Gorilla Tracking

Mountain Gorilla in Uganda - Bwindi forest 

This is a strenuous activity and one should be physically fit to enjoy gorilla trekking.  Professional guides from UWA (Uganda wildlife authority) will accompany groups of no more than 8 but porters are available to carry personal belongings. 

While possession of a gorilla permit is a guarantee of joining a trek, its not however a guarantee that you will be able to find or view gorillas. Nature and animals are unpredictable and unforeseen circumstances could lead to difficult or unsuccessful trips (Its a rare occurrence but a remote possibility). 

The permits allow for one hour with the gorillas (thus from the time you allocate the family in the rain-forests in Uganda) 

No flash photography is allowed and fast film is therefore recommended (minimum 400-1600 ASA). Personal DVD recorders are allowed. Special arrangements need to be made for professional film makers, and filming permits are required for commercial photography and filming.

We strongly recommend a breathable and lightweight rain jacket or poncho, a warm jacket or fleece for overcast days and evening, long-sleeved shirt and trousers, sturdy waterproof walking boots (seasoned or well worn footwear - don't try out those new shoes you just had to have, you will regret this), leather gardening-type or lightweight gloves, sunscreen, cap or sun hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, comfortable day pack for carrying water and minimum amount of personal items. 

Its all in the eyes of this great Ape - Mountain Gorilla in Uganda 

 Keep the following in mind if you want to visit the mountain gorillas in Uganda:

Minimum age is fifteen years to qualify for a Gorilla trekking permit. Anyone with signs of communicable disease like a cough or runny nose will not be allowed to trek. (This is to protect the mountain gorillas from transmittal of disease) 

Chimps and gorillas are highly susceptible to human diseases and it is therefore essential that you declare all illnesses and seek our advice if you are unsure. National Park Authorities reserve the right to deny access to individuals they consider unfit to accompany any activity.

Swing over to Uganda and make your dreams come true 

For more information you can contact Premier Safaris based in Uganda - they specialize in primate Safaris in Uganda and Rwanda. www.premiersafaris.com enquiries@premiersafaris.com  

Some great examples of those bucket-list Safaris we always dream about when we think of the tropical rain forest in Africa. 

The ultimate Uganda and Rwanda 

http://www.premiersafaris.com/ultimate-uganda-and-rwanda.html

The intimate gorilla by Premier Safaris that also made the CNN travel list of must do "Bucket-list" trips for 2015. 

http://www.premiersafaris.com/dr-gladys-intimate-gorilla-experience.html 

Children of the Kazinga Channel

They say it takes a village to raise a child, and we felt as if we were returning one of their own. Smiling faces and loud greetings are exchanged as we disembark to explore the village and its people. 

Below are some of the images taken along the Kazinga channel in Uganda while we visited the fishing village. 

Running along the waters edge by Corne Schalkwyk 

Faces of the children along the channel by Corne Schalkwyk 

Young girl at the fishing village by Corne Schalkwyk

For the full story please read the travel blog: http://travelcorne.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-fishing-village.html 

Social media links @cornepremier and FB https://www.facebook.com/pages/CT-Schalkwyk-Photography/161674203990102 

African buffalo in Kenya #wildlifewednesday

#wildlifewednesday

This large African bovine is not closely related to the slightly larger wild Asian water buffalo, and its ancestry remains.

Due in large to its unpredictable nature, which makes it highly dangerous to humans; the African buffalo has never been domesticated unlike its Asian counterpart, the Asian buffalo.

Kenya Buffalo by Corne Schalkwyk 

The horns of African buffalo are very peculiar. A characteristic feature of them is the adult bull’s horns have fused bases, forming a continuous bone shield referred to as a “boss’, which cannot always be penetrated even by a rifle bullet. From the base, the horns diverge, then bend down, and then smoothly curve upwards and outwards.

When a herd member is attacked, others will rush to its defense. Collectively a number of buffalo are more than capable to stave off an attack by an entire pride of lions. A wounded buffalo bull is regarded as most dangerous by hunters, and is one of the reasons why this animal is included into the so-called ‘big five’. This trait is the origin of many hunting adventures, myths and legends.

Buffalo mud bath by Corne Schalkwyk - Queen Elizabeth National park Uganda 

I have always had a fascination with Buffalo and will always make time to get a good photo of a buffalo while on Safari. 

The below photo is part of Premier Safari's offering referred to as the Uganda Meander. I took the photo while travelling with Premier to explore Murchison falls National park in Uganda. 

Uganda Meander Premier Safaris

We stayed at Paraa and Chobe Safari lodges (both owned by Marasa Africa lodges based in East Africa) 

Premier Safaris website: www.premiersafaris.com 

Marasa Africa Lodges: www.marasa.net