The Great Gorilla Gathering

(EMAILWIRE.COM, June 02, 2008 ) KAMPALA, UgandaÂ—Discovery Initiatives, clients of Volcanoes Safaris, the first organization to host mountain gorilla safaris in post-conflict Uganda and Rwanda, have created a gorilla festival in Uganda that warrants some great attention. The Great Gorilla Gathering is designed to provide a stimulating platform from which to track gorillas and also give visitors a unique perspective and insight into the long-term welfare of gorillas. All of this is done in the company of world leading experts, native Ugandan hosts, and the gorillasÂ’ guardians. This Gathering aims to offer more than just a glimpse into the world of the Mountain gorilla. This is a privileged and rare look at unique experts in the field of primate conservation and in the tropical forests of Uganda which are home to over half the population of Mountain gorillas left in the world. This is combined with a unique and active tour program that includes wildlife photography and art workshops. During this program, which includes gorilla trekking, hands on workshops, and fascinating talks and debates, visitors will explore all the facets of the natural world and human involvement in its survival.

During the trip, five nights are spent in one of AfricaÂ’s richest rainforest habitats, 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 border are over 11 separate primates, with the black and white colobus monkey with its long tail being the most prominent, and over 90 mammals and species of birds. Visitors spend time with Ugandan hosts, along with having time to interact with the guardians and rangers of the park itself, and the communities surrounding the parks. This gives visitors 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.

Visitors will also enjoy the friendship and camaraderie that such a Â‘hands onÂ’, participatory trip inspires, while staying in the comfort of two of the best lodges in Uganda that overlook BwindiÂ’s forests. The visitorsÂ’ 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 extend this target to US$10K. Optional extensions to this trip are available. Saturday October 4th to Saturday October 12th, 2008 (9 Days). Cost is from Â£4295 per person including international flights from the UK and two gorilla permits. No single supplement if individual is willing to share room. For more information about Volcanoes Safaris or the Great Gorilla Gathering, please contact Jane Behrend at 866-599-APES (2737).

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Volcanoes Safaris
Jane Behrend
866-599-APES (2737)
salesug@volcanoessafaris.com