Blogs from Western Region, Uganda, Africa - page 23

This place is absolute amazing and the scenery is indescribable, and it is why Fort Portal has been called the mother of pearl (if Uganda is Pearl of Africa), but our bad experiences, which we will describe in next blog, hasn’t changed our view of this amazing place on the earth but definitely changed our opinion about Ugandans. In the middle of Uganda’s mountains surrounded by crater lakes you will find lush forests, wild animals and view towards Democratic Republic of the Congo, there is a small village where did we stay with a family for one week. Fort Portal is a small town but the biggest in this area and it isn’t a big deal. When you need to charge your mobile phone, laptop, make shopping or you have some troubles to figure out (which ... read more

"Whatever you do, don't run if a Gorilla Charges at you" are the last words you remember hearing as your life flashes before your eyes. As everyone falls back, you are left standing motionless, adrenaline pumping, wide-eyed, the leader of the pack. "Crouch down & look away!" you hear, as 230Kg of Silverback muscle charges towards you. Close enough to smell its breath, you can’t help but stare into its eyes as the fight or flight syndrome kicks in. "Screw this" is your final thought as you run through the bushes and towards the trees. People screaming, guides shouting, everyone running caught up in a perfect moment of chaos. A moment that somehow manages to slow down time. Back in the Ugandan Wildlife Authority, you run through a drill that had clearly been rehearsed to perfection. ... read more

Kilembe and Rwenzori Trekking Services (RTS) I went to Kilembe on Friday. I was interested in having a closer look at their hostel and facilities. I also brought a bag of mountain equipment like boots, jackets, fleece and more, to give to someone down here. Since I will do the trek with Rwenzori Mountaineering Services (RMS) later, I thought I should give the gear to RTS, to share between the two competitors. If anyone are considering doing a trek in the park, I will recommend RTS, based on the feedback from the people I met, and what I have learned about the company. Since I was first up here in Kyanjuki Village, Kilembe, I decided to do some kind of activity. Except for different days of trekking in the national park, they also provide a one ... read more

Some very sad news just in from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. Mizano, my favorite gorilla of all time has been tragically killed by poachers. Mizano belonged to the 20 strong Habinyanja gorilla group has killed in a poaching incident. It is the first incident whereby a gorilla has been killed by poachers since 1995. Poachers had entered the forest with their dogs to hunt duiker and bush-pigs. Their dogs ran into the H group who naturally, defended their young and females. It is believed Mizano defended and was speared by the poachers in order to save their hunting dogs. Whilst three of the poachers have been arrested, Mizano is dead. The "H" group have now moved very deep into the middle of the forest. I am at a loss for words. Mizano was a ... read more

Did you know that there is no single feature that makes an animal a primate, but rather a suite of features that together make primates unmistakable. Most primates possess the following six key charachteristics, although a few species do not posses them all of them. * FORWARD FACING EYES: Both eyes point forwards, in the same direction allowing primates to perceive a three-dimentional view of whatever they look at, although they are unable to look behind them withough turning their head. * EYE SOCKETS: The eyeball sits inside a solid, protective ring of bone called the orbit. * GRASPING HANDS: One digit grips against the other, enabling primates to have a firm grasp. * NAILS: Fingers and toes end in a flat nail to protect against the sensitive tip. * FINGERTIPS: The skin on the fingertips ... read more