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Restore an African’s Eyesight with Magellan’s and SEE International

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I’ve been doing a lot of online hol­i­day shop­ping and recently picked up some nice travel gifts at Magellan’s Travel Sup­plies. When my items arrived, the box also con­tained a flyer about Magellan’s part­ner­ship with a non­profit orga­ni­za­tion called SEE Inter­na­tional.

Accord­ing to the orga­ni­za­tion, 75 per­cent of the world’s 37 mil­lion cases of blind­ness are actu­ally treat­able, mak­ing the loss of sight a human­i­tar­ian emergency.

SEE Inter­na­tional puts together teams of vol­un­teer oph­thal­mol­o­gists to go where their help is needed, includ­ing places like Thai­land, Mex­ico, Bangladesh, Viet­nam, and Zimbabwe.

Since 1974 SEE’s eye sur­geons have per­formed more than 360,000 sight-storing procedures.

Magellan’s has been a cor­po­rate part­ner of SEE Inter­na­tional for over 20 years, pro­vid­ing travel kits for sur­geons as well as adver­tis­ing out­reach to its customers.

Expe­di­tions to the fol­low­ing coun­tries are sched­uled for 2010: Swazi­land, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Ghana, The Gam­bia, Nige­ria, Namibia, and Kenya.

Dona­tions are tax deductible and may be made online via a secure server. Visit See International’s web­site or call 1-(805)963‑3303 and men­tion that you heard about the orga­ni­za­tion from Magellan’s Travel Supplies.

Discover Off the Beaten Track Destinations in Uganda

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Uganda Road Trip

Uganda is among the leading African adventure wildlife destinations all thanks to her unique and very attractive wildlife species evenly distributed in the different parts of the country. Wildlife safaris to this beautiful country are very rewarding and exclusive with great wildlife encounters of amazing wildlife. Ranging from the tropical rain forests, rivers, mountains, animals and so much more, the beauty of Uganda is very immense and its not surprising that Uganda is referred to as the pearl of Africa. While on a Uganda wildlife adventure safaris, one must not miss visiting the following wildlife destinations.

The Mabamba Bay Eco Tourism Site

This bay is situated along Lake Victoria and the best places where the rare shoebill stork can be clearly viewed as it eagerly stands in the swampy vegetation waiting to take down its prey. The bay can be accessed by a canoe boat trip from Entebbe or Kampala. This bay is not only a home to the shoebill stork but also other bird species (has over 300 bird species). Some bird species that can be sighted while here include the papyrus Gonolek, lesser jacana, and yellow warbler among others. Tourists to the Mabamba bay can engage in a number of activities that include canoe boat trips, shoebill tracking, nature walks and community visits to the neighboring communities around.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Situated in southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga gorilla national park is a very unique wildlife destination where gold meets silver. The national park is a home to some of the most rare and endangered primate species –the mountain gorillas and the golden monkeys.

This national park is a home to one habituated mountain gorilla group (the Nyakagezi group), which is visited by a group of 8 tourists a day. The number of tourists visiting the gorillas is limited because it’s a conservation strategy intended to safeguard the well being of the mountain gorillas by reducing chances of them contracting human diseases as well as limiting chances of behavioral change.

Hiking the forested mountains starts very early in the morning after a briefing to the tourists about the mountain gorillas and the codes of conduct they must follow while on the hike.

Mountain gorilla encounters in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are very interesting and exclusive however tourists should make sure that they secure the mountain gorilla permits early enough. The permits are sold at US$600 during the peak tourist season and at US$450 during the low tourist season.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is also a home to the rare golden monkeys that can only be found in the Virunga massif. Golden monkeys are covered with golden fur and just like other primates; they feed on plant leaves, shoots and wild fruits. They also live in groups/families and offer great primate safaris.  The national park can be visited at any time of the year however for best mountain gorilla tracking experiences, tourists are recommended to visit the national park during the dry season from January to March and June to September.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Commonly known as the park with the true African wilderness, Kidepo Valley National Park is the most isolated national park in Uganda situated at the extreme northeastern Uganda. This national park is a home to diverse wildlife species including wild animals, birds and very unique vegetation. Most of the animals here are seen in the Narus valley where they usually gather to drink water.

