Facts about the African Antelopes

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Facts about the African Antelopes

Facts about the African Antelopes : “antelopes” is used to refer to many species of even-toed ruminant indigenous to various regions in Africa. That is to say, an antelope is a deer-like mammal found in Africa, Asia and also parts of the America. These Antelopes are basically one of the many medium-sized mammals holding the African food chain together. Basically, an antelope only grazes on grass which is also a stable food source for many large carnivorous predators. Additionally, they mainly live in the savannah regions and are very common in the savannah plains on the East and Southern parts of Africa. They prefer regions with woodlands, bushes as well as semi-arid areas. They therefore keep away from the swamp areas, the forested places and pure desert regions. Antelopes are found in many national parks in Kenya, Rwanda but particularly in Uganda where they are found in almost every park.

Types of African Antelopes

Uganda is one of the countries with such a huge population of antelopes and are distributed across all the 10 national parks.

Eland:(Taurotragus oryx)

Appearance

Generally, the eland antelope is the world’s largest that measures up to 180cm at the shoulder. Common elands are spiral-horned, become gray or bluish-gray when they get older and the oldest animals are almost black. 

Diet

It is mainly an herbivores and its diet are primarily grass and leaves. They browse more than they graze, feeding in areas where shrubs and bushes provide the leaves. Additionally, they prefer using their horns to bring twigs and branches into reach. They also consume certain fruits, large bulbs as well as tuberous roots.

Breeding

It takes 2-4 hours before a female allows a male to mount. Males usually keep close contact with females in the mating period. The dominant male can also mate with more than one female. Females have a gestation period of 9 months, and gives birth to only one calf each time.

Behavior

Common elands are nomadic and crepuscular whereby they eat in the morning and evening. They rest in the shade when hot and remain in sunlight when cold. They are commonly found in herds of up to 500, with individual members remaining in the herd anywhere from several hours to several months. Juveniles and mothers tend to form larger herds while males may separate into smaller groups. In southern Africa, common elands will often associate with herds of zebras, roan antelopes and oryxes.

Habitat

These elands prefer habitats with a wide variety of flowering plants such as savannah, woodlands, open, etc. As a matter of fact, it avoids dense forests.

Where they are found

In Uganda, they all thrive in protected areas of Kidepo Valley National Park, Pian Upe Game Reserve and Lake Mburo National Park . Here, they they are explored on safari tours in Uganda Africa. 

Lesser Kudu: (Tragelaphus imberbis)

Appearance

The Kudu are woodland antelopes and the second largest antelopes after the Elands. They basically have long and elegant spiral horns as well as 4-12 vertical white side stripes. They have got long legs supporting a very narrow body with their body coat either brown-grey color or reddish-brown color. The females and juveniles have a reddish-brown coat while the males become yellowish grey or darker after the age of 2 years. Males generally have a prominent black crest of hair on the neck. One long white stripe runs along the back, with 11-14 white stripes branching towards the sides.

Diet

Kudus are herbivorous animals, they browse or foliage from bushes and trees (shoots, twigs) and herbs. These antelopes also eat flowers and fruits if available and take small proportions of grasses usually in the wet season.

Breeding

Meanwhile, no fixed breeding season is seen; births may occur at any time of the year.

Behavior

The lesser Kudu is mainly active at night and during the dawn and seeks shelter in dense thickets just after the sunrise. It exhibits no territorial behavior and fights are rare. While females are gregarious, adult males prefer being solitary.

Habitat

They inhabit dry, flat, and heavily forested regions, woodlands and hilly areas. These animals avoid open areas and long grass, preferring shaded areas with short grasses instead.

Where they are found

Lesser Kudus are native to Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. In Uganda you can also find them in Kidepo Valley National Park.

