Archive for year: 2021

Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda | Island hopping

Lake Bunyonyi in Uganda | Island hopping : is famous for its lush green terraced hills and legendary Islands. Additionally, it has got an impressive population of over 200 bird species. The lake is located in the western part of Uganda between Kisoro and Kibaale districts close to the border of Rwanda. The lake is quoted to have 25km long and 7km wide with a maximum depth of 130ft (40m). However, locals and tour guides argue that it is much deeper, around 3000ft (900m) making it the second deepest lake in Africa after Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania. Note that, the lake appeared on the 5,000 Ugandan shilling note in 2004-2009 under the title “Lake Bunyonyi and terraces”.

How was Lake Bunyonyi formed?

The lake was formed 10,000 years ago, and was formed as a result of lava flow. This emerged from one of the Virunga mountains and occupied River Ndego. Because of its continuation, the river was blocked and dammed by a lava flow and eventually the valley drowned.

Can one swim in Lake Bunyonyi?

The lake is known to be one of the few lakes in Uganda that are Bilharzia free. Thereby making its water safe for swimming and it’s also free of dangerous wildlife like hippos and crocodiles.

Fish species

At the beginning of the 20^th century, fish was introduced in the lake but massively died in 1960s. This was perhaps as a result of volcanic gas emission. Today fish species include; cray fish, mud fish, mirror carp, Nile perch and tilapia.

What to do at the Lake

Birding

As its name suggests Lake Bunyonyi meaning “place of many birds” nurtures a superfluity of over 200 bird species. These include both migratory and local making it a birder’s paradise where you can spot different birds. These include; black-headed weaver, streaky seed eater, bronze sunbird, grey crowned crane, fan tailed widow bird, etc.

Sport fishing

Here, you relax with fishermen and enjoy them using their different fishing methods like baskets, hooks and nets. The species of fish in the lake are rather diverse comprising of the tilapia, Nile perch, mud fish, etc. You can as well get a chance to eat cray fish which is culinary delicacy in these parts.

Nature walks

Here you can have a walk at the banks of the lake whilst listening to bird songs and feeling the fresh breeze of the lake. These walks can be done along the shores of the lake and around different Islands with settlers.

Canoeing

While here, you will experience the quietness, calmness as well as the tranquility of the Lake. This ride is exceedingly exciting because you will see a number of bird species. These include; kingfishers, Egyptian goose, Yellow billed ducks, little egrets, white winged turns, etc. You will also view the different Islands while on your sailing canoe.

Community services

The region is mainly occupied by the Bakiga and the Batwa (who resettled here after being displaced from Bwindi). Although the Batwa have adapted to a modern lifestyle, they are still in tune with their culture. The Bakiga on the other hand are known for their hard work. This is basically portrayed in the beautifully tilled hills that are filled with crops surrounding the lake. Therefore, a visit to these people with leave you with great memories.

Bakiga Cultural Museum

The museum is a replica of a Bakiga homestead built in 2002 and this was to educate those who do not know about their culture. For a small cost get a feel of their traditional lifestyle and learn about the various items you will find there. These include; spears that were commonly used for protection, calabashes for churning, traditional stools and a pot for making perfumes among other items.

Island Hopping

Lake Bunyonyi is famous for its 29 Islands some habited and others inhabited. One can hire a canoe and a guide to take you around visiting the different islands. Thereby getting to know the stories of some of these islands. These islands are as follows;

Akampene Island/ Punishment Island

Whenever an unmarried girl was found pregnant, they would be sailed to the island and left there to meet their death. This was to teach the younger girls that it is wrong to do marriage practices unless one is married. The girls were usually rescued by men who had no bride price to get a wife from the mainland. Due to the women’s desperate situation, the men expected them to have great respect towards their saviors thus obliging to the man’s every beck and call. The practice was however stopped in the first half of the 20^th century and the survivors of Akampene still shares their story.

