Uganda THE GREAT MOUNTAIN GORILLA GATHERING

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1 Uganda THE GREAT MOUNTAIN GORILLA GATHERING WHY JOIN THIS TOUR? Unique opportunity to trek gorillas with world-leading experts in their field Privileged insight into Mountain gorilla ecology, behaviour and conservation Superb opportunities to enjoy artistic and photographic workshops Exclusive use of two lodges in the famous Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Summary This Gathering aims to offer more than just a glimpse into the world of the Mountain gorilla. This is a privileged and rare insight amongst a unique range of experts in the field of primate conservation, in the tropical forests of Uganda, home to over half the population of Mountain gorillas left in the world. This is combined into a uniquely active and participatory tour programme including wildlife photography and art workshops. During this programme, which includes gorilla trekking, hands on workshops, fascinating talks and debates, you will explore all the facets of the natural world and our own involvement in its survival.

2 Overview The Great Gorilla Gathering is designed to provide a fabulous and stimulating platform from which to track gorillas and also get a unique perspective and insight into their long-term welfare in the company of world leading experts, our Ugandan hosts and the gorilla's guardians. This is unlike any other Mountain gorilla tour a trip wholly exclusive to Discovery Initiatives - offering much more than just a glimpse into the world of the gorilla, but instead a fascinating gorilla discovery safari, an opportunity to enhance your skills or interest in both wildlife photography and art, and a wonderful fund raising opportunity for primate conservation. Five nights are spent in one of Africa s richest rainforest habitats, a magnificent verdant swathe across the steep ridges of the Albertine Rift Valley. It is one of the few rainforests in Africa to have flourished throughout the last Ice Age and is home to roughly half of the world's Mountain gorillas, about 360 in all. Within its 330 sq km borders are over 11 separate primates, with the black and white colobus monkey with its long tail being the most prominent. With over 90 mammals and birding being amongst the best in Uganda, this forest deserves the time to explore and enjoy it properly. We also spend some time with our Ugandan hosts, with talks and discussions with the guardians and rangers of the park itself and the communities surrounding the park, getting a real idea of the conflicts between people and wildlife that are the ultimate challenge for the long term future of habitat and conservation in Africa. Lastly enjoy the friendship and camaraderie that such a hands on, active and participatory trip inspires, in the comfort of two of the best lodges in Uganda perched overlooking Bwindi s forests. Extensions to other parts of Uganda are, of course, possible. Your participation in The Great Gorilla Gathering will help to raise over US$5K for Mountain gorilla conservation, and we are also seeking to auction a painting at the end of the tour to enhance this target to US$10K.

3 Your experts Ian Redmond OBE World-renowned renowned Gorilla Expert Heading the expertise is Ian Redmond, wildlife biologist, author, consultant for numerous documentaries and passionate conservationist, with a lifelong interest in apes and elephants. As Chief Consultant to GRASP, the UNEP/UNESCO Great Apes Survival Project, he now spends most of his time trying to convince politicians and other decision makers that Great apes are valuable assets. Asked about his work he says, I am a naturalist by birth, a biologist by training and a conservationist by necessity. Heather Angel World Class Nature Photographer Heather Angel is a British award-winning wildlife photographer who has been at the forefront of wildlife photography in Britain for more than a quarter of a century. Her work has been recognised by many worldwide honours and awards. In 1986, an honorary Doctorate of Science was conferred on her by Bath University. She is the first British wildlife photographer to be appointed a professor - at Nottingham University in She is also a prolific author; her 50th book Puffins was published in summer 2007 and she writes regularly for the photographic press. Julia Lloyd Ugandan-based Primatologist Julia Lloyd is a respected and experienced Primatologist who has spent a number of years living and working in Kibale with a team of researchers, habituating and studying chimpanzees. Her knowledge of the chimps, her passion for gorillas, and her dedication to the conservation of the region's Great apes, will not only enlighten you, but also inspire you to join her in the fight for their continued survival in these forests. She is currently studying for a PhD at Makerere University in Uganda. Jason Morgan Professional Wildlife Artist Increasingly recognised as a world-class wildlife artist his passion for the natural world coincides with a passion for art. Selling principally through his website his art is increasingly being commissioned for its magical quality and realism. As he says, Back with the elephants in the lush vegetation of the Okavango Delta and the lions of the dry savannah of Savuti... it's almost as if time stands still as I relive my memories through paint. Gorillas are a particular speciality of his. Julian Matthews Conservationist and Founder of Discovery Initiatives A passionate conservationist, his job takes him across the globe visiting wilderness areas across the seven continents and designing and developing new tours and safaris in partnerships with conservation agencies and alongside leading wildlife experts. He also runs a campaign called Travel Operators for Tigers in India. He has travelled a few times in Uganda and Rwanda and lectures on travel and conservation worldwide. Praveen Moman Visionary and Co Founder Volcanoes Safaris As Co Founder of Volcanoes Safaris in Uganda, a locally run eco lodge operator since 1997, his vision has helped the development of Gorilla Tourism in a uniquely sustainable way. He was born and brought up before the winds of change in Uganda in the 1970 s, since then he was a political advisor to John Major s government and the European Commission, and holds a degree in Biological Sciences from London and a Masters from Cambridge.