Jackson’s hartebeest:(Alcelaphus buselaphus)

Appearance

Also known as Kongoli, is an African antelope with an unusual flat face and only found in Uganda. Eight subspecies have been described, including two sometimes considered to be independent species. It has a particularly elongated forehead and oddly shaped horns, short neck, and pointed ears. Its legs, which often have black markings are usually long. Horns can reach length of 45-70 cm (18-28in) apart from its long face. Besides, the large chest and the sharply sloping back differentiate the hartebeest from other antelopes.

Diet

They are primarily grazers, with their diets consisting of mainly grasses. Between seasons they mainly feed on the culms of grasses. A study found that the hartebeest is able to digest a higher proportion of food than the topi and the wildebeest. On the other hand, in areas with scarce water, it can survive on melons, roots and tubers.

Breeding

Mating in hartebeest takes place throughout the year with one or two peaks, and depends upon the subspecies and local factors. Both males and females reach sexual maturity at one to two years of age. Gestation is eight to nine months long, after which a single calf is born.

Behavior

Gregarious animals, hartebeest form herds of 20 to 300 individuals. In addition, they are very alert and non-aggressive.

Habitat

Inhabiting dry savannahs and wooded grasslands, hartebeest often move over to more arid places after rainfall. 

Where they are found

In Uganda you will find them in Murchison Falls protected Area.

Water buck: (Kobus ellipsiprymnus defessa)

Appearance

This is of a robust build, the shaggy coat is reddish brown to grey but becomes progressively darker with age. The common water buck and the defessa water buck are remarkably different in their physical appearances. Measurements indicate greater tail length in the latter whereas the common water buck stand taller than the defessa water buck.

Diet

Mainly grazers, they consume types of coarse grass seldom eaten by other grazing animals. In fact, they occasionally browse leaves from certain trees and bushes. They feed in the mornings and at night, rest and ruminate the remainder of the time.

Breeding

This takes place throughout the year, but births are at their peak in the rainy season. The gestation period lasts for 7-8 months followed by the births of a single calf.

Behavior

Water bucks are rather sedentary in nature and they can form herds consisting of 6 to 30 individuals. These groups are either nursery herds with females or bachelor herds. Males start showing territorial behavior from the age of five years, but are the most dominant from the age of six to nine.

Habitat

This animal inhabit scrub and savannah areas along rivers, lakes as well as valleys. Due to their requirement for grasslands and water, they have a sparse acetone distribution. Predominantly a grazer, the water buck is mostly found on grassland.

Uganda kob: (Kobus kob thomasi)

Appearance

It is found in the Sub-Saharan Africa in South Sudan, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Uganda kob is similar in appearance to the impala but it is more sturdily built. They are normally reddish-brown, the belly and inside of the legs are white. Additionally, the front of the forelegs are black, differentiating it from other kob subspecies. A Ugandan kob appears on the coat of arms of Uganda, along with a grey crowned crane. Thereby representing the abundant wildlife present in the country.

Diet

These kobs are herbivores and feed largely on grasses and reeds. The females and young males form loose groups of varying size. They range according to food availability, often moving along water courses and grazing in valley bottoms.

Breeding

Females become sexually mature in their second year however, males do not start breeding until they are older. Larger populations of kob tend to have a lek mating system. Females living in loose groups and only visiting the traditional breeding groups in order to mate. For this purpose, males hold small territories of up to 200m (660 ft) in diameter, the smallest territories being in the Centre of crowded leks. Calving takes place at the end of the rainy season and a single calf is born in November or December.

Behavior

Regarding the social behavior, it can be noted that kobs are diurnal species but tend to be considerably inactive during the heat of the day. These thrive in groups comprised of either calves, females or only males. Besides, these can range from five (5) to forty (40) animals. Territorial behavior of the Uganda kob, is largely the defense of small, fixed territories within a central area of concentrated territorial activity. Females enter the territorial ground throughout the year for the purpose of breeding

Habitat

It is typically found in open or wooded savanna, within a reasonable distance of water. It also occurs in grasslands near rivers and lakes. Its habit of lying out in open grassland makes it an accessible target for poachers. Besides, 98% of the present population are found in national parks and other protected areas.