Some of the animals that can be sighted here include the elephants, buffaloes, hyenas, leopards, lions, zebras, and a number of antelopes. The park also has a number of bird species including the ostrich and other migrant birds that usually come from south Sudan. A game drive in this national park is truly amazing and offers great scenic and game views.

More Tourists Opt for Uganda Gorilla Treks

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It should be noted that Rwanda and Uganda are found in East Africa and bordering each other. Following the 5th May 2017 implementation made by Rwanda Government through the Rwanda Development Board – a body responsible for the country Tourism.  Rwanda increased Gorilla permit from US$ 750 to US$ 1500 per permit. Uganda discovered a clear pass for it to sell her Gorillas found in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National parks.  It was a clear picture that tourists will divert to trek the cheaper Uganda Gorillas at US$ 600 per permit.

Currently, Uganda is selling more Gorilla permits than Rwanda and the dominating safari is 2 days gorilla safari. In the past, one day Rwanda Gorilla trekking safari was dominating before the increase of their Gorilla permit.

The opening of Rwanda boarders for visitors to reach Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga national parks to trek Gorillas is an indicative that Rwanda has fully supported Uganda gorilla tourism.

Kigali International Airport is a major entry point for the two days Uganda Gorilla safari visitors. Two days Gorilla trekking trip is among the Uganda’s shortest tours but possible when the trip start in Rwanda.

Uganda and Rwanda use one East African tourist visa to allow tourists visit two nations. For that case, Rwanda has directly and indirectly marketed Uganda Mountain Gorillas.

Rwanda offers direct flights from different destinations – Rwandair and Rwanda Airbus have transported visitors to enable them trek Uganda Gorillas.

Rwanda constructed good roads connecting to Uganda to facilitate Uganda tourism industry. Kigali- katuna road is first class, Musanze – Kyanika boarder road is also in good condition to facilitate tourism in Uganda and Rwanda.

The good Hotels/ Lodges/ camps in Rwanda to accommodate international visitors. Kigali is the major pick and drop off points for Uganda Gorillas trekkers. Some visitors spend the nights in Kigali before and after Gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable and Mgahinga national parks.

The hospitality of the people of Rwanda to accept and welcome visitors who come to trek Gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda.

Rwanda has few Gorilla groups to satisfy the high growing demand. The alternative is in Uganda where more than 12 Gorilla groups are found.

It is a shorter distance from Kigali Airport compared to Entebbe International airport to Bwindi Impenetrable or Mgahinga National parks. It’s approximately 4 hours and 8 hours respectively. For that note, Visitors find it convenient to use Kigali Airport into Rwanda and then drive to Uganda through Katuna boarders and back.

Both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga national park are found in south western Uganda near Uganda- Rwanda boarders. Clients can easily combine Rwanda safari with Uganda Gorilla trekking since the cost of Uganda gorilla permit still low compared to that of Rwanda. Clients can do other activities in Rwanda like boat cruises, Golden monkey trekking, Columbus monkey trekking, chimpanzee trekking, cultural tours and community walks among others.

Rwanda makes it easy to get East African tourist visa to facilitate tourism in East African countries including Uganda.

Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Africa

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Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Gorillas are ground-dwelling, predominantly herbivorous apes that inhabit the forests of central Africa. The eponymous genus Gorilla is divided into two species: the eastern gorillas and the western gorillas (both critically endangered), and either four or five subspecies. They are the largest living primates. The DNA of gorillas is highly similar to that of humans, from 95–99% depending on what is counted, and they are the next closest living relatives to humans after the chimpanzees and bonobos.

Gorillas’ natural habitats cover tropical or subtropical forests in Africa. Although their range covers a small percentage in Africa, gorillas cover a wide range of elevations. The mountain gorilla inhabits the Albertine Rift montane cloud forests of the Virunga Volcanoes, ranging in altitude from 2,200–4,300 metres (7,200–14,100 ft). Lowland gorillas live in dense forests and lowland swamps and marshes as low as sea level, with western lowland gorillas living in Central West African countries and eastern lowland gorillas living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo near its border with Rwanda.

