Gorilla Lady

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

The South African Department of Health has issued the following information regarding the requirements for travellers from and to South Africa: 1. Tanzania: Returning travellers from South Africa to Tanzania and those from Tanzania travelling to South African will require proof of a Yellow Fever vaccination. This is unchanged from the present regulations. 2. Zambia: Returning travellers from South Africa to Zambia and travellers from Zambia to South Africa will now require proof of Yellow Fever vaccination. Previously, proof of YF vaccination was not required. 3. In-transit passengers, irrespective of the time period in-transit, will still require proof of a YF vaccination. Vaccinations must be done a minimum if 10 days before your departure date. ... read more

Those all planning to visit the mountain gorillas, note that a brand new ruling, with effect from 1 June 2011, is that ALL visitors to Uganda's passports are required to have at least ONE YEAR of validity remaining from the date of entry. Also, please note that irrespective of the duration of the visa granted, immigration often stamps the passport for a shorter period on arrival. If so, the visitor will need to get the stamp extended at any immigration office free of charge (unless extending beyond the duration of the initial visa). Prospective visitors should also note another development as follows": 'Visitors should not overstay their visa validity otherwise they will be subjected to a fine of U$ 30 per day and other appropriate legal action' ... read more

Sad news just in from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda is that the 8 month old baby belonging to Kashundwe of the Mubare gorilla group has died. Rangers believe that the infant was injured amidst a scuffle that broke out between the Silverback Ruhondeza and the black-back Kanyonye. It is believed that the fight, most likely a result of dominance issue, led to the baby being in the wrong place at the wront time. Its particularly sad news because the Mubare group has over the past 2 years has lost a total of 5 individuals. Then 8 months ago, Kashundwe gave birth and more recently, a female who had gone awol to the Habinyanja group, returned. The group had increased to 6 individuals and made viewing more exciting. Sadly, it seems that the oldest habituated silverback ... read more

An explosive piece of investigative journalism by Hussein Bogere & Simon Musasizi about a huge scandal in Uganda's tourism sector has been published in The Observer yesterday, 30th March 2011. In brief, the article is about a probe committee instituted by the minister of Tourism, Trade and Industry Maj Gen Kahinda Otafiire, which discovered several discrepancies in the amount of money used in the construction of a community lodge in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park - Cloud Lodge in Nkuringo. The probe also discovered that there is massive exploitation of the community that is supposed to benefit from the lodge, rampant illegal gorilla tracking and forgery of tracking permits and receipts, which drain the wildlife industry of hundreds of millions of shillings monthly. For more on the probe, log onto the web site below adn read ... read more

Africa is vast with many national parks and game reserves located in remote wilderness areas. Often as with Botswana, the only way to reach them is with a small aircraft. Typically, aircraft are not airliners. They are relatively small and therefore always have strict luggage and weight restrictions. A variety of safety issues also dictate teh luggage restrictions; from the small baggage stowage bays, lenght of runways to fuel limitiations, etc. Your safety in the air always comes first so beware, pilots will simply not fly when teh plane is overweight!! Here are some valuable guidelines when flying to a safari destination in Africa: * Maximum luggage weight is 20kg's per person including carry-on luggage if more than one bag and camera equipment. * Check the baggage dimentions permitted by each airline. Airlines vary, however the ... read more

Please note: that the Zambian Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) has introduced a Park Entry Fee for all BOAT CRUIS clients in teh Mosi-o Tunya National Park with immediate effect. This fee does not apply to clients staying at The Falls resort, Sun International. The fees is charged as follows; - International residents: US$10.00 per person - Zambian & SADC residents: US$ 5.00 per person - Zambian citizens: K15'150 per person Payment will be collected from teh client before boaring the boat... read more