Where they are found

Greatly found along the northern savannah, the kob is greatly encountered in the Uganda safari parks of Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth, the Congo’s Virunga and Garamba National Parks and the flood grassy plains of South Sudan.

Uganda’s attractive waterfalls

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 Uganda’s attractive waterfalls

Uganda’s attractive waterfalls :  Apart from wildlife, Uganda the Pearl of Africa has got many other attractions. These include the waterfalls that can be enjoyed no matter which direction of the country you are visiting. Generally, the waterfalls activity is sometimes combined with a wildlife safari. However, this depends on how many days and time you have for your safari. Below are some of the most enjoyed waterfalls in Uganda.

 ARUU FALLS

These falls are situated in Pader district in Angagura sub-county along Gulu-Kitgum High way. It is basically an impressive and pavilion cascade waterfall, 250m wide comprising of five different streams. These flow westwards down a series of moss-covered rocks on a tributary of the Aswa River. Note that; the major source of water for the Aruu falls is River Agago. The fall is rarely visited although it is a hidden treasure of Uganda. They pour into seven enclaves namely; Ryanga, Lanya Kweyo, Wange Okiye, Awilo Yaa, Lacee, Okello Gem, and Akweyo. Historically, it is believed that the enclave around the falls have been occupied by a certain group of people who came from Otwa in search for pasture.

What to do at Aruu falls

Bird watching

Many bird species are viewed at the falls. These include; weaver birds, Egyptian goose, hornbills, African wagtail, eastern grey plantain eater, etc.

Swimming

This activity is the most interesting during the dry seasons when the falls are not very strong. However, swimming at the falls is at your own risk. Others opt to bath at the falls for the relaxation of their minds and also get memories and stories to tell.

Nature walks

It is a stunning activity whereby tourists walk around the falls and the surrounding communities. This is a golden opportunity where you get to meet and interact with the community and local tribes like the Langi and Acholi. During this activity you learn more about their dances, customs, culture and their lifestyle.

Visiting the local markets

The local market has it all for you, fresh fruits like oranges, watermelon, mangoes, passion fruits, etc. There are also crafts in the market which make it a must visit place.

Rock climbing

Enjoy your safari by climbing to the top of the falls and explore the cool breeze at Aruu falls. However this is also at your own risk since the rocks are slippery to climb. The falls are forested therefore you may stand a chance of sighting the Vervet monkeys.

How to get to Aruu falls

To reach Aruu falls, follow Kitgum road out of Gulu, crossing the Aswa river bridge after 40km. Then continue for another 7km further to Angagura trading centre. Pass Aruu falls Primary School to where Agago River blocks the road. Walk west along the north bank of the fast-flowing river for about 300m and then you reach the top of the waterfall.

SSEZIBWA FALLS

The waterfall lies on Ssezibwa River and was a favorite spot of Kabaka Mwanga and Kabaka Muteesa II. Here,  these two kings planted their trees and they still flourish. According to the legend, Ssezibwa was a progeny of a woman called Nakangu. She was expected to give birth to twin children but instead what poured from her womb was a twin river.

What to expect at Ssezibwa falls

Birding

Bird watching is among the most fantastic and popular activities at here. Generally, the place has got over 200 bird species as that can be spotted during your visit. These include; kingfishers, hornbills, snake birds, cormorants, red chested cuckoo, red eyed dove, warblers, olive birds, etc. Primates are also residents in the area such as the white and black colobus, red tailed monkeys, etc.

Hiking

This is an interesting activity however, someone to engage in it has to be physically fit. Therefore those with health hazards are restricted from hiking since it’s very tiresome and thrilling.

Nature visits

At Ssezibwa, there are various tree species in the area that are used by traditionalists for medical purposes. The python is also another benevolent creature at this place. Once you visit this python you have to leave eggs or a cock for its feline counterpart. Communal ceremonies in which nine pieces of meat are sacrificed at the appropriate spirit’s shrine are also held here. Tourists are welcome on such occasions although their time is unpredictable.