It is no surprise that visiting the mountain gorillas remains the most popular tourist activity in Volcanoes National Park. And since 2006, a total of 56 gorilla tracking permits have been available daily, eight for each of the seven habituated troops. However, it would be reductive to bill volcanoes national park solely as a gorilla tracking destination. A wide variety of other hikes and activities are offered, making it possible to spend several days in the area without running out of things to do. The most popular activity after gorilla tracking is a visit to a habituated troop of the rare golden monkey, Albertine rift endemics whose modern range is more or less restricted to the Virungas. A relatively negligible 1,280 tourists undertook this excursion in 2008, less than one percent of the 17,089 gorilla tracking permits issued in the same year. Fewer still embarked on the more demanding day treks to the Crater Lake on Bisoke peak and Dian Fossey’s grave at Karisoke, while the overnight hike to the summit of Karisimbi attracted a mere 100 takers.

Gorillas and golden monkey’s aside, primates are poorly represented by comparison with most other large forests in Rwanda and Uganda. Little information is available regarding the current status of other large mammals in the mountains, but 70- plus species have been recorded in neighboring Mgahinga National Park, and most probably also occur in the larger Rwanda sector. Elephant and buffalo are still quite common; judging by the amount of spoor encountered on forest trails, but is very timid and infrequently observed. Also present are giant forest hog, bush pig, bush buck, black- fronted duiker, spotted hyena, and several varieties of small predator.

Which country do you recommend for gorilla trekking?

We recommend Rwanda, Uganda for mountain gorillas and Republic of Congo for lowland gorillas. It is possible to see the mountain gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo but the on-going instability in the east of country makes it difficult. Recommending a good way to see lowland gorillas was also a challenge until Wilderness Safaris, one of the leading conservation and tour operating companies in Botswana began working in Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo.

There is a $750 permit fee and a one-day visit is probably good enough, but you have come this far and I would recommend another day as you will not only be able to compare the different gorilla families, but guarantee you will take the perfect photo/video that you may have missed the day before.
Unless you can guarantee that it will not rain when hiking, here is a list that you should bring: Walk able Boots, Gators, Higher quality/thicker hiking pants (stinging nettles everywhere!), rain gears and gloves. There are multiple options to see the various gorilla families and each brings its own experience. Depending upon the shape you are in may greatly effect which family/hike you can visit. Some are affected by the altitude (around 8000 feet high) and tire much easier. Otherwise, the hikes themselves range in distance and difficulty but even the longest hike may only be 2-6 hours uphill one way. The drive to each Gorilla family trailhead may also require a 1-2 hour drive. Porters are also available to help bring your backpack if you prefer

The intimate gorilla experience

This intimate gorilla experience awards you the unforgettable experience of your life by setting off to the park head offices of volcanoes national park in Kinigi while assembling for briefing at 7:30 about the do’s and don’ts when you meet gorillas. This is a standard precaution to protect the health of the mountain gorillas and the visitors. You will also be divided in groups of 8 people depending on your level of fitness.After the briefing and assigning a gorilla group to trek, you will be driven by your driver to the head trail of your gorilla group where the trek will begin. At this point you will descend into the forest with a lead from an experienced local guide who will be in position to answer your entire question as you trek in search for your gorilla family. This gorilla trek can last from 30 minutes to 6 hours hiking through bamboo trees. The length of your trek depends on how far into the forest your gorilla group has moved. Once you meet the gorillas, only one hour is allowed with the gentle species so as not to exhaust them. In this one hour, you are allowed to take pictures, video recording but don’t forget to take time and take in this magical moment.
Once the hour is done, descend back to the head trail where you entered the forest from has you hike back to the head offices for your gorilla trekking certificates.

