Last month, the shocking news reached us that one of the members of the Habinyanja family was killed by poachers. Although investigations are still taking place, it is believed that the gorilla fell victim by poaching activities targeting other animals in the forest. Uganda Wildlife Authority, who is responsible for the management of the national parks, is actively participating in the ongoing investigations. Together with the local communities and governmental agencies, efforts have been increased to step up vigilance towards poaching and trying to find win-win situations for the conservation of mountain gorillas and communities.

But there is also good news! Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has a total of 28 gorilla families of which 6 are habituated for tourism. Recently, two new groups were added and another one is habituated for research. The Mishaya family lives in southern Bwindi and exists of 12 members including one silverback. Ruhija (Central Bwindi) is the area where the Oruzogo group is located. This is the newest gorilla family with 16 individuals including two recently born babies.

Read more about the gorilla families in Uganda...

Help us to protect the mountain gorillas! Read here what you can do to support the conservation of the mountain gorillas, and give them and their human neighbours hope for the future!

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Stay in one of the most exclusive lodges in Uganda while visiting the mountain gorillas. Do not miss this opportunity and save more than USD $900 with this Gorilla Safari Special.

Whether you are a single traveler our travel in a group, we invite you for a unique experience in the magical environment of Bwindi Forest. The Gorilla Safari Special offers you:
      * An unforgettable meeting with the mountain gorillas of Bwindi
      * A 4 star experience at a 3 star price
      * Eco-friendly accommodation that is frequently visited by the endangered gorillas
      * NO single room supplement!

The Gorilla Special is available from USD $890 per person, with scheduled departure dates in low season. The tour can also be booked on individual basis and single travelers do not pay any supplement for their single room. Gorilla permits are sold out quickly, so contact us to secure your gorilla tracking safari today!

For more information about the Gorilla Safari Special download the flyer or contact our office in the USA. The itinerary can also be viewed on our Gorilla Safari website.

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Apart from being home to over half of the worlds remaining mountain gorilla population, Bwindi National Park was also the habitat for the Batwa pygmies. This indigenous tribe is known as the forest people. For centuries they solely relied on the tropical rainforest along the Virunga Volcanoes for their livelihood and cultural heritage.

But as their habitat became a national park and World Heritage Site to protect the mountain gorillas, the "Keepers of the Forest" were evicted from their home and became conservation refugees in an unfamiliar world.

Thanks to the Batwa Trail you have the unique opportunity to be introduced to these incredible people. The hike is accompanied by a Batwa guide who interprets and gives insight into their traditional life, while you walk through the forest they know so well. You will see how they lived and hunted small animals, how they collected fruits and prepared herbal medicine.

Not only you will learn to see the magical rain forest through their eyes, but the experience will also directly benefit the Batwa tribe. It is a way to preserve their rich culture, the traditional relationship with the forest and to use the income to improve their livelihoods.

Read more about the Batwa Experience...

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Gorilla tracking is without a doubt an unforgettable and once in a life time experience. So why don't you treat yourself with a stay in an equally special accommodation, to complete your unique experience?

Mahogany Springs is the newest lodge in Bwindi National Park. Located right at the edge of the impenetrable forest and only a 2 minute drive from the headquarters, it offers privacy and serenity combined with optimal comfort. Seven luxury suites are privately set in the lush garden and provide panoramic views of the forest and surrounding area. Each of them has two double beds, a private terrace and a large en-suite bathroom. The main building includes a craft shop, bar and restaurant area, relaxing lounge with fireplace and a large veranda to take in the stunning views.

Apart from the comfort and the elegant design, it is the small touches that make the big difference. Experience the lodge for yourself and book Mahogany Springs as the perfect base for your gorilla tracking or bird watching adventures!

Visit the Mahogany Springs website or contact us for more details and availability!

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We are delighted to inform you about our renewed Uganda Group Safaris for 2012!

After carefully reviewing the programs and trying to keep the price as competitive as possible, we proudly present to you the following group safaris for next year:

HIGHLIGHTS OF UGANDA - 16 days
Adventurous safari that includes the highlights of the country. New in the program is among others:
     - a visit to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, home to the only rhinos in Uganda
     - the unique Batwa Experience in Bwindi Forest
     - two nights at the Source of the Nile to ensure a relaxing end of your safari
As you will notice, the renewed program focuses highly on community projects and makes sure that the local people share in the revenues as well. Moreover, there is an attractive discount for the low season months!

** Guaranteed departure: 7 February 2012 **

LUXURY PRIMATE SAFARI - 10 days
Amazing safari that provides unforgettable encounters with Uganda's wildlife while staying at luxury African lodges. New in the program is among others:
     - an exciting night game drive in Lake Mburo National Park
     - inclusion of two new stylish accommodations which ensure an even more memorable stay
Also for this safari we have introduced attractive rates for low season.

Please remember that, although the safaris depart with a minimum of 4 people, they are suitable to be made on individual basis as well. Besides, every participant will receive a free detailed Uganda map upon arrival.

Should you require more information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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We are in the middle of high season and unfortunately most of the gorilla permits are sold out for the popular travel months. We do however still have 2 guaranteed permits available for an exciting chimpanzee tracking in Kibale Forest National Park:

•  28 August 2011    -    2 chimp permits available (morning tracking)

If you are interested in tracking the gorillas or chimps, do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to check for you the current availability. 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!

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Great Lakes Safaris was honored to host Jannie Zwart and her family from the Netherlands on a wildlife safari in Uganda. This is how she reflects the safari:

"We had a wonderful time, what a wonderful country!! With your organization we could make this safari and are extremely pleased and grateful! Our driver Henry was a very nice person and driver. We are eager to get in touch with him and thank him for this beautiful safari. And if we come back to Uganda, we hope to meet Henry again, as a good friend and guide! Thanks a lot!"

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