The story of habinyanja gorilla group – Uganda gorilla safari news

Habinyanja Gorilla group is one the twelve (12) fully habituated Mountain Gorilla groups that are always explored on Uganda gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Positioned in the Buhoma sector to the north of Bwindi, Habinyanja gorilla family is an amazing gorilla family whose past is filled with wonder!  Its habituation happened in 1997 and by 1999; the travelers on gorilla safaris in Uganda were welcome.
Habinyanja Gorilla family derives its name from the local word Nyanja which means a pool of water. It indicates that this Mountain Gorilla family was first encountered near a swamp in the Impenetrable forest of Bwindi.
The remarkable story of Habinyanja Gorilla group is associated with the power struggles that characterised it since the time of habituation. It is noted that at the time of habituation, Mugurusi which literally means an Old man was the main Silverback and after passing away, the leadership remained in the hands of his two sons namely Mwirima and Rwansigazi as Park rangers and the Uganda gorilla trekking tour undertakers used to see.
Unfortunately, these two brothers had different characters where Rwansigazi liked adventuring and traveling to distant locations while Mwirima preferred dwelling within limited range. As a result, the two brothers could not stick together anymore and in the year 2002, they parted ways and Mwirima took a faction of the group that later adopted the name Rushegura while the other faction maintained the mother name. Apparently, Rushegura is among the three habituated gorilla families in Buhoma sector that are visited by the travelers on gorilla tours in Uganda.
Rwansigazi maintained the leadership of Habinyanja until it handed over to his son Makara. Tracking the Habinyanja gorilla group starts at Buhoma Ranger station and the advance gorilla permit booking for Buhoma region is required.  Car rental services in Uganda are available if one wishes to reach Bwindi by surface travel.

Nyanza & Butare; the beauty of culture conservation

The destination Rwanda is one of the unique Africa Safari tour sites with exciting and amazing cultural experiences. With her three tribal groups namely the Tutsi, Hutu and Twa that share a homogeneous language, Rwanda’s culture has flowed from series of generations and unlike others that have been weakened by modernity; its glory is restored on every day that passes.
The southern areas of Nyanza and Butare apparently stand as the hot spot for those interested exploring culture while on Safaris in Rwanda. Their profoundness dates far back to the ancient times when the historical Rwandan Monarchy was still reigning. In fact, the region was the main administrative point and apparently houses the last remains of the Rwandan monarchy.
At Nyanza, the palace of the two Kings of Rwanda namely; King Musinga and his successor King Rudahigwa has been preserved. The traditional royal hut with its very magnificent architecture marks the epitome of the beautiful type of housing that existed in traditional Rwanda while the long horned Inyambo cows at the site demonstrate the beautiful livestock which did not only provide the livelihood but also served as center of status and social exchange. Travelers on Rwanda Safaris and Tours are always mesmerised by this historical palace.
Further to the south, there lies the National Institute of Rwandan Museums in Butare which is home to over 100,000 artifacts detailing the history and heritage of Rwanda.  It is a uniquely designed museum with very attractive display that ranks it among the best museums in the region of East Africa.
The Rwesero Art Gallery which was meant to be the palace of King Rudahigwa but only to pass away before occupying it apparently showcases the Rwandan art in contemporary times.
 The beauty of Rwandan Culture cannot be explored to the climax without experiencing an exciting Intore dance performance. This is available at Nyanza Palace and the dancing, singing and drumming patterns would definitely leave the Rwanda tour undertakers in a state of wonder!

The ideal time for gorilla trekking is on

When you talk of gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, one wonders what could be the best time to take up this world’s remarkable adventure!  The months of January and February are surely among the best months in which gorilla trekking in Uganda can be undertaken.
The habitats in which these critically endangered species dwell are much forested featuring very rugged landscapes receiving plenty of rainfall for the most part of the year. This at times poses a challenge among the travelers on Uganda gorilla safari as they endeavour to trek through the slippery and muddy surfaces while on the search for the Mountain Gorillas.
The mentioned months are like those of June through July to August where the rainfall is limited and thus such forested areas feature dry surfaces that are easy to trek making it the ideal period for a Uganda gorilla trek.
Gorilla tracking in Uganda is carried out in two National Parks namely; Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla where a range of gorilla groups have been habituated for human visitation. Bwindi alone features a minimum of 400 Mountain Gorillas while Mgahinga Gorilla is part of the greater Virunga massif where the remaining population of 480 Mountain Gorillas are known to be thriving.

Rwanda gorilla twin loses life in a cross group interaction - Rwanda gorilla safari news

A Mountain Gorilla twin from Isabukuru group in Volcanoes National Park – the destination for Gorilla safaris in Rwanda and Uganda is recorded to have lost its life following an interaction with Musilikale gorilla group.
The twin named Kura sustained serious injuries inflicted on it by Silverback Musilikale as its mother Isaro attempted to cross from her group to join the Musilikale’s.  It is a common practice among the Mountain Gorilla silverbacks to kill the infants of a new female so as to prepare it for mating. The Silverbacks always want the females to produce their off springs. This is often disclosed by guides while on a Rwanda gorilla trekking safari.
It is noted that Musilikale Silverback beat Kura many times prompting its mother Isaro to go into hiding. When the silverback left, Isaro approached Kura and carried her away but unfortunately due to the multiple injuries, the twin infant could not survive longer. During the interaction, the two (2) Silverbacks from Isabukuru gorilla group namely; Kubaha and Isabukuru kept chasing Musilikale and successfully saved a two (2) year old infant called Masunzu who was attempting to follow the mother that had crossed to Musilikale group. What is worrying is how this infant will survive without a mother but fortunately, it had reached a semi-independent age where it can struggle on its own with support of his father.
The demise of Isaro’s second twin is very sad since the first one had earlier lost its life in the similar struggle in the month of August 2016. Twin birth is such a rare thing among the Mountain Gorillas which are known to be critically endangered world over and losing them altogether is something very touching.
The infant twins are so exciting and playful generating remarkable Africa safari memories for travelers on gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda

GORILLA DOCTORS SAVE THE INFANT FROM A SNARE – RWANDA GORILLA SAFARI NEWS

Icyogere a two (2) year infant from Susa-Kukira gorilla group in the Rwanda gorilla safari destination of Volcanoes National Park was saved by the Gorilla Doctors from the wire snare that it was carrying on his left arm towards the end of Dec 2016
The one (1) meter wire snare was found wrapped around his left wrist and had caused the hand to swell which prompted the Gorilla doctors to undertake a full intervention to save the baby gorilla. At first, the immobilization plan appeared challenging due to strong bonds that the mother – Umucyo and the father – Kurira have with the infant which made it difficult to anticipate on which parent would carry him following the anesthetizing.
However, Icyogere was eventually darted at around 2:35pm and the doctors were able to treat him without interference from the parents. The removal of the snare took thirty (30) minutes after which the lesion was examined and treatment with antibiotics undertaken. Icyogere was able to re-unite with the group after the treatment.
Continuous monitoring has been undertaken and Icyogere is steadily recovering from the injury.
Mountain Gorilla habitats are surrounded by densely populated communities that always wish to encroach them for additional food supply. At times, the poachers set wire snares in the gorilla forest targeting other animals like duikers but unfortunately, the Mountain Gorillas become victims.
Listed as critically endangered world over, the conservation of Mountain Gorillas has taken many dimensions but the introduction of gorilla tourism that resulted into gorilla safaris in Rwanda has proved very instrumental in combining the interests of the state, the local communities, conservationists and the leisure travellers.
Gorilla tracking in Rwanda can be arranged through a tour operator like Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd or arranged independently for those who wish to travel on their own but an advance booking of the Mountain Gorilla permit is required from Rwanda Development Board at a cost of $750 so as to be sure of the preferred tracking date.
Volcanoes National Park is part of the Virunga massif where 480 Mountain Gorillas are known to thrive supplementing the remaining 400 individuals which exist in Uganda gorilla safari destination of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park since their current global population is estimated at 880.

STEP TOWN MOTEL; HOTELS OF KIGALI – RWANDA SAFARI NEWS

This Motel features a close proximity to the Kigali genocide memorial – the main Rwanda tour attraction in Kigali city, specialty restaurants, shopping malls, banks and Government offices.
Accommodation at Step Town Motel is presented in a range of room categories serving various visitor categories. The rooms range from single to double, standard twin with two single beds, Deluxe twin with two double beds, triple room with a queen sized beds and two single beds, executive suite suitable for those on honeymoon and vacation holidays in Rwanda and a small apartment for those interested in extended stay in Kigali Rwanda.
The rooms at Step Town Motel are equipped with considerable amenities including; Mosquito nests, en suite bathroom and toilet, complimentary Wi-Fi, electric plug, Satellite TV, mini-bar in some rooms and a Jacuzzi in the executive suite. These are all availed to ensure comfortable stay which in turn form part of the lasting Rwanda Safari memories.
The Motel features modern restaurant with the capacity to serve local and international dishes relying on the fresh sourced ingredients. The Motel also features a terrace and outdoor garden presenting an outdoor experience with the view of Kigali city and nature.
Other facilities at Step Town Motel include; enough and secure parking, complimentary shoeshine, high-speed Internet, wake up call, room service, small library, laundry service, safe deposit box, information box and baggage store.

THE FAMOUS IMIGONGO ART OF RWANDA – RWANDA SAFARI NEWS

The Imigongo is unique art pieces very popular among the native people and the travelers on Rwanda Safaris and tours. These unique works of art are generated from the cow dung and are purely of the Rwandan making.
The history of the Imigongo art dates far back to the 18^th Century when Prince Kakira utilised the cow dung to decorate the inside walls of his house by mixing it with clay and ash for colour. The subsequent art form took on the name Kakira–Imigongo – the Prince’s domain.
In the contemporary times, the Imigongo artwork has moved from the traditional walls to the paintings on portable panels of wood, wall hangings and plates which are so famous among the Rwanda Safari undertakers that take it as souvenir. These magical paintings are comprised of vibrant colors that are gathered from natural materials such as rusty red got from the natural soil, mustard yellow, white from white clay or kaolin and black from the banana peel ashes.
The Imigongo had died out in the 1990s following the tragic Rwandan genocide that left everything at standstill including the lives of over 800,000 people but after some time, the cooperatives especially in the eastern province have revived it and it is now thriving. It is actually being championed by women most of which are widows due to genocide.
Art enthusiasts including those on Gorilla Safari in Rwanda interested in gaining an experiential touch of this legendary feature can connect to Nyakarambi in Kirehe district to the east of Kigali – Rwanda’s main capital. The Kakira-Imigongo cooperative named after the Prince who pioneered this type of art also offer a close tour to the city.
The Nyakarimbi Village is close to Rwanda wildlife safari destination of Akagera National Park and the famous Russumo falls thus can be encountered as part of the wider circuit.