Part of the fun is that the Gorillas are very active and do move frequently so just when your guide says you are close the gorillas have moved even further up the mountain. The silverback is the center of the troop’s attention, making all the decisions, mediating conflicts, determining the movements of the group, leading the others to feeding sites, and taking responsibility for the safety and well-being of the troop. Younger males subordinate to the silverback, known as Blackbacks, may serve as backup protection. Blackbacks are aged between 8 and 12 years and lack the silver back hair. The bond that a silverback has with his females forms the core of gorilla social life. Bonds between them are maintained by grooming and staying close together.Additionally, the guides carry machetes and will constantly be clearing a new path throughout the hike.

Go Self Drive with Rwanda Car Rental

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Self drive Safaris are popular and the come with a lot of advantages & benefits compared to guided Rwanda Safaris even if its gorilla trekking in volcanoes National Park.

Road trips to Rwanda come with driving experience and Rwanda car rental has prepared this article to guide you on the driving plans while in Rwanda as your foreign country.

Planning to travel and to drive there, you should be well-prepared as different countries have varies laws and traffic rules. Learn about requirements for a driver license before you leave your home country, auto insurance, road rules and permits. You must be sure that your Driving Permit will be valid in country/countries which you are going to visit.

Some countries require availability of the International Driving Permits for foreign drivers. You should also know a term of the International Driving Permit’s validity since different countries have different terms from one month to one year. If you stay in the country longer than the International Driving Permit’s validity period, you will be obliged to obtain the Driving Permit issued by the visited country.

Before you leave your country, ask your insurance company if you are covered for driving abroad. In most countries, it is compulsory to have car insurance; you should know what type of insurance or level of coverage is required by country’s traffic rules.

If you are going to travel by your own car, learn vehicle requirements and equipment you will need. Now, in most countries it is required to have in the car a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, warning triangle, reflective vest, insurance certificates. and so on.

Remember, at all times while driving abroad, you should carry all your documents International Driving Permit, original Driver License, and car registration documents.

Conditions for Driving in Rwanda with Rented Fleet or Safari Jeep

Traffic moves on the right side of the road.

The minimum driving age is 18 years in categories A and B and 20 years in categories C, D, E, and F.

Drunk drivers are fined and jailed for 24 hours. The legal blood alcohol level is 0.08%. The random breath testing by police is legal.

Helmet use is compulsory for motorcyclists.

To wear seat belts is required for all car occupants.

Vehicles already in a traffic circle have the right-of-way.

Third-party insurance is required.

The speed limit in towns is 40 km/h (25 mph) and in provinces is 60 km/h (37 mph).

Using cell phones while driving is prohibited, unless phones are equipped with a hands free kit.

The police phone number is 112.

An International driving permit is acceptable and can be used for one year for driving in Rwanda. After that term, a foreigner should apply for a Rwandan driver license.

Police may stop any vehicle and search the car and luggage.

Please Always check for the control technique( Certificate of fitness of the car to be on Road )

While driving, it is required to have a driver license /International driving permit, vehicle registration documents, and car insurance certificates.

Incase you have read this article and you found that you have a question that you would wish to ask, Please Feel free to contact Rwanda Car rental on the address below for the information.

Company Name: Rwanda Car rental
Company Website: https://www.rwandacarrental.com
Email adress:info@rwandacarrental.com
Telephone:+250 739259965/
Whats app : +256787471094

An Encounter with the Virunga Gorillas

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Virunga Mountains

Mountain gorilla are endangered apes that were on the verge of extinction in the 1990’s because of the civil wars where their natural habitats had been turned into fighting grounds and hiding places for soldiers. After a lot of conservation efforts by the Rwandan government, the mountain gorilla population started increasing steadily and today volcanoes national park is a home to half of the total mountain gorilla population in the Virunga massif that extends from northwestern Rwanda, south western Uganda and southeastern DRC.
Mountain gorillas are some of human’s closest wild animals with over 98% of their DNA similar to humans. They prefer living in the forested mountain and are vegetarians that feed on plant leaves, shoots and wild fruits. They are mobile animals that move from one place to another as they look for fresh food ad for new places where they will spend a night.
Volcanoes national park has a total of 10 habituated mountain gorilla families. Each mountain gorilla family is tracked by a group of strictly 8 tourists every day, which they spend with one hour as they observe, take photographs and learn more about the life of these greatly endangered apes.
Tourists going for gorilla trekking safaris first assemble at the national park headquarters very early in the morning where the local traditional dancers entertain them as they take a cup of hot tea or coffee. They are allocated to the mountain gorilla family they will be tracking then briefed about the safety procedures to follow while in the forest. Some of the safety procedures include