Bushara Island

This is the home to the Lake Bunyonyi Development Company and it uses tourism to generate funds. As a result the funds are used to develop the area around Bunyonyi. This would explain the luxury tents that adorn the camp. This island is almost completely covered by eucalyptus trees and most of the trees around the Lake were cut down. This was done to create land for agriculture however, the eucalyptus trees are precious to the area.

Kyahugye Island

Being the nearest island to the mainland it is the most visited since its easy to access. The island’s perimeter is embellished with trees of many species like Pinus trees, Cupressus trees, Eucalyptus trees, etc. The top of the island enables one to have an overview of the lake and on a clear day the Mountain Muhabura can be sighted. The island is known as the only one that harbors animals, during nature walks on the island. Animals to come across include; impalas, waterbucks, kobs, zebras, black and white colobus, numerous bird species, etc. 

Bwama and Njuyeera Island (Sharp Islands)

Sharp Leonard was a man who visited the Bwama Island in 1921. The island was inhabited which gave him the idea to start a leprosy treatment centre that was established in 1931. As a result, a church was built along with patient dormitories and a sick bay. Basically, this island was meant to be a safe haven for leprosy patients to live in peace without fear of affecting others. Sharp on the other hand inhabited an island Nyuyeera which was close to this one. In his honor the two islands were nicknamed after him, now on the island you will find a primary school.

Bucaranuka Island (Upside Down Island)

The island’s name rotates around a legend of how its habitants died. One day as villagers were drinking locally made booze, a woman came by and asked them for some help. They laughed at her and refused to offer her anything thinking she was a common beggar. The lady asked again but still they ignored her request. She then asked that at least one-person takes her to the main land. Later, a young man was chosen and he accepted to accompany her. When they reached the main land, the young man turned around to go back. Surprisingly, the island turned upside down killing everyone whereby it is believed that it was only the young man and lady that survived.

Itambira Island

The island is a home to the “seeds to hope” project. The non-profit organization was set-up so that the local community’s welfare improves. The island also harbors byoona amagara retreat camp and paradise eco hub. Therefore, it is a good place to relax and eat while looking out at the lake.

How to get there

From Kampala to Kabale using Mbarara road and Kabale-Mbarara road takes approximately 6 hours as you cover 474km. Then the drive from Kabale to Lake Bunyonyi is approximately 1 hour thus making the whole journey 7 hours.

Water Rafting in Uganda

Water rafting in Uganda : is a recreational outdoor activity which uses an air-filled raft to navigate  water bodies. This is commonly done on white water or different degrees of rough water. Basically dealing with risk and need for team work is often part of the experience. Water rafting on certain sections of the river is considered as an extreme sport. It can be fatal while other sections are not extremely difficult. However, it’s a great competitive sport that teaches one how to remain calm under great pressure.

In Uganda the source of the Nile is one of the most spectacular white-water rafting destination. The rapids are graded from 1-5 which become stronger with increase in the grading. Therefore, this needs holding yourselves tightly to avoid tripping off due to the strong forces by the rapids. Families are given an opportunity to go for the slower family trip by enjoying the river so as to avoid the main rapids. In fact, this gives a chance to see a lot of bird species and to swim in calm stretches of water. 

In Uganda, there are three most reputable rafting companies and these include; the Nile River Explores, Nalubale Rafting and Adrift. However, all are equal in terms of professionalism and pricing, with an outstanding emphasis on safety. In fact, all rafting trips are accompanied by a fleet of rescue kayaks and a safety boat. 

Equipment used in water rafting

• Paddles
• Oarlocks
• Life jackets
• Pins & clips
• Strong helmets

The Lion | Uganda Wildlife

The Lion | Uganda Wildlife : The lion (Panthera leo) is a muscular, deep-chested cat with a short, rounded head, a reduced neck and round ears. Additionally, its fur varies in colour from light buff to silvery grey, yellowish red and dark brown. The lion’s skull is very similar to that of the tiger, although the frontal region is usually more depressed and flattened and. It has also got a slightly shorter postorbital region and broader nasal openings than those of the tiger.

