River Musamya a victim of drought and encroachment

River Musamya is famously known as “Gold for Bugerere” by residents and native of Kayunga and Mukono because of its numerous values is on the verge of extinction due to encroachment by area residents.

This river is a tributary of River Ssezibwa, it passes through the districts of Mukono and Kayunga to Lake Kyoga. Until 2006 when the river almost dried up due to the long drought, River Musamya was acting as a water catchment’s area and a source of water for irrigation and domestic use for people who live along it.

According to the Kayunga District environment officer, Mr Patrick Musaazi, River Musamya Wetland was among the few areas where the crested crane is found. It was also a source of medicinal plants and raw materials like papyrus for making crafts. Above all, it was a habitat for many rare birds and animals. 

Today, the residents from the near by villages which is a big blow to the tourism industry and the falling crest crane numbers.

PRIMATES OF UGANDA

Uganda is one small country 236,040 sqm² big, one of the five countries that make up East Africa one of the only three countries harbouring the few living Mt. Gorillas, visit the official web address. So gifted with all kinds of resources including the newly discovered petroleum oil in Hoima District. But putting the oil aside, Uganda is so rich in the Tourism resources of both flora and fauna which includes the many animal species found in the different National parks and the many game reserves around the country.

Among the diverse fauna are the primates ranging from monkeys, chimpanzees and the famous mountain Gorillas our closest clones in the wild. The parks known to be homes to primates are Bwindi Impenetrable, Mgahinga Gorilla National park for Mountain Gorillas, Kibale NP, QENP, Semliki NP and Murchison NP and the Uganda Wildlife Education Center for other primates especially the Chimpanzees.

Uganda is home to many species of primates namely the Mountain Gorillas, chimpazees, baboons, grey checked mangabeys, vervet Monkeys, Black & White colobus monkeys, red colobus monkeys, I’hoest monkey, red tailed Monkeys, Blue Monkey, Bush Babies, Potos, and Gold Monkey.

These above mentioned creatures are a great asset as they contribute quite a big percentage of Uganda’s tourist arrivals and to the National growth through the forex earnings from the sale of Gorilla and Chimpanzee permits though the Gorillas are the most popular among the rest of the primates .

According to UWA Uganda these Gentle Giants are grouped into families with some individuals roaming the Virunga volcanoes shared by Rwanda and DR Congo. The Parks have habituated gorilla and Chimp groups where habituation means getting these creatures used to people, these such groups have names like the Nyakagyezi in Mgahinga, Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura and Nkuringo in Bwindi and the habituated Chimps in Kibale. 

Primate tours are charged in form of permits for Gorillas, Chimpanzee tracking & habituation, and Golden Monkey tracking. These permits can be obtained from UWA headquarters in Kamwokya and can even be booked through tour operators like African Secrets Limited. Tourists are advised to book permits at least three months prior to their tours and not more than two years.

Primate tracking especially in Gorillas and Chimpanzees has rules and regulations that govern it, trackers should not have communicable diseases like flu and diarrhea, age limit for Chimps is 12 and 15 for Gorillas, leave a distance of 5m for the Gorillas and 8m for the Chimps, in case of nature’s call dig a hole of 30cm and bury afterwards, no flash cameras, cough or sneeze away from the Gorillas with a covered nose & mouth, no littering, avoid noise and sudden movements, remain in a group and with a guide, do not eat or smoke near the Chimps or Gorillas, do not provoke or scare the creatures, and lastly please observe all regulations.

Other things that a tourist should note are that Gorillas are viewed by only eight people per a day and for only an hour, chimps are viewed in groups of 6 people can be followed for a maximum of 12 hours .

Written By Joan Kasozi

ENJOYING AFRICA’S WILD…..

East Africa hosts an incredible variety of habitats and wildlife. The conservation of these habitats into National Parks and Wildlife Reserves is the cornerstone for wildlife viewing. One of the most important geographical features of the region is the Great Rift Valley. The large depressions within the Rift Valley fed by streams have become great Lakes, around which many species of wildlife can be found. Some itineraries are designed for the first-time visitor (The Classics) and will give an all-round wildlife experience. They include several National Parks and Wildlife Reserves and concentrate on different aspects of wildlife observation. Other itineraries will focus on a particular interest or activity like bird watching, primate viewing, etc. (Special Interest Safaris). Our different safari itineraries are carefully designed and listed in the “safaris” section of our website. They are the result of a long field experience. The different safari options that you will find on the East African market are endless. Unfortunately we can’t offer them all.


