A new tourist attraction center has been set up in Tanzania at SAANANE Island. It is basically for people who love to explore in the Island, going for boat excursions can only be organized at the clients request at the National Park’s offices which are found in the Capri Point in Nyamagana district. The Island named after  its former owner Mzee Saanane Chawandi. and it was the very first zoo that Tanzania ever had in the year of 1964 being established with an aim of encouraging the demand and the preservation education in wildlife as well as encourages recreation among the people of Mwanza town.
There are so many activities on the Saanane Island. It is confirmed that while on this Safari you will be sure to enjoy activities like the rock hiking, picnics, game viewing as well as bird watching for the those who love birds since they are usually so many on the shore of Lake Victoria. According to the Tanzania National Parks Authority, years between 1964-1966 there so many wild animals of various species that were transferred to  the Island like the  buffalo, bushbuck, dik dik, elephant, eland, impala, black rhino, topi, warthog, and wildebeest. More to those were the zebra, monkeys, giraffe, porcupine and crocodiles but unfortunately the other wild animals like the rhinos were kept in cages. It is also very important to appreciate the work done by the Game Reserve in the 1991. And in 2011, the Tanzania government through the Ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources, declared its intent of upgrading the Island from being just a forest reserve and wildlife familiarization zone to a proper wildlife sanctuary.
The good intention of this is to add the number of National Parks from the 15 that are available to 16 at least by the 2013 and thus will become the second National Park to stride Lake Victoria following the Rubondo Island. Mr. Paschal Shelutete the TANAPA Public Relations Manager  mentioned that the National park in proposition will act as a home to so many mammals like impala, rock hyrax, velvet monkeys, wild cats, clawless otters and De-brazzas monkey. While that part with water will water will have creatures like all types of fish, crocodiles, water snakes and monitor lizards, other reptiles, including tortoises, grass snakes, pythons and agama lizards.  According to the Saanane Island Park Warden Ms Rukia Juma Mallya, this park will act as an example to the other game parks especially since the island receives about 250 visitors every month on average and between the 180 and 200 local visitors.

Posted By Onyx Safaris. Uganda Safari, Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

There are intentions of selling rhino horns talks legalized a coring to the information got from the Environment Investigation Agency (EIA),  however this action according to a number of conservationists, this will just increase the rate at which all the other crimes related to that within the national parks.  This has come in just four years following the Convention on International Trade in these rare types of animals, the good example  is in 1980’s when  the legalization of the elephant ivory trade was made , the rate of poaching  has been an increase according to the reports provided by the EIA .
The executive director of EIA Ms Mary Rice who provided information has seriously criticized the idea of making it lawful to trade in animal products emphasizing the point that this will only increase the rate of poaching to get the rhino horn as the case has been with the elephant ivory. The investigations done by EIA’s also indicate that legalizing the sale of elephant ivory has not reduced the vice like they had earlier thought but rather increased.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is responsible for the increase in the illegal hunting of animals since they have been responsible enough to fight against the vice.  Charles Tumwesigye who is UWA’s Chief Conservation Manager also mentioned that Murchison Falls National Park had about 15 elephants killed in just one year by poachers.  However, Rhino Fund Uganda has vowed not ever permit such a law to be passed not after all the problems that came along with permitting the sale of elephant ivory which is just enough proof that legalize the sale of rhino horns will come with similar problems.
About 90% of all the ivory that is sold out in the market is acquired through illegal hunting especially so since the prices of authorized ivory had improved to about $7,000 for every kilogram in the years of the years of 2010 and 2011. There fore the authorization just made everything worse than ever expected with that high demand in China and keeps on growing every day so said Ms Rice said.
She added that although they have not yet reached an agreement about the proposal however she is confident that Uganda conservationists will not agree to it. Ms Angie Genade the executive director Rhino Fund added that they definitely can not cut off the rhinos horns since fighting that law is absolutely not feasible.

Posted by Uganda safari holidays

UGANDA Martyrs Shrine Development Foundation, a body in charge of maintenance and development of the shrine in Namugongo, has launched a campaign to get funds for buying a quality a public address system for Martyrs’ day celebrations.

Fr. Dr. Deogratious Ssonko the acting  parish priest said  that this campaign was launched by the Kampala Archbishop  and Patron of the Foundation, His Grace Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga last Sunday.

The reason as to why the church is purchasing the sh500m public system is to make sure that every one attending the annual martyr’s day celebration listens and follows the holy mass on these days.

Participants in this campaign will have to buy a raffle ticket at sh1,000 per ticket as a way of raising the funds. Participants will not be restricted to the number of tickets to buy the more tickets one buys, the more chances of winning available prizes and increase in support of the campaign.

Tickets for this campaign are exposed all parishes, book shops, Tour operators in Uganda since they also pray an important role in marketing  this sites  through  as city tour package,  selected schools and Kampala  hotels.

If this campaign is successful the public system will be installed before next year’s Martyrs’ Day on June 3.

Posted  by gorilla tours news

Crocodiles first existed about 55 million years ago. These were sited as the large aquatic reptiles residing around the tropics in Africa, Austria, America and Asia. They tend to gather themselves in groups in freshwater habitats like wetlands, brackish water, rivers, and lakes.

Crocodiles survive by feeding on vertebrates like fish, reptiles, and mammals, sometimes on invertebrates like molluscs and crustaceans sometimes even insects as well as water.

Though Crocodiles are prehistoric appearance , they are generally considered to be  among the more biologically complex reptiles . Unlike other reptiles,  the crocodile  have a cerebral cortex; a four-chambered heart; and the functional equivalent of a diaphragm, by incorporating muscles used for aquatic locomotion.

Their external morphology on the other hand is a sign of their aquatic and predatory lifestyle. A crocodile’s physical traits allow it to be a successful predator. They have a streamlined body that enables them to swim swiftly.

while  swimming,  they are swimming they tend to tuck their feet to their sides, which makes them faster by decreasing water resistance. They have webbed feet which, although not used to propel the animal through the water, allow it to make fast turns and sudden moves in the water or initiate swimming. A number of crocodiles can be found in Murchison falls wildlife safari park while on the boat trip at the source of the Nile.

Posted by gorilla safari.

Chobe safari lodge in Murchison falls wildlife safari park offers the opportunity to overnight visitors to see dozens of birds, a horde of wild animals, a super luxurious Uganda safari lodge constructed with stunning water scenery.
The lodge can be accessed from Kampala in about 3 /4 hours drive from Kampala the Capital optional activity on the way to Murchison falls is the hike to the top of the falls and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary for Rhino Tracking safaris.

The minimum number of days one would take is 2 days safari to Murchison falls including a game drive, launch cruise on River Nile and visit to the top of the falls.

Chobe’s deluxe lodging combined with a great game drive and beautiful water scenery is a match made in tourism heaven.

The scenery of the lodge is just enough to make ask for more nights at Chobe lodge. As one reaches the reception, the impression from this part of the lodge and a worm welcome from the staff will make one feel better. The lounge at the reception is made up of natural stone tiled, concrete deck with a stunning view of the Nile River.

The idea of constructing this lodge was started in 1950s though tourism in the area was not well developed thus considered as the jewels in Uganda’s nature resources and tourism destinations.

During Idi Amin regime in the 1970s the structure that was set up was demolished by marauding troops retreating at the end of the liberation war at the end of the 1970s and this marked the end of its operation.

With the advent of peace and stability in northern Uganda, Madhvani Group of Companies invested a whooping USD 13 million (over Shs30 billion) in renovating the lodge. Refurbishing started in 2008 and in November 2010 the lodge opened to the public again and what you get today is a world-class luxurious accommodation, close wildlife safari encounters, great, personal service and delicious cuisine all in the wilderness.
The lodge boasts 36 elegant rooms, 21 luxury tents including deluxe tents with air conditioners and four suites plus a Presidential Cottage which is spacious and fully furnished. Their Honeymoon Suite is one of a kind with lots of space and it is fully furnished with a kitchen and plasma screen. They also have two family cottages each able to accommodate up to six people.

The lodge has a specious gift shop with crafts, health centre 24 hour stocked bar and a business centre.

The set up of the room offer a spectacular view of the River Nile from the Balconies expect to wildlife drinking water especially crocodiles, buffaloes and hippos.

Visitors planning to take a game drive from this lodge should expect to take one hour drive to reach the game drive area driving towards Paraa Safari Lodge.

Posted by Wildlife safari Uganda News

If you have been born and raised in Uganda, gone to any of the Uganda schools, Uganda as a country is endowed with many tourist resources thus No 1 tourist destination in the world with gorilla tracking safaris as the top safari activity. The Lonely Planet website has ranked Uganda as a top tourist safari destination in the world for the next year. It is amazing and stake holders in the Uganda tourism industry especially Uganda tour operators are all wondering how on earth Uganda’s tourism made it to that list considering just how many other countries with a lot of tourism potential, even better marketed than ours, are out there and not ranked. Nevertheless, although Uganda is honored for having such a wealth of tourist attracting features, there is almost no doubt, the misuse of these features has been wanting in many circumstances. And in some cases, the very features with tourism potential have been left idol. Compared to Uganda, Kenya rakes in way more tourism dollars especially from wildlife safaris even with the unique mountain gorillas which Kenya does not have. In Kenya even the small hidden landmarks in the city that could easily be by passed are seen and considered as potential money making features on the tourism views. Indeed these have made Kenya earn a lot from tourists including the monuments. The Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), the second tallest building in Nairobi, is not only considered as a venue for political speeches and assemblies, but attracts a wide range of both foreign tourists and local communities especially with its  kenya  safari packages where tourists can take a lift up to the rooftop of the tower, and then, have a scenic breath-taking view of famous Nairobi town Kenya’s capital city from 110 metres in the air. Uganda too has a few tall buildings that could offer similar feats. In fact, the scenery around Kampala, with its multitude of hills like Makerere Hill, Kitantate Hill, Mengo Hill , Kibuli Hill , greenery and lake down South could offer an even more worthwhile venture if the same were to be done here. Uganda also offers safari packages including visitors to the historical monuments while on Kampala city tour like National Museum, Kasubi , Ndere Culture centre for traditional dances and Jinja City tours including a visit to speak monument at the source of the Nile. Other potential tourism sites in Uganda that have not been recognized include Uganda’s first port, Portbell in Luzira. It is located at the shores of Lake Victoria, right inside the capital city. That puts the port within access of the large population in the centre. Also, its historical placement as the first port, its commercial placement as the main water port, all make for more reason why the port should at the very least, be designed to welcome tourists.

Posted By gorilla safari Uganda News

UGANDA Martyrs Shrine Development Foundation, a body in charge of maintenance and development of the shrine in Namugongo, has launched a campaign to get funds for buying a quality a public address system for Martyrs’ day celebrations. Fr. Dr. Deogratious Ssonko the acting parish priest said that this campaign was launched by the Kampala Archbishop and Patron of the Foundation, His Grace Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga last Sunday. The reason as to why the church is purchasing the sh500m public system is to make sure that every one attending the annual martyr’s day celebration listens and follows the holy mass on these days. Participants in this campaign will have to buy a raffle ticket at sh1,000 per ticket as a way of raising the funds. Participants will not be restricted to the number of tickets to buy the more tickets one buys, the more chances of winning available prizes and increase in support of the campaign. Tickets for this campaign are exposed all parishes, book shops, Tour operators in Uganda since they also pray an important role in marketing this sites through as city tour package, selected schools and Kampala hotels. If this campaign is successful the public system will be installed before next year’s Martyrs’ Day on June 3. UGANDA Martyrs Shrine Development Foundation, a body in charge of maintenance and development of the shrine in Namugongo, has launched a campaign to get funds for buying a quality a public address system for Martyrs’ day celebrations. Fr. Dr. Deogratious Ssonko the acting parish priest said that this campaign was launched by the Kampala Archbishop and Patron of the Foundation, His Grace Dr. Cyprian Kizito Lwanga last Sunday. The reason as to why the church is purchasing the sh500m public system is to make sure that every one attending the annual martyr’s day celebration listens and follows the holy mass on these days. Participants in this campaign will have to buy a raffle ticket at sh1,000 per ticket as a way of raising the funds. Participants will not be restricted to the number of tickets to buy the more tickets one buys, the more chances of winning available prizes and increase in support of the campaign. Tickets for this campaign are exposed all parishes, book shops, Tour operators in Uganda since they also pray an important role in marketing this sites through as city tour package, selected schools and Kampala hotels. If this campaign is successful the public system will be installed before next year’s Martyrs’ Day on June 3.

Posted by  UGANDA GORILLA TOUR NEWS

The announcement was made on September 16, 2011 at the 18th annual travel awards ceremony that was held in Sharm El- Sheikh, Egypt.

“Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge is this year’s winner of the prestigious World Travel Award for the year 2011 as Tanzania’s leading Safari lodge,” according to a statement issued by the World Travel Awards organizers.

The world travel awards are organized every year in different countries with the aim of promoting tourism and hospitality sector all over the world and different participant bring their products for marketing at the exhibitions thus attracting potential tour suppliers.

The 2011 world travel market in Egypt was held in Sharm El- Sheikh and Ngorongoro Serena Hotel was the winner of this year’s travel awards in Egypt and the management of Ngorongoro Serena hotel has promised to provide more quality services to tourists to stay in the hotel and most tourist staying at the Serena Hotel   go for the Tannzania Wildlife safaris as well with special offer s to overnight guests.

The hotel is situated in the northern part of Arusha Tanzanaia in the  Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) . Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge opened n 1996 and it is under the management of Serena Hotels refered as the 5 stars hotel offers top quality hospitality services to guest and conference facilities.

The area covers 8292 square kilometers running from the Serengeti national Park to the north up to Karatu Township to the south.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area attracts large numbers of tourists every year and naturally, the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge hosts the majority of these visitors.

On top of the part there are also the local communities known as Maasai community that is settled around the lodge and they have been residents since the 17th Century after traveling hundreds of miles from the northern tip of Africa.

Meanwhile the Kenyan award went to Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge which has also preciously worn the same in the year 2004.

Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge in Kenya was also the winner of 2004 award. The lodge is located in the heart of Amboseli wildlife safari park, Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge is set against the magnificent backdrop of Africa’s highest mountain, the glittering Mount Kilimanjaro, where it enjoys a uniquely privileged position at the heart of this world-famous national park.

At  present Serena Hotel’s portfolio has about 23 luxury hotels, resorts and safari lodges in Tanzania, Zanzibar, Mozambique Kenya, , Rwanda  and Uganda  and also manages  and owns  properties in Tajikistan Afghanistan and  Pakistan.

Posted by Uganda Gorilla tour News

A new census of the mountain gorilla population has been  launched by the Uganda Wildlife Authority   in Bwindi impenetrable national park to know the actual  numbers of  mountain gorillas  and facts  on poaching and other illegal activities associated with the park and the impacts of the local communities.

The gorilla  census is aimed at estimating the population of other mammals residing in Bwindi National park  like elephants  bush pigs, and  colobus  monkeys and human activities in the park for  conservation  and proper planning purposes.

 The census if funded by The international gorilla conservation programme  has supported the gorilla census programme financially  with the aim of  protecting gorillas and their habitat.

The census is led by an expert from German, the counting of gorillas leads the experts through indual gorillas, gathering feaces  then the gorilla nest where these gorilla spend the night.  A  generic analysis  will be carried out on the feaces  proper and perfect estimates.

 Other experts leading the  team, include Ugandans, Rwandese and Democratic Republic of  Congo wildlife safari  experts moving around the t31sq.km forest in different corners of the forest  searching  for fresh  mountain gorilla trails until their nests are found and counted.

This will bring the number of habituated gorilla groups in the park to 10, one of which is reserved for only research purposes. With each group accommodating eight tourists daily, it means that the park’s annual capacity would increase from 20,440 to 26,280 tourists.

 Uganda as a tourist destination has been recorded  for to increase on the number of tourists and 80% of them are mountain gorilla tracking visitors.

Posted by Uganda gorilla safari news.

A rare sighting of white elephants   in Uganda  has been recorded in Ishasha Sector of Queen Elizabeth  wildlife safari Park in Kanungu district by tourists who had go for  a tree climbing lion safaris in these area of the park .  According to the Uganda Wildlife Authority,  the  known and existing  elephants are  the African elephants which and grey in colour.

These white elephants in Queen Elizabeth National park were discovered on 1st October  on the shores of Lake George near Rwampunu peninsula .

They were sighted by a group of foreign tourists accompanied by Henry Paul Mbaguta, the assistant commissioner for Microfinance, during a game drive in Ishasha plains and valleys.

“As we approached the seemingly white rocks, we noticed that they had parts that were flapping. Within a distance of about 100 metres, we saw that they were not rocks, but three adult elephants,” said Mbaguta in a statement sent to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

He said the elephants were peaceful as they fed on shrubs.

“They never took note of our presence. They only occasionally cast an eye over branches to be sure they were safe.”

In a separate interview, acting UWA executive director Andrew Seguya said white elephants were only known to exist in Asia.

He added that UWA was going to work with Mbaguta to verify the white elephants.

“It will be very interesting for our tourists if this species of elephants exists in Ishasha.”

Ishasha is known to be home to the tree climbing lions that do not exist anywhere else in Uganda.

Posted by  Mountain gorilla Tours News