4 Itinerary Day 1-4 th October London Heathrow Entebbe (via Nairobi) Depart London Heathrow on the Kenya Airways flight to Entebbe in the evening, flying overnight via Nairobi. Day 2-5 th October Entebbe/Ishasha/Bwindi After changing planes in Nairobi you will be welcomed on arrival in Entebbe and transferred to the nearby Kajjansi airstrip for your private charter to Ishasha in two small Islander aircraft. On arrival you will be met by vehicles to drive the 3 hours south to Bwindi. Arriving in Bwindi the group will be split into two groups of 12 persons, one party staying at the comfortable Bwindi Lodge and the other in the nearby, equally comfortable Gorilla Forest Camp. From here you will be rewarded with views of the forest and be truly in the domain of the gorilla. After lunch the afternoon will be at leisure to relax and explore the area or simply unwind at the lodge, with the option of a community walk for those interested. This evening before dinner, there will be a welcome talk hosted by the Bwindi Park Director followed by a short introduction to Mountain gorillas and their behaviour from Ian Redmond. Dinner will then be taken in the communal dining area at Bwindi Lodge. Overnight in allocated accommodation on a full board basis. Day 3-6 th October Bwindi Today, after an early breakfast, group one will be split into two smaller groups to track one of the three habituated gorilla groups, Mubare, Habinyanja, or Rushegura. Bwindi itself is a true rainforest, over 25,000 years old and spread over a series of steep ridges and valleys so the walking here is challenging and you need to be physically fit. However the thrill of coming face to face with your first mountain gorilla in the wild is an incredible experience and well worth the effort! As well as the local UWA guides, you will be joined by either Ian Redmond or Julia Lloyd. You could potentially be walking for up to 8 hours in difficult terrain and should be well prepared. Group two will be taken on a half-day guided nature walk into the forest of Bwindi, an easier introduction to the region. This will be led by an expert birder, with an extraordinary ability to call some bird species to him. A walk in Bwindi is fascinating, offering you the chance to see a huge variety of flora and fauna and you may well come across some of the other species of primates including Black and White colobus monkeys, numerous birds and many of the 100 s of colourful butterflies. After you return for lunch, in the afternoon there will be two optional workshops. One will be led by Heather Angel on wildlife photography, with a gentle walk and the chance to learn techniques in photographing birds, plants and other flora and fauna and the other will be headed by Jason Morgan who will run a wildlife arts skills workshop, showing you how to sketch, draw and paint wildlife in the field. Over early evening drinks, there will be a short talk by Praveen Moman on Tourism and Mountain Gorillas. Supper on the terrace at Bwindi Lodge.