Some guidelines for your safari:
National Parks are too often selected for quantity of animals, certainty and ease of viewing on the game drives. Some National Parks became so popular that they are overcrowded with too many minibuses and jeeps getting careless and scaring animals. Animals move around, seasons change weather varies. There is no way of knowing what each day will bring and there is no guarantee that you’ll see absolutely everything you are after, but most safaris give an amazing wildlife experience!
The duration of your safari is an important aspect, the more time you have to go on safari the more you will see! The chosen travel style will also greatly enhance your wildlife experience; A camping safari will offer you a different experience than lodge safari or motor bike safari.
There are different ways to observe wildlife:
Game drives are the most common way to observe African wildlife and for most visitors the backbone of their safari. Game drives should be undertaken in a customized 4 x 4 drive vehicle with a driver-guide who has experience and knowledge of the area.
The game drives can be organized at any time of the day but you will have the best chances to encounter wildlife in the early morning and late afternoon. It is cooler and animals are then most active. A first-time visitor will want to see plenty of game, mainly large animals. Although the major animals are important, we advise not to get too caught up with 'Big Five' fever, the African wilderness has so much more to offer, especially its incredible bird-life, smaller mammals, primates, reptiles, trees and other plants... If you are receptive to learn about the different aspects of nature and conservation your trip will be much more meaningful and pleasurable.
The search and identification of the animals is the most interesting aspect of a game drive and also the first step to know more about animals and wildlife. Your driver-guide is experienced and well trained to assist you, don’t hesitate to establish a dialogue with him.
To learn a little before you travel about the animals you will see, will enhance your wildlife viewing experience greatly. We avail at least a pair of binoculars for spotting wildlife and a few field-guides in each safari vehicle. Don’t hesitate to bring your own with you. Photographing is another important aspect of a game drive. Each client has his window seat and our vehicles are customized with an open roof.
Don’t hesitate to tell your driver-guide if you want to stop or to take a picture. If you are on a group safari and are traveling with others, there will be a need for co-operation and compromise. For everyone to have a good time and to achieve harmony, you will need to get along with the other photographers in your safari vehicle.
Communicate your photographic needs and goals with your guide. In certain areas (Semliki WR) we are able to travel in safari vehicles after dark. Night drives offer you an opportunity to experience some of the nocturnal mammals and birds which are only very rarely encountered during the day.
Game drives can become monotonous and therefore we will mix them with other ways to observe animals:

Boat trips for example will give you a different perspective and view the game on the edges of the river. The boat trips on the Kazinga channel (Queen Elizabeth NP) and upstream on the Nile river up to Murchison Falls are particularly rewarding experiences. The boat trip at Lake Mburo NP is less known but also an activity not to miss.
Hides and observation towers where visitors can watch game and birds peacefully, from the safety of the hide. Patience and time is the key to profitable observation. (Kibale NP, Lake Mburo and Queen Elizabeth NP)
Canoeing at Mabamba Wetlands gives the best opportunity to spot the shoebill stork (bird watching).
Guided Nature walks are the only way to explore forests in company of knowledgeable and well trained guide. The most popular guided nature walks are gorilla and chimpanzee viewing. Some protected area will also organize nature walks for birdwatchers (Queen Elizabeth NP) or offer an exploration on foot in the bush (Lake Mburo).

HAPPY IN PRIVATE…

Each traveler has his own needs. What may be perfect for one client may not be ideal for another. Private Safaris are designed for persons who want to travel with people they know (family and friends). They are tailor-made and they are most of the time organized with a minimum of 2 participants.

Highlights & Advantages:

On safari, you will be accompanied by an experienced and knowledgeable driver-guide. He will be tremendously proud to look after you and to accommodate your safari at all times.

Private Safaris can be designed with different types of accommodation like camping, lodge or fixed tented camps.

They will also include your preferred activities such as birding, gorilla and chimp viewing, etc.

The cost will depend on the number of participants. Private safaris made for only 2 participants are generally more expensive than with larger parties. The standing and the type of accommodation will also influence the price of your safari.