Gorilla Trekking

Africa’s permier tourism trade show begins this Saturday, 12th – 15th May 2012. Delegates will meet at the Durban International Convention Center.

Recent conflict in the DRC has pushed many refugees over into Uganda. Problem is that these refugees bring harmful viruses which in the end, could affect the locals + mountain gorilla population. Whilst many have crossed over, it is still safe to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the majority of refugees just looking for a safe haven.

Good news just in from SAA Airlink is that as of 15th June 2012, Airlink will offer direct flights to and from Johannesburg to Maun, Botswana.

Flights will operate daily on ERJ 135 (a 37 seater). Flights will depart OR Tambo at 11:45 am landing Maun 13:15 pm. Enough time to fly on to your chosen camp. Flights will depart MUB at 14:00 pm landing OR Tambo at 15:40 pm.

Departure times will facilitate seamless international and domestic connections. Great news for all those travelling to southern Africa’s safari mecca – Botswana!

News just in from Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda is the the 19 strong Habinyanja groups have merged with the 5 strong Mubare gorilla group. At this time, there are two silverbacks ruling the roost. Ruhondeza form Mubare and Makara from Habinyanja.

The gorillas are still being viewed as one by visitors.

Not sure for how long they will remain together. Its been for about 5 days now. Interesting gorilla news.

Ruhondeza, the silverback from the  MUBARE gorilla group in Bwindi forest, Uganda has been kicked out.  

Ruhondeza was the first silverback to be habituated in the rain-forest. It is believed he is over 45 years of age. This is old for a gorilla, especially a habituated one.

His son, Kanyonye has kicked him out. Its clearly time for Kanyonye to be taking over the small group.  At around 13 years, a black-back will reach maturity and get the silver hair on its back. This is the sign that he is a silverback and ready to lead his own group. He most likely has challenged his father for head position of his group.

It is said that Ruhondeza, (meaning who sleeps a lot) is staying close to the cultivated land by Dr. Scott’s area, or Ibare Hill. (Place of stone)

The rest of the group have moved deeper into Bwindi with Kanyonye, their new leader.

Whilst its very sad to lose the kind of Bwindi, its also exciting in that Kanyonye see’s its time to begin a new family group in Bwindi. Lets hope he forms his own beautiful band of gorillas.

Killed for their keratin horn

As of today,  120 Rhino’s have been poached in 75 days. That equates to 1.6 rhino per day. If South African does not take drastic measures to curtail the slaughter, it is guesstimated that by the end of 2012, the number will be in the region of 600.

What a tragedy

120 Rhinos poached in 75
days, thats 1.6 rhinos a day, at this rate the toll will be close to 600 by
year end

Rains have begun falling in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – a bit early, but much needed.  Because its been so dry, the habituated gorillas have moved deep into the forest in search of food. At this time, the three groups around the Buhoma area: namely Habinyanja, Mubare and Rushegura are returning to the headquarters around 14h00 pm.
Happy trekking!

Monday I depart for my mid-year / winter safari season. I will be on safari in Uganda tracking the mountain gorillas followed by  10 days in Kenya watching the annual migration.

Follow my blog for stories, wildlife accounts and exciting happenings as I go along my journey.

Kenyan Tourism has advised that visa fees into Kenya have increased to the following:

Single entry visa US$50.00

Multiple entry visa US$100.00

A transit visa U$ 20.00

Please note that all children will now require a visa to enter Kenya.

South African Airways, (SAA) announced today that as of 1st October 2011, they will operate three times per week from OR Tambo, Johannesburg into Kigali International Airport.

This is good news for those wishing to gorilla trek, as it will increase the service on this route to six times per week? Rwanda Air services the current route thrice per week.