Community visits

The visits can be done to encounter different cultures in Uganda and around the area. Visiting Ssezibwa is not seasonal since the falls can be visited all year round.

MURCHISON FALLS

This is the most electrifying sight of its type in East Africa. It has got fast-flowing but wide Nile being transformed into an explosive froth of thunderous white water. Later, it funnels through a narrow cleft in the Rift Valley Escarpment. The falls are located in the southern part of Murchison Falls National Park. The fall was named after the president of the geologist’s society Roderick Murchison. Baker’s view on a ridge looks directly towards Murchison Falls as well as its broader of Uhuru Falls which is hundred metres to the north.

During the reign of Idi Amin in 1970s, he named the falls after the king of Bunyoro “Kabalega”. However, this was not legally promoted and following his demise that led to the rise of Obote, the name was reverted to Murchison Falls. As a result, lending the name to the surrounding Murchison Falls National Park. The Nile at the top of Murchison Falls forces its way through the gap in the rocks before flowing westwards into Lake Albert. Here, tourists can appreciate the staggering power with which the Nile crashes through the narrow gap in the escarpment. In addition, not forgetting the deafening roar and voluminous spray it generates. There is no much wildlife in the vicinity of the falls therefore considered safe to walk with no protection. However, you will be able to spot some primates like the black and white colobus as well as baboons.

SIPI FALLS

The fall is Elgon’s main tourist focus which lies at an altitude of 1,775m on the mountain foot slopes. Basically, this is a series of three waterfalls all flowing at different altitudes. The falls are located in Eastern Uganda in the district of Kapchorwa, northeast of Sironko and Mbale. In fact, it is strategically located at the base of Mount Elgon which lies between the boarder of Uganda and Kenya.

The first waterfall is 100meters long, followed with the second with drops of 85 metres and then third with 75metres. The falls was named after an indigenous plant called “Sep” found at the banks of the river looking alike with a type of wild banana.  The Sipi falls is a very peaceful and pretty spot which makes it the most agreeable base for gentle day walks around the hills. These basically offer spectacular views on the lowlands and the surrounding communities.

What to see and do at Sipi Falls

Hiking

The Sipi Falls area is the starting point for many hikes up Mt. Elgon. The most popular route starts in Budadiri and follows the Sasa trail to the summit. It then descends down the Sipi trail back to the Sipi Falls. Hikes around the falls offer stunning views of the Karamoja plains, Lake Kyoga, and the slopes of Mt. Elgon. However, it is advisable for the tourists to have a walking stick for support when moving through the steep and slippery areas.

Coffee tour

The tour is another interesting option whereby coffee gardens are found in the low laying areas of Mt. Elgon. Tourists visit the local subsistence farms whereby you can learn about the farming process. These include; harvesting, drying, roasting and grinding them in the traditional mortar and pestle for consumption. In fact, coffee is the main cash crop for the Bagisu and Sabiny who live in the area.

Abseiling

This interesting activity is mostly done at Chebonet falls and Rob’s rock. It is the most adventurous and interesting activity whereby it makes one to associate with birds in air.

Fishing

While here, you are free to join the fishermen and discover different techniques used to catch fish. This is carried out on the fresh waters of Sipi falls and all you have to do is to have your fishing gargets. However, the activity is best done in the early morning when the water is still calm and cool.

Birding

There are various number of bird species of which some are found at Sipi Falls and Mt. Elgon. These include; African blue flycatcher, weaver birds, sun birds, black throated wattle eye. Alpine chat, African hill babbler, mountain yellow warbler and much more.

