at the same time ensuring that tourism pays many of the bills this mammoth task incur month after month.

The Greater Virunga Trans-boundary Cooperation, in short GVTC, is a trilateral body, based in Kigali, comprising RDB, UWA and ICCN, which coordinates conservation and management matters, shares research results and coordinates security measures put into place along the national frontiers between Rwanda, Uganda and the Congo DR.

There is GRASP, the Great Apes Survival Partnership, which falls under the UNESCO/UNDP framework of conservation partnerships under which all institutional bodies come together to share information and rally to preserve the ever shrinking habitat of great apes around the globe.

Gorilla Doctors bring veterinary doctors together who volunteer their time to assist, largely free of cost for their professional services, to rush to the scene should the trackers, who spend much of the day with their charges up the volcanic mountains, call for medical support.

The International Gorilla Conservation Program, in short IGCP, is a partnership devoted to the conservation of the mountain gorillas by the African Wildlife Foundation, Flora and Fauna International and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature, best known as WWF.

And then there is the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, the local headquarters based in Musanze, which is arguably the highest profile organization of them all, the offices in white and green highly visible for everyone who drives through what used to be Ruhengeri. The fund emerged from Dian Fossey’s DIGIT Fund, renamed in Dian’s honor in 1992 as the DFGFI.

Dian Fossey, immortalized through the film "Gorillas in the Mist," which portrayed her life’s work and dedication to the cause of protecting the mountain gorillas of Rwanda and Congo, back then still known as Zaire, was killed on the 27th December 1985, but left behind a legacy which lives on and has grown from strength to strength. Controversial as she may have been in life, she was an outspoken opponent of using habituated gorillas for tourism purposes and had reported run ins’ with fellow researchers, too, in death she became a uniting factor for gorilla conservation and her name, and that of the fund, continue to be magnets to raise money, material contributions and attention around the world. Today, the gorilla population, which was seriously endangered when Dian was still alive and working in the field, has significantly increased in size, to now around 480 overall, but with an estimated carrying capacity of around 800 gorillas, some in fact say up to 1,000 while others put the capacity of the Virunga massif to lesser numbers.

The fund operates the Karisoke Research Centre, headed by Felix Ndagijimana with over 150 staff in Rwanda and across the border in the Congo DR, plus a number of volunteers and collaborating scientists. The main thrust of activities is, as previously mentioned, research and monitoring of the gorillas, conservation education among school children but also the adult population living around the national parks and last but not least community outreach programs include health and education interventions.