Description

A new-born lion has dark spots, which fade as the cub reaches adulthood. However, faint spots may still be seen on the legs and under parts. Males have broader heads and a prominent mane that grows downwards and backwards. These basically covers most of the head, neck, shoulders as well as the chest. The mane is typically brownish and tinged with yellow, rust and black hairs. In fact, the tuft is absent at birth and develops at around 5 ¹⁄₂ months of age.  

Mane

The male lion’s mane is the most recognizable feature of the species. Surprisingly, it starts growing when lions are about a year old and color varies and darkens with age. Research shows its color and size are influenced by environmental factors such as average ambient temperature. The presence, absence, colour and size of the mane are associated with genetic precondition, sexual maturity, climate and testosterone production. The rule of thumb is that a darker, fuller mane indicates a healthier animal.

Habitat

Basically, African lions live in scattered populations across Sub-Saharan Africa. The lion prefers grassy plains and savannahs, scrub bordering rivers and open woodlands with bushes. However, it is absent from rainforest and rarely enters closed forest.

Behavior and ecology

Lions spend much of their time resting and are inactive for about twenty hours per day. Although lions can be active at any time, their activity generally peaks after dusk with a period of socializing, grooming and defecating. Intermittent bursts of activity continue until dawn, when hunting most often takes place. In general, they spend an average of two hours a day walking and fifty minutes eating.

Group organization

This animal is the most social of all wild felid species, living in groups of related individuals with their offspring. Such a group is called a “pride” and groups of male lions are called “coalitions”. However, membership changes only with the births and deaths of lionesses. The average pride consists of around 15 lions, including several adult females and up to four males and their cubs of both sexes.

Male cubs are excluded from their maternal pride when they reach maturity at around 2-3 years of age. On the other hand, female lions stay closer to their natal pride. In fact, in an area they are more closely related to each other than male lions in the same area. The area occupied by a pride is called a “pride area” while that occupied by a nomad is a “range”. Members of the pride tend to regularly play the same role in hunts and hone their skills. Both males and females defend the pride against intruders, but the male lion is better-suited for this purpose. 

Hunting and diet

The lion’s prey consists of mainly mammals particularly ungulates weighing 190–550 kg. These are with a preference for plain zebra, blue wildebeest, African buffalo and giraffe.  They also hunt common warthogs depending on availability, although the species is below the preferred weight range. Lions kill other predators such as leopards, cheetahs and spotted hyenas but seldom consume them. Young lions first display stalking behavior at around three months of age. However, they do not participate in hunting until they are almost a year old. They typically consume prey at the location of the hunt but sometimes drag large prey into cover. Cubs suffer most when food is scarce otherwise all pride members eat their fill, including old and crippled. 

Reproduction and life cycle

Generally, most lionesses reproduce by the time they are four years of age. The average gestation period is around 110 days and the female gives birth to a litter of between 1-4 cubs. In a secluded den, which may be a thicket, a reed-bed, a cave, or some other sheltered area, usually away from the pride. The Lion cubs are born blind and their eyes open around seven days after birth. The cubs begin to crawl a day or two after birth and walking around three weeks of age.

To avoid a buildup of scent attracting the attention of predators, the lioness moves her cubs to a new den site several times a month. She carries them one-by-one by the nape of the neck and usually, the mother does not integrate herself. Afterwards, she puts the cubs back into the pride until the cubs are six to eight weeks old. Male lions reach maturity at about three years of age and at 4-5 years are capable of challenging and displacing adult males associated with another pride. Both male and female lions may be ousted from prides to become nomads. However, most females usually remain with their birth pride.