Mparo Royal Tombs Uganda

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Mparo Royal Tombs Uganda

Mparo Royal Tombs Uganda : are one of the most treasured historical sites in Hoima district. It is located in the western Region Uganda and unique among the royal tombs in the country. It basically sits on an expansive land along Hoima-Masindi Road that used to host the palace of Kabalega. In fact, this place remains peaceful, beautiful and serene as ever, however, when visiting the tomb, you have to dress and conduct yourself decently.

Historical facts

This place is well known for its undying history that, once upon a time, there lived a wildly gutsy king Omukama Kabalega. Actually this king was the greatest of all times in Bunyoro Kingdom. He is widely remembered here for resisting British colonialists who had allied with Buganda to fight Bunyoro for opposing colonialism. Additionally, he is a key figure in African history and remains one of the remembered figures. In fact, he is remembered for putting on a resilient resistance against imperialism. Besides, the royal tombs are the burial sites where Omukama (‘King’) Chwa II Kabalega was laid to rest.

He reigned in Bunyoro-Kitara in the late 19th century and later was exiled to the Seychelles after being defeated. Eventually, in April 1899 by the British colonialists and later died in 1923. Many people pay visits to this site to perform rituals and also to pay homage or seek inspiration from Omukama Kabalega. In front of the gates to the tombs is a cone-shaped monument painted in white and black. In the inside part there are his spears, bowls, throne and other personal effects on display above the actual place of interment. A place in the South western Kingdom’s culture is preserved and the leaders celebrated in the most authentic of ways.

More interesting facts about the tombs

Not only the Kabalega’s regalia that graces the tombs, there is also other fallen kings that are well represented too. What differs is that each tomb is shielded with bark-cloth, a cultural cloth made from cultural trees. Each tomb allows for a different experience for example; King Sir Winyi IV’s tomb has a calming effect to it. Here, towering of trees provides all the tranquil of the place surrounded with lots of fresh air. One important thing to note about king Sir Winyi IV’s tomb is that the trees are as old as the time the Kingdom has stood the test of time.

Besides, the Mparo royal tombs have found a way to bask in rich history and remain modest. However, the artifacts and the story behind each piece make Mparo worth a visit. It has the inner most cultural belief of Bunyoro Kingdom in Africa. Additionally, these tombs are well maintained with great captivity feeling of true African royalty. In conclusion, the story of Bunyoro-Kitara empire lives forever in memory. For more of this interesting cultural history; feel free to contact us; we are ready to design you an unforgettable Uganda cultural itinerary.

How to get there

Mparo is located approximately 4 Kilometers, by road, northeast of downtown Hoima, along the Hoima-Masindi Road.

Pangolins | Uganda Wildlife

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Pangolins | Uganda Wildlife

Pangolins | Uganda Wildlife : These animals generally have large, protective keratin scales covering their skin. In addition,  they live in hollow trees or burrows depending on the species. In fact, Pangolins are the only world’s mammals with keratin scales covering the whole body. The word pangolin comes from the Malay word ‘Pengguling’ which means ‘one who rolls up’. Furthermore, they roll up into a tight ball with their overlapping armored scales in order to protect them from the predators. Their predators include; lions, leopards, hyenas as well as jackals.

Why they are the most trafficked mammals in the World?

Pangolins are estimated to be the single most poached and trafficked species on the planet. This is because they are threatened by poachers for their meat as well as scales. They are basically used in Chinese traditional medicine for a variety of ailments. These include; excessive anxiety and hysterical crying in children, women possessed by devils and ogres, malarial fever and deafness. In Africa, they hunt the pangolins for its meat as being delicacy and the scales work as traditional medicines. While the four subspecies of pangolin can be found in Asia, the best chance for spotting them is on an African safari.

Appearance

The scales of a pangolin make up 15 percent of its weight, according to the information provided from the African Wildlife Foundation. These animals have many different colors, from light sandy, dark brown, olive-brown, pale olive or yellowish-brown.

