Great Lakes Safaris

Newsletter

1.   Ngamba chimp's home makes 10 years
This year, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary celebrates its 10th anniversary under the theme "Preserving our heritage and protecting our closest relatives". Ngamba Island was established in October 1998 to take care of chimpanzees that were threatened by poachers and human activity. Besides ensuring the welfare of our close cousins, with whom we share 98% of our DNA, the sanctuary also aims to provide a high quality education experience for visitors, as well as benefiting the local communities. Currently, 42 chimps have found a safe home at the 100-acre forest on the island in Lake Victoria.
The commemoration was attended with different events, including a 4x4 Challenge Fun to raise funds, and a 2-days workshop. The famous primatologist Jane Goodall was also present at the Ngamba Island Celebrations and expressed again her commitment to the conservation of primates and other wildlife in this country.
Read more about Ngamba Island and possible visits...

2.  Forest cottages at Primate Lodge Kibale
Great Lakes Safaris is proud to announce the completion of the new forest cottages. The bandas, that have been in a neglected state for years, are now fully renovated into six modern and comfortable cottages.
The charming bedroom is decorated with traditional African art and offers two large twin beds and a sitting area. Adjacent is a spacious bathroom with natural stone tiled walls, hot shower and flush toilet. Moreover, the private veranda will enable you to enjoy the view of the forest even more and listen to the numerous forest sounds from the seclusion of your own terrace.

Please visit our website Primate Lodge Kibale for more information and photos. Do not hesitate to contact us for any enquiries or details!

3.  Chimp Award for Great Lakes Safaris
Although Primate Lodge Kibale has opened her doors hardly a year ago, we have already won an award for our lodge in Kibale Forest National Park. The Chimp Award for Investment in Eco-tourism was presented on 5th June 2008 by the Executive Director from Uganda Wildlife Authority, Moses Mapesa. He commented that the trophy was given because of the high quality, the high customers satisfaction, the loyal commitment to the surronding communities and above all, meeting the eco-tourism standards. Other reasons included the prompt completion of the lodge facility, the good partner relations and adherence to good environment standards, the strong efforts in community empowerment and the contribution to the tourism industry in Uganda.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you as well for your continuous support to Primate Lodge Kibale and we are looking forward to welcome you (again) at the lodge.

4.  Studio 53 in Kibale Forest
For those who are not yet fully convinced of the unparalleled beauty of Kibale Forest, could have found their proof in the special edition of M-Net's Studio 53. This TV program is portrays the highlights of Africa's beauty, from its people to the abundant wildlife and from the music and art to the natural beauty. Instead of showing five African countries, Studio 53 decided to deviate from its standard format and produce a special documentary on Uganda for thirty full minutes.

Similar to the visits of other international filming crews, Great Lakes Safaris gave her contribution again by providing transport and accommodation. While presenter Fareed Khimani from Kenya took off for Bulago Island, Gaetano Kagwa travelled with Amos Wekesa to the west and explored the traditional way of life at Nshenyi Village. Sister Fire from Malawi, however, preferred the tropical rainforest of Kibale National Park and spent a night at Primate Lodge Kibale before going in search of the wild chimpanzees.

The Uganda special was broadcasted on M-Net on 31st July 2008 at 19.30 hr.

5.   Permits available
The year 2008 is only halfway but we can already define it as a tumultuous year. There has been a great run on gorilla permits, especially in the months of July and August, and inevitably many people got dissapointed by the fully booked tracking dates.

But no need to worry! Great Lakes Safaris still has gorilla permits available for this year and even blocked some permits for next year's season. Thus if you want to track the mountain gorillas on any of the following dates, you are guaranteed of a permit!
      30th September 2008     3 permits available
      10th December 2008      4 permits available
      15th December 2008      4 permits available
      20th December 2008      6 permits available
      06th January 2009         4 permits available
      15th January 2009         6 permits available
      27th January 2009         6 permits available
    
Permits can be booked in combination with a tour to other national parks, completely adapted to your wishes. But book early as competition is high!

6.   Testimonial
Pamela Mateo and her family came all the way from the USA to join a safari with us in June 2008. This is how they reflected their trip:
"We are back in the States and I just wanted to thank you again for all that you did in setting up our safari. We had a wonderful time! The Masindi Hotel had the best food and the Paraa Lodge had the best view!
Words can't even begin to express what a great driver and guide David was! He was professional and attentive at all times and as flexible as possible. We had a great time with him and missed him greatly when we continued our journey with Sr. Immaculate. It was fun though, because when we took the kids to whitewater raft in Jinja, there was David again! It was like running into an old friend.
Anyway, I will highly recommend your company in general, and David in particular, to anyone who is planning a vacation in Uganda. Thank you!"

If you have any questions or comments concerning the newsletter please contact us!

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