Health

Although adult lions have no natural predators, evidence suggests most die violently from attacks by humans or other lions. They often inflict serious injuries on members of other prides they encounter in territorial disputes or members of the home pride when fighting at a kill. Crippled lions and cubs may fall victim to hyenas and leopards or be trampled by buffalo or elephants.  Otherwise, ticks commonly infest the ears, neck and groin regions of lions.

Communication

When resting, lion socialization occurs through a number of behaviors. The animal’s expressive movements are highly developed and the most common peaceful. Besides, tactile gestures are head rubbing and social licking. Head rubbing-nuzzling the forehead, face and neck against another lion, appears to be a form of greeting. This is seen often after an animal has been apart from others or after a fight or confrontation. Lions also use chemical and visual marking; males will spray and scrape plots of ground and objects within the territory. Most lion vocalizations are variations of growling, snarling, meowing as well as roaring. Roaring is used to advertise its presence and lions most often roar at night, a sound that can be heard from a distance of 8km .

Man-eating

One well-publicized case is the Tsavo man eaters in 1898. Here, 28 officially recorded railway workers building the Kenya-Uganda Railway were taken by lions. This was experienced over nine months during the construction of a bridge in Kenya. The hunter who killed the lions wrote a book detailing the animals’ predatory behavior. They were basically larger than normal and lacked manes, and one seemed to suffer from tooth decay. Sick or injured animals may be more prone to man-eating but the behavior is not unusual, nor necessarily aberrant.

Cultural significance

The lion is one of the most widely recognized animal symbols in human culture. It has been extensively depicted in sculptures and paintings, on national flags, and in contemporary films and literature. It appeared as a symbol for strength and nobility in cultures across Europe, Asia and Africa, despite incidents of attacks on people. The lion has been depicted as “king of the jungle” and “king of beasts”, and thus became a popular symbol for royalty and stateliness. For example, in some cultures, the lion symbolizes power and royalty. In Swahili language, the lion is known as simba which also means “aggressive”, “king” and “strong”. In parts of West Africa, lions symbolized the top class of their social hierarchies while in some East African traditions, it is the symbol of laziness.

Lion facts

Lions do not need to drink everyday but needs to eat

Lions can go up to four days without drinking water, however, they need to eat every day. Adult female lions need to eat about 11 pounds of meat each day, while adult males eat 16 pounds or more every day. While lions primarily prey on large herbivores such as zebra, wildebeest and buffalo, they have been known to prey on smaller animals as well.

Lions are fantastic hunters

A lion has many physical characteristics that make it a superb hunter. The vision of a lion, for example, is roughly six times more sensitive to light than a human’s. This therefore gives lions a distinct advantage when hunting at night. Having round pupils also allows more light to filter into the eye at night, giving the lion better night vision. The lion’s claws are retractable, allowing for the excellent control when it needs to go in for a kill.

Lions can also reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour in short bursts and jump up to 36 feet in length. Lions mostly target large-sized ungulates like buffalo, wildebeest, zebra and gemsbok. Hunting takes place mostly from dusk until dawn, and during the cooler hours of the day. Most of the time, the females will hunt, and then the males will eat first. This is because they patrol the territory and protect the pride. On the other hand, the cubs compete for what remains once the adults finish.

Lions do not live in jungles

Known colloquially as the “king of the jungle”, lions do not actually live in jungles. Instead, their primary habitats consist of Africa’s grasslands and plains though don’t expect to find them in rainforests.

Lions communicate in many ways

As a matter of fact, a lion’s roar can be heard up to 8kms away. The roar is a warning to other animals and rival prides to stay clear of the lion’s domain. But beyond the iconic roar, lions communicate with one another like many cats do, through mews and purrs. Lions also rub their heads on one another as an act of bonding and to spread the “family scent”. This scent allows the lions of a specific pride to know who is a member of their family and who is not if a dispute arises between prides. They can make a variety of calls which include roars, grunts, moans, growls, snarls, meows, purrs, etc.