Diet

They are insectivores, which means their diet consists of insects like ants and termites. They don’t have teeth but use their long claws to open up ant and termite hills. Like anteaters, pangolins have long snouts and even longer sticky tongues. They basically use them to slurp up ants and termites and swallow them whole. Like birds, pangolins swallow small stones which are used to crush and digest food in the stomach.

Breeding

When it comes to giving birth, the pangolin is the only world’s egg-laying mammal. A female pangolin has a gestation period of five months and gives birth to only one baby. And when it is time for danger, the mother balls itself up around the baby to shield it. Guess what the baby is on inside there, drinking its mother’s milk for 3-4 months. Later, it starts feeding on insect at one month and reach their maturity at the age of 2 years old.

Behavior

They tend to be solitary animals, meeting only to mate and produce a litter of one to three offspring. They have special glands near their anus that secrete a fluid with a pungent odor. As a matter of fact, the fluid is used to mark their territory.

Habitat

Like nocturnal animals, pangolins spend their days sleeping and their nights foraging for food. They as well as digg their burrow underground usually near water sources. There is very little known about their habits and social activities since they have not been studied extensively.

Where they are found

They are commonly found in the northern part of Uganda especially in Murchison Falls National Park, Ziwa Rhino sanctuary and within Karuma Falls.

Walumbe Tanda Pits | Uganda Cultural Sites

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Walumbe Tanda Pits | Uganda Cultural Sites

Walumbe Tanda Pits | Uganda Cultural Sites : comprises of around 240 pits scattered in a 10ha rectangle of ancient forest. Note that; some of the pits are quite shallow, narrow while others are deep. Legend holds that this shady enclave served as the stage for much of the formative earthly action. The rock shelters from Tanda is supposedly where Kintu, the first man on earth settled down with his wife Nambi. The pits were excavated by Nambi’s brother Kayikuzi in an unsuccessful attempt to capture their third sibling Walumbe. As a result, it was done to rid the world of his malevolent presence. Today, Tanda ranks as probably the most important Bachwezi shrine in Buganda. Besides, eighteen of the pits at Tanda are revered as sacrificial sites, each one dedicated in several layers of back cloth. In addition, they are surrounded by massive clusters of five fingered spears and gourds.

Historical facts

In traditional with Ganda culture, Walumbe as a brother of the bride, insisted that he be given one of their children. This was to help with his household chores. Heedful of father-in-law’s warning, Kintu refused Walumbe who was deeply angered. He later avenged himself by killing Kintu’s eldest son. Later Kayikuzi was sent by Ggulu to aid Kintu in sending Walumbe back to heaven but Walumbe refused to leave Earth. After refusing to accompany Kayikuzi back to heaven, Walumbe retreats by hiding in craters in the ground that he creates by stamping his foot.

This is said to have created the 240 Walumbe Tanda pits and two shrines with one entrance. It has spears, shields, calabashes and fireplaces named after different gods that are still in Uganda today. Kayikuzi soon tires of pursuing Walumbe and asks all of mankind to be silent for two days to lure Walumbe out. When Walumbe finally emerges, some of Kintu’s children started screaming. This gives Walumbe the opportunity to duck back into his subterranean refuge. Upon Kintu’s dismissal, Kayikuzi then returns to Ggulu and explains the situation. Upon hearing this, Ggulu allows Walumbe to remain on earth. Walumbe is therefore blamed as the reason for death on earth. Though every descendant of Kintu is eventually claimed by Walumbe, Kintu continues to fight Walumbe. Actually, this is done constantly by having more descendants than Walumbe can steal.

Tourists are welcome provided they stick to photographing the actual shrines rather than the locals who come to place sacrifices at the shrines. When coming for your next trip, Tanda pit is worth including on your bucket list. Entrance fee is reasonable and educative and tour guides are also available to help direct you to this charming place.

Getting there

The Tombs lies on the south side of the Fort Portal Road about 48km west of Kampala’s Busega Roundabout. If you are using public transport, you can catch a taxi between Kampala and Mityana and walk from the junction or take on a boda boda in Mityana.