“The Scottish explorer, James Bruce, travelled to Gojjam in 1770, in search of the source of the Nile, identified the Mountains of the Moon with Mount Amedamit, which he described surrounded the source of the Lesser Abay “in two semi-circles like a new moon … and seem, by their shape, to deserve the name of mountains of the moon, such as was given by antiquity to mountains in the neighborhood of which the Nile was supposed to rise.” Today known as the Rwenzori Mountains, the peaks are the source of some of the Nile’s waters.”
It is in these mountains that the rare and highly endangered Mountain Gorilla inhabits the Albertine Rift montane cloud forests of the Virunga Volcanoes, ranging in altitude from 2,200–4,300 metres (7,200–14,100 ft) which were brought to the fore by Diane Fossey, “known for her extensive study of gorilla groups over a period of 18 years, studying them daily in the mountain forests of Rwanda, initially encouraged to work there by famous anthropologist Louis Leakey. Fossey was found murdered in the bedroom of her cabin in Virunga Mountains, Rwanda on December 27, 1985. The last entry in her diary read:
“ When you realize the value of all life, you dwell less on what is past and concentrate on the preservation of the future ” (Source Wikkipedia)
Travel in the footsteps of Diane Fossy and “the Gorillas in the mist”
Classical Ten Day Safari
Set Departures – Guaranteed for minimum two persons – 10-day option, Tour Code: UG10-Classic
This 10-day safari includes chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, as well as Chamburu, Ngamba; game viewing in QENP and of course gorilla tracking in Bwindi. It’s a fantastic itinerary and great value for money! Two gorilla tracking opportunities are included on this itinerary, but MUST be requested at time of booking and will be subject to availability. Trips can also include Rwanda and the Diane Fossey Project site where she worked and lived. Note that Gorilla trekking can be VERY strenuous, up to 6 hours or more of hiking in hot, high altitude conditions – be prepared.
Uganda is situated in the heart of Africa straddling the equator and is a lush, fertile country with amazing landscapes and abundant wildlife. It was described by Sir Winston Churchill as ‘The Pearl of Africa’. Discover the jewel of Africa – safaris are professionally run and highlights include: – tracking mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, game viewing in Uganda’s pristine National Parks and forests, plus mountain climbing.
Contact Plains of Africa for a seletion of itineraries to further explore this genuine heart of Africa and see one of the most threatened animals on earth, The Mountain Gorilla.
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