5 Day 4-7 th October 2008 Today the two groups will swap activities, with Ian Redmond and Julia Lloyd leading group two into Bwindi to track Mountain gorillas, and group one with Jason Morgan and Heather Angel doing a morning workshop and an afternoon nature trail walk. This evening Julia Lloyd will give a short talk on Primate conservation: The future for Great apes in Central Africa'. Supper on the Terrace at Bwindi Lodge. Day 5-8 th October 2008 Today group one will again head into the forest for a second chance to track these magnificent animals, this time with Heather Angel and Jason Morgan accompanying the two tracking parties. Hopefully, having stretched your legs on the first tracking this trek may prove a little easier, but you should still be prepared for another full day in the forest. Group two will accompany Julia and Ian on a community walk after breakfast where you will gain insight into the issues and problems that conservationists and communities face trying to preserve forests and cater to an ever increasing populace on Bwindi s boundaries. Discussion with community heads and a visit to the local school will be undertaken, as well as a visit to a project instigated by funds derived from the gorilla permit levy to support these communities. After lunch and a siesta, group two will have the opportunity to go and meet the Park Director and members of his tracking and patrolling staff, to get some idea of the day to day activities and risks undertaken by the Uganda Wildlife Authority to protect this habitat and its invaluable great apes. Evening talk and slide show by Heather Angel over drinks. My life as a Wildlife Photographer over a quarter of a century'. Dinner taken in Bwindi Lodge. Day 6-9 th October 2008 Today again, the groups will swap the activities on Day 5, with group two enjoying a second day of tracking with Jason Morgan and Heather Angel and group one embarking on community visit with Ian Redmond and Julia Lloyd. In the evening over drinks there will be a debate chaired by Ian Redmond with the Park Director and our Expert Panel. Is there a viable future for Great ape conservation in a crowded world? Farewell dinner and thanks to our hosts, including invitations to join us extended to local community leaders and UWA staff. Auction of the gorilla portrait that Jason Morgan will have painted. Day 7-10 th October 2008 After breakfast depart on the 8-hour drive back to Entebbe. Whilst this journey will take all day, you will be passing through the dramatic countryside of southern Uganda, offering some wonderful photo opportunities and a picnic lunch. On arrival in Entebbe, you will be transferred to the comfortable Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel for the night on a bed and breakfast basis. EXTENSIONS POSSIBLE FROM HERE (SEE BELOW) Day 8-11 th October 2008 After a morning at leisure, you transfer to the airport for the flight on Kenya Airways to Nairobi and onwards to London Heathrow, flying overnight.

6 Day 9 12 October 2008 Arrive UK early morning OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS IN UGANDA AND RWANDA 3-day extension Queen Elizabeth National Park Drive from Bwindi north to the savannah plains of Queen Elizabeth National Park with its herds of plain game, elephants, hippos and tree climbing lions. Optional opportunity to trek along the Kyambura Gorge to see chimpanzees. Spend two days at the Mweya Safari Lodge before returning back home. 4-day extension Rwanda and the Virunga volcanoes Drive from Bwindi south on a scenic road with a view of the towering Virunga volcanoes to the Rwanda border and onwards to the Virunga Lodge near Ruhengeri. Go tracking Mountain gorillas in these volcanoes for one day and spend another day exploring the region (or optional further tracking) before returning to Entebbe and home via Kigali.

7 Dates 2008 Saturday 4 th to Saturday 12 th October 2008 (9 Days) Main tour cost for Costs Per Person From 4495 per person including international flights from the UK and two gorilla permits. *Based on scheduled airlines, availability and minimum 20 people travelling on the Gathering. Single supplement We do not charge single supplements if you are willing to share. Includes International economy return flights to Entebbe from London on Kenyan Airways, all accommodation on a full board basis unless otherwise shown, all transport, all alcoholic drinks at Bwindi (excluding premium wines, spirits and champagnes), TWO gorilla permits per person, services of English-speaking guide/driver, local guides and trackers and the range of expertise and workshops involved in the programme. This tour will help raise a contribution of up to US$10,000 to be given to the International Gorilla Conservation Project to help conserve the great apes and their habitat. This tour also includes a contribution to the Climate Care Initiative to help offset the carbon emissions from your flight. Excludes Travel insurance, visas, vaccinations, items of a personal nature, gratuities, any extra meals. Travelling from outside the UK We are happy to quote you either in US dollars or Euros, without flights to Entebbe. Because of recent currency fluctuations we will quote you at the time of your enquiry using the current exchange rate. Coming from the USA or other parts of the world. Experience tells us that the best way to get to Uganda is via London and Nairobi and, therefore, we would encourage you to join the tour in London. Please contact us for information on booking hotels in the UK.

8 Important information Vaccinations and Visas All visitors must be in possession of a valid passport with at least six months left before expiry. Visas are required for entry into Uganda for British citizens, which can be obtained on arrival or a fee of U$40 per person. For other nationalities, we recommend you contact your nearest embassy. A Yellow fever vaccination is essential and we recommend inoculations for Typhoid, Tetanus and Hepatitis A. If you are a regular traveller abroad we would recommend that you are up to date on all childhood inoculations and vaccinations including Polio. Malaria is present in the area and expert advice is therefore essential. Please consult a medical practitioner or call MASTA on (premium rate call) at least one month before you travel. Health and Fitness A good level of fitness will allow you to fully appreciate the gorilla trekking and with this in mind we recommend you undertake some form of regular exercise in preparation for the sometimes challenging walks. Past groups have been known to trek for up to 8 hours in the forest on steep slopes and through dense vegetation, though there are some natural trails to follow. Extra permits Please contact us should you wish to take advantage of extra permits, subject to availability and payment of an additional charge, over and above the two already allocated as part of this tour. Notes About Gorilla Permits Permits are non-refundable except for medical reasons and a medical certificate has to be provided in the event of cancellation. Gorilla viewing can be denied at short notice because of national park or border closures or gorillas going out of range. In such circumstances refunds are at the discretion of the authorities. Obtaining a gorilla permit is therefore not a guarantee of seeing a gorilla though the chances are nearly 95% that you will. Seeing a gorilla in the wild should be seen as a privilege NOT a right. Accommodation standards Accommodation is in two of the best lodges in Uganda, both small wilderness eco-lodges with friendly staff who give you a real feel for the country and both only minutes apart. They are comfortable, well run and in fantastic locations close to the entrance to the park, with en suites in cottage-style bandas or chalets with twin or double beds, showers and toilets. Please do remember though that you are in a developing country where infrastructure can be poor and service is sometimes a little relaxed! A good sense of humour and an open mind will help you get the most from this trip, although the people of the Rift Valley region are wonderful hosts. Essential items that you will need You should take sunblock, strong sunglasses, and a wide brimmed hat. When walking wear colours that blend with the scenery. Long trousers or tracksuit (not jeans) give protection against thorns and do not leave you cold when wet. Previous clients strongly recommend the use of gloves. Good footwear is essential, with good grip for muddy surfaces, as is a good poncho/rain wear. A light coat or sweatshirt for the cold mornings and a good pair of binoculars, a camera with lenses and plenty of film are also advisable. Weather Uganda is a very lush and green country because it does have reasonable rainfall throughout the year. Bwindi itself is a rainforest, so one should expect some rain and mist at any time, though this trip is at the end of the so called dry season, and before the short rains start in late October.

9 Our commitment In 2007 we celebrate 10 years of spectacular achievement as internationally recognised award-winning pioneers in the field of nature travel. We have proved that responsible tourism can play a key role in conservation without compromising the environment or the quality and enjoyment of your holiday. We have raised over 750,000 in support of the world s leading wildlife and conservation agencies, researchers and experts, and increased awareness of travel and conservation through newsletters, lectures and consistent media coverage. Furthermore we have voluntarily spearheaded collective action campaigns such as Travel Operators for Tigers in South Asia. In 1998 we were the first tour operator in the UK to ensure all flights were Carbon Neutral through the Climate Care Levy we pay on all flight tickets something that most other travel companies have only just begun to offer. The goal of the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP) is to ensure the conservation of Mountain gorillas and their habitat in Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The IGCP is a unique partnership, formed in 1991, comprising three coalition partners, the African Wildlife Foundation, the World Wide Fund for Nature and Flora and Fauna International. This trip includes one year s membership, via the FFI, and a significant contribution to aim for a total donation of US$10K from this tour. Our travel partners, accommodation, service providers and ground agents are all carefully chosen to ensure their commitment to the environment, most being quality, family owned businesses reflecting the unique character of the places, the abiding hospitality of its people and the remarkable spirit of its wilderness. Now come along and see for yourself. With us it won t cost the earth! Want to discuss this trip? Please call Chris Johnston on (0) for more details or to make a booking. Having travelled extensively through some of the world s rich primate habitats, including Borneo, Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Central African Republic and the DRC, Chris has developed a passion and understanding for these wild and captivating areas. Having come face to face with gorillas, chimpanzees and orangutans on numerous occasions he will be more than happy to share his enthusiasm for the most fascinating of all animals.