Lions are social

They are the most sociable member of the cat family and can be found living in prides of up to 40 individuals. The size of the pride depends on the area and prey availability. These prides include; multiple adult males, a dozen or more related females and the pride’s cubs. In general, the more members a pride has, the stronger it is relative to rival prides. The pride’s females also prefer to have more males in the pride since this helps to ensure the survival of their cubs. Male lions may get all of the attention with their majestic manes, but the females do the majority of the work when it comes to hunting. In fact, 85-90% of the hunting is done by the females in a given pride. 

Female lions raise cubs together

Lions mate every two years and female lions give birth to a litter of 2-3 cubs after a four-month pregnancy. Females in the same pride tend to give birth around the same time, which allows multiple litters to be raised together. This has the added advantage of allowing different cubs to nurse with other lion mothers. Thereby making it easier for the pride to manage the cubs in those crucial early months.

Lion cubs have two other names

Although they are usually referred to as “cubs”, lion babies have two other names: “whelps” and “lionets”.

Lions are the second largest cat on earth

After tigers, lions are the largest wild cats on the planet. Male lions can grow up to 10 feet in length and weigh up to 550 pounds. On the other hand, females can grow to a length of 9 feet and weigh up to 395 pounds.

Lions have different colour variations

The colour of a lion’s coat varies from region to region, and within populations. However, it is noted that lions that live in areas where it is either cooler or have higher humidity levels tend to have darker fur. These include; the desert-adapted lions in Namibia and the black-maned lions of the Kalahari. 

Lions have got no fixed breeding

There is no fixed breeding season for lions, though pride females will often synchronize the timing of breeding. Especially after a pride takeover by new dominant males, to ensure maximum food and maternal care available to cubs. Lions will mate roughly every thirty minutes (each mating lasting for around 20 seconds) for three days. This is to ensure fertilization during the female’s oestrus period so that the cubs will be born as soon as possible. This allows longer protection under the pride male and a litter of 1-4 cubs are born after 110 days of gestation. Cubs suckle regularly for the first 6-7 months, and then the frequency will decline after that. Cubs remain with their mother for two years or longer – at 11 months they begin hunting.

Mountain Gorilla Facts | Gorilla Trekking

Mountain Gorilla Facts | Gorilla Trekking : These are basically large apes that are native to Africa and typically divided into two groups. The mountain gorilla lives in the mountainous regions of central Africa. On the other hand, the lowland gorilla lives in the flat, dense forests of central and western Africa. Although the two types are very similar, they have a few differences. For example, mountain gorillas tend to have longer hair, whereas lowland gorillas have short, soft hair. Besides, gorilla’s hands and feet resemble the human ones more than those of other apes. Gorillas spend more time on the ground than other apes; hence their feet are more suited of walking. Furthermore, gorillas have long arms, even longer than their legs and they use them to walk. This is where they use the knuckles on their hands to walk on all fours. When male gorillas get old, their hair turns white on their back referring to them as silver back gorillas.

Habitat

Generally, Uganda has two places where these mountain gorillas maybe seen. These include; Mgahinga Gorilla and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.

Habits

Gorillas live in complex social groups, display individual personalities, make and use tools. They also show emotions like grief and compassion like human beings. In the middle of the day, gorillas take a nap, play with other gorillas or groom one another. At night, the gorillas settle down in beds, made from leaves and twigs, to sleep. They are fast and can reach speeds of over 20 miles per hour with a top speed clocked at 25 Mph.

Breeding

Female gorillas are sexually mature at around 7 to 8 years of age; however, they don’t usually reproduce until they are 10 years old. Males mature later than females and are rarely strong and dominant enough to reproduce before 15 to 20 years of age. Like humans, female gorillas are pregnant for nine months and usually give birth to only one infant at a time and newborn gorillas weigh about 1.8 kg. From the time they’re about 4 months to 2 or 3 years old, young gorillas ride on their mother’s backs as a form of transportation. At around 7 to 10 years, the young gorilla will become mature enough to have its own offspring.

