The Wilder Traveller

Blog

  • The 20 Most Beautiful And Colorful Birds on Earth

    In wