Author: Amakula Safaris

Gorilla trekking for the disabled guests / can a disabled do gorilla trekking?: The disabled people should not wonder whether they would take part in gorilla trekking tours or not. The answer to this question is obviously yes! gorilla trekking for the disabled is very possible and well organized in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo where these mountain gorillas stay. Gorilla trekking is one of the adventurous activities one should not miss though it needs one to be physically fit to concur strenuous hikes through mountainous areas where these mountain gorillas live. Gorilla trekking for the disabled guests The good news is that even for those travelers who are disabled or not physically fit, they still have a chance to take part in gorilla trekking safaris without any doubt. The physically disabled persons who want to take part in gorilla trekking tours, it is advisable to book earlier with us a registered tour operator so that we can prepare whatever it needs for you to track gorillas seamlessly. Most importantly is a modern sedan chair or traditional stretchers which are hired separately at a cost of USD 500 and USD 350 respectively. These sedan seats have got handles which the porters use to carry and seat belts that make it more comfortable for the visitor. Porters are responsible for carrying visitors from offices to where the gorillas will be found and be carried back to park offices after trekking. As you hire porters to carry you, you will be contributing much to the community and their families because it is that money that they use to improve their livelihoods. Porters will as well help carry your bags, binoculars, cameras and other things you may need to carry on your gorilla tour. A stretcher chair can also be

Maasai culture: As we already mentioned in our introduction, Tanzania has over 200 tribes. However, the most intriguing are the Maasai tribesmen. The Maasai have a reputation as great warriors. In fact, some people believe that the Maasai were a lost legion or defectors of the vast army of the Roman empire. Maasai culture The Maasai are very tall and spend most of their time tending to their domestic Top attractions in Tanzania animals close to or within national parks in the northern part of the country. Their culture and traditions have remained unchanged despite exposure to modernization. They put on colorful clothing and striking beads. A Maasai men can have as many wives as he wishes as long he can take care of them. A visit to Tanzania is therefore incomplete without encountering this fascinating tribe. If you cannot meet them in the national parks, you will find the Maasai selling souvenirs/curios in weekly markets all over the country. If you are lucky to meet those in villages close to the parks, then you will be taken for a truly amazing cultural experience. You will have opportunities to enter their traditional huts, listen to stories from their elders, watch cultural performances and participate in their jumping ceremonies. The one who jumps the highest wins an award.

Dian Fossey's research on Mountain gorillas: The first person to identify the mountain gorilla was Captain Robert von Beringe while on an expedition to establish the boundaries of the then German colonies in East Africa. After shooting two of the large apes, one was captured and sent to a museum in Germany. It was here that a new gorilla species was discovered. Dian Fossey's research It was named Gorilla beringei after the captain Robert. In the following decades, several researchers took interest in studying this new species including George Schaller in 1959 and Dian Fossey in 1967. Fossey took Mountain gorilla research to an unprecedented level and is credited for discovering new ways of habituating mountain gorillas like mimicking their sounds and gaining the trust of the dominant male silverback. She organized the first gorilla census and changed from focusing solely on research to gorilla conservation hence bringing to the attention of the world the plight of the gorillas. Her and Mountain Gorilla Dian Fossey divided gorilla conservation into three areas – Active, theoretical and community-based. Under active conservation, she suggested the need to proactively enforce laws that were against poaching including destroying poacher equipment, carrying out animal censuses. Theoretical conservation would require improving the infrastructure around gorilla habitats including renovating park offices, lodges and habituating gorilla families to encourage tourism. The final approach to gorilla conservation is the community based conservation approach where communities are involved and their interests taken into consideration. Fossey actively fought against poachers by sabotaging their operations and starting park patrols. Her brutal murder is believed to have been a result of her hard line against poachers. Her work continues to this day through what is now known as the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International.

Luxury Group gorilla safaris in Africa: Amakula African Safaris arranges Budget, Mid-range and Luxury wildlife tours. Our Luxury silverback gorilla and wildlife tours will exceed your expectations. With a luxury gorilla tour in Africa, you get to travel in our luxury tour vans and sleep in the best hotels and lodges while drinking fine wine in the African bush. Luxury Group gorilla safaris in Africa Our luxury gorilla tours in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo can be arranged for individuals, families, large groups and honeymooners. Honeymoon safaris in East Africa involve special treats for lovers who want to spend their honeymoon experiencing Africa’s beautiful nature or taking part in activities like gorilla trekking. Imagine spending time with your loved one away from the hustle and bustle back in your city while watching breathtaking wildlife, relaxing on lake Kivu, enjoying the natural green African vegetation and landscape under the stars – Is there anything else more special than that? You may find our 2 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour interesting. We have over 3 years experience organizing Mission Trips for volunteers and missionaries visiting famous religious centers like the Namugongo Martyrs shrine among others. We are experienced organizing large group tours that require great planning and coordination. Are you are tour operator with a large group visiting Uganda for a safari? We can help you organize things on the ground and ensure your clients have the best time while on a tour of Uganda. Hikers may be interested in the 3 Days Mount Karisimbi Hike.

Hiking in Nyungwe Forest National Park In Rwanda: One thing you can never go wrong about Nyungwe Forest National Park is its rich diversity and the best way to discover the hidden attractions of this natural gem is by hiking right through it to appreciate the majesty of its towering trees, wide array of wildlife species, plethora of bird species and just take photos. This 1000-square kilometer Park is found in the southwestern side of the country and borders Lake Kivu, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Hiking in Nyungwe Forest National Park In Rwanda There are over 1000 plant species of which 200 are tree species while 140 are Orchids. Of the 80 over mammal species, 13 are primate species. Nyungwe is also one of the best 5 birding spots in Rwanda with over 320 bird species that include over 20 Albertine Rift endemics. If you have plans of venturing into this jungle (known for being the largest Afro-montane rainforest in Africa) and stretch your legs, here are the must-try hiking trails; Buhoro Trail At 1.8 kilometers long, the incredible Buhoro Trail is one of the shortest in this National Park and can be completed in only one and a half hours. This easy Trail is perfect for travelers looking to simply enjoy the cool breeze while appreciating the beauty of Mother Nature. Bigugu Trail Bigugu Trail is over 13.2-kilometer long (for a round trip) and usually starts from Nyabishwati for a distance of over 6 hours. While it is long, there is so much to see and these include flora species, breathtaking hills, phenomenal views of Lake Kivu, and magnificent islands in the DRC side of Lake Kivu. If you choose this trail, be prepared to hike to the highest peak of Nyungwe Forest (Bigugu). The Congo