  • Following the guides instructions especially while in the forest
  • Keeping a reasonable distance a way from the mountain gorillas
  • Minimizing noise especially when in the presence of the mountain gorillas
  • Not using flash photography
  • Avoiding imitating the behavior of the mountain gorillas like beating the chest as it may send a wrong impression to the mountain gorillas.

After being briefed, the tourists are led to the forested mountains under the protection of two armed rangers. These carry guns they use to fire bullets to scare away other dangerous wild animals that could be encountered while tracking mountain gorillas. A hike through the forested mountains is very exciting with views of other wildlife species in the national park like birds.  The trek takes about 1 to 8 hours depending on the movement of the mountain gorillas. It’s a little hectic and a physically demanding activity however its always better for those who cannot hike for long distances to inform the guides or their tour operators early enough to ensure that they are allocated mountain gorilla families that can be got to after relatively shorter times of trek.
Alternatively there are porters for hire that can carry luggage and always help tourists to go move through the difficult parts of the forest. These porters can also carry some one on locally made stretchers up hill or down hill and can therefore be of great help in case their services are needed. They can be hired at about $10 to $15.
Mountain gorillas can be encountered at any time of the year however tracking can be more easy during the dry season because its always easy to move through the forests which may not be the case during the wet season. Tourists interested in mountain gorilla tracking should acquire permits that are sold at $750 each and can be obtained from the Rwanda development board or through a trusted tour operator.
Volcanoes national park can be got to by road transport from Kigali a drive that takes about 2 to 3 hours.

Planning a Gorilla Safari – 5 Things to Know

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In a lifetime everyone has the right to encounter something out of the world, an experience that they will wish to take home with them, and just boastfully narrate to their relatives and friends in form of a deeply captivating story. Deciding to embark on a gorilla safari results in one of the few experiences that many people desire to have. The few who have experienced this still tell the same story but in different versions every day.
Yes for many, the climax of the trip to the gorillas is standing still and looking into the dark pensive eyes of the mountain gorillas is such a magical experience that will never fade off your memory! some travelers try to take a “selfie” with the mountain gorillas in the background, and share it with jealous friends. At that point, all your preparations have held truth; and all the nights of anxiety are no more. But what are those little things that might make the entire safari even more gratifying? Here is my short list;

  1. Make sure you travel at the right time of the year. If you are not so sure about your fitness levels, I advise travelling during the dry season when the soils aren’t boggy. The best months of the year to track the gorillas would be December to late February and from June to September during the dry season.
  2. Remember to book your permit in time, preferably before you set off. Due to the high demand, over 70 people travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park daily for the Uganda Gorilla Safari experience, while others are placed on hold. You surely don’t want to be among the miserable lot that has to wait.
  3. All Uganda’s gorilla tracking trailheads are traversed on foot, with some hikes lasting 8 hours. As humans are playful, the gorillas might decide to play hide and seek so hikers should check that they are basically fit to climb through the jungle even for long duration like these.
  4. The rains are rarely predictable, so tourists should pack a pair of solid shoes, preferably jungle boots, a jacket and an umbrella. On a sunny day I would advise you to travel with a fine cap or hat, sun glasses (in case you find that you need them), smear yourself with sunburn lotion, and also come along with a good insect repellant.
  5. The other thing to mind about when planning your safari is choosing the right tour operator. The criterion for choosing the tour operator is somewhat crazy, but basically a company with a good customer reputation would be a good choice. With the right tour operator you won’t have to worry about sleeping uncomfortably, or arriving later than 8am when the gorilla trekking exercise has commenced. These are just a few things that will complement your holiday and make it more enjoyable. A hint to search for the specialty tour operators who may know better about the process of organising a gorilla safari, choices of lodges and campsites where to stay and how to craft tour itineraries.