Feeding

Gorillas are generally herbivores, they usually eat vegetation such as wild celery, shoots, roots, fruit, tree bark and tree pulp, but they have been known to eat small animals and insects. A male can eat up to 18 kg of vegetation each day.

Gorilla trekking

Age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is 15 years and above. The authorities are very strict on this. Therefore, in Rwanda a gorilla permit costs $1500.00 (Non-residents) and Uganda gorilla permits to visit mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga cost $800.00 per permit, foreign residents with a valid working permit pay $500.00 and the East African citizens of Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania pay Uganda Shillings 300,000 only (which is about $100). Once this is established, details will be entered into their system and a gorilla permit card issued out.

What to pack on your African safari

What to pack on your African safari : An African safari generally takes you closure to wildlife, adventure and nature. Some times tourists get confused on what to pack when heading for their safaris. This is most especially if visiting a Country for the first time.  However, below are a few of our tips that can help you prepare for your African safari.

Passport, itinerary, travel insurance docs and tickets

These must be the first items in your bag and must be on top of your list before you pack anything.

Medicines

Remember to carry enough of the prescribed medicines that will last until you return back from your safari. Do not pack your medicines along with your clothes but keep it in your handbag where easily accessible. Also it is highly recommended to carry mosquito repellents, as there could be mosquitoes and bugs at your accommodation.

Camera, video and binoculars, flashlight

Africa is a photographer’s dream since the continent is blessed with stunning landscapes, colorful people and fabulous light. Therefore, carry your binoculars because it is an essential device for a safari. Some of the animals would be hiding behind a tree or a bush or maybe they are at a distance. If you want to spot the animals in the distance or if you want to watch them closer than they are, binoculars are your best bet. Also carry a flashlight rechargeable torch as it can be pitch dark. Led lights are also preferred especially the one that you can fit in your head, they are really handy and convenient to use.

Sunglasses, Sunblock and Lip balm

If you wear prescription glasses, be sure to pack more than one set (in case you lose one or they get broken). Carry sunblock and lip balm because there would be times when it is difficult to find a bathroom during the safari.

Phone, music and laptop

The following should also not be missed out on your safari. These include; phone, music and laptop – and their respective chargers, country- specific adaptor plugs.

Clothes and toiletries

Since you will be outdoors much of the time also include hand sanitizer, baby wipes, wet wipes and even toilet paper. Carry light weight jackets and clothing, it is advisable to carry full sleeves shirts and long trousers. You can also roll up your sleeves according to the weather and roll it down when the weather is cooler. Since bright colors tend to scare off some animals while on tour, you are advised to choose clothes with the following colors. These include; green, brown, khakis and mostly those that are earthy or neutral tones. Be sure you take clothes that you feel comfortable with especially when it comes to your walking/ hiking boots.

Journal

You will see and experience so much in such a short period of time on safari. Therefore, the only way to maintain a good record of it will be to write it down. Write down the animals or birds you see in a day. Also write about the weather, friends and did you see any different or unusual wildlife. In conclusion, record the whole experience in the journal.

Book and music

A book/ novel; It never hurts to have an interesting book when traveling. You never know when you are going to be delayed at the airport or fall victim to African time. You can always indulge in your book since is a good way to spend time when you are in your tent. Those who are not into books, music may be a choice of spending time. Remember to carry your iPods or music devices to avoid getting bored while you are waiting at the Airport or for the safari vehicle.

Hand luggage and other essentials

Avoid using expensive bags or handbags while on a safari. Also, leave your expensive watches and jewelry at home. In fact, take only those everyday times that you normally wear, like your wedding band, inexpensive earrings.

Hopefully, these tips will help you to figure out what you need to pack while on your safari. If you need more information or what to go ahead and embark on a safari adventure, contact us.