 

Gorilla Trekking in Mgahinga National Park

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The most thrilling tourist activity in the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is that of gorilla tracking, an activity that involve visitors hiking through the forest in search of the endangered mountain gorillas. Surprisingly, Mgahinga can be accesed by travelers taking tours in Rwanda given its location within the Virunga Ranges. This is the reason as to why there are many tour offers that combine gorilla watching in the Volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga National Park offered by several tour operators.
Within this magical park, there is only one habituated gorilla group that can be visited by tourists. Known as the Nyakagezi group, this is one of the oldest habituated gorilla in the history of gorilla tourism in Uganda and it consists of 9 members; 2 silver backs, 3 adult females, 2 juveniles and 2 infants. Though most travel books indicate that gorilla trekking in Mgahinga is unreliable because of the gorilla family escapades to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, for more than two years the group has been settled within the park and a good number of tourists have gone gorilla tracking in the park.
Gorilla permits for Mgahinga National Park can be booked at the Uganda Wildlife Authority offices in Kamwokya Kampala or at the park headquarters. You can also book these passes through a recommended tour operator based in Uganda.
Planning a Gorilla Trek in Mgahinga National Park
Gorilla tracking is a vigorous activity that can take a full day. During this tour, you are led by a guide through the gorilla’s empire/tracks as he/she explains all about gorillas such as their ecology, movements and general behavior.
Please note:
Like gorilla tracking in other groups within Uganda, Rwanda and Congo, the success of seeing gorillas is NOT guaranteed despite the high chance of seeing them. Since they are wild animals living in the jangle, they don’t have a fixed routine; therefore finding them requires luck and the experienced of your guides. These guides know gorillas intimately since they habituate them, they will hence take you to the area where they saw them last. They may also be able to suggest how long the hike might take at the journey start.
Please note that you are free to ask guides to slow down if they are going too fast or if you want to have a rest, look at birds /flowers, and your guide shall wait for u.
DOS AND DON`TS

  • -It is advisable that you put on jangle shoes best for steep muddy slopes
  • -The weather is unpredictable and it can change any time. Please carry rain wear, sunscreen, a hut and sun glasses, as.
  • -You are advised to Carry water and food because this activity is lengthy and tiresome especially to first time trackers
  • -Once tracked, ensure that you keep 5m distance from Gorillas. If approached by one, back away slowly.
  • -Avoid pointing or waiving your arms- this can scare away annoy gorillas.
    please Move slowly and Keep your voice low/better if silent for better tracking
  • -When taking photos, ensure that your flash is off for can threaten gorillas.
  • -You may carry binoculars, these help u see far features and creatures in details.

 

Kenya Camping Safari

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Kenya Camping Safari

From dramatic savannahs to the Great Rift Valley, experience Kenya in all its glory. Travel the vast open plains and rolling hills of the Masai Mara and scour the wilderness for Africas Big Five. Full-service camping under the big African sky will bring you closer to the region’s wildlife and gets you off the beaten path so you can really experience this land’s unique culture. Our small safari vehicles minimize drive times and improve your chances of snapping that perfect shot of some of the most amazing animals on the planet.

Highlights of Southern Africa

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Highlights of Southern Africa

Highlights of Southern Africa

Highlights of Southern Africa

When you put the word highlights in the name of a trip, you better be confident that it lives up to the hype. This trip does. Across 30 epic days, youll go round-trip to Cape Town via Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia a new spin on one of our most popular routes taking comfortable touring vehicles as well as staying in a mix of hotels and campsites for a well-rounded experience. Wildlife sightings and cultural moments come standard here everything from searching for the Big Five in national parks to enjoying meals with local families and once you add in a visit with the cheerful kids at the G Adventures-supported G Hope Africa preschool, youve got memories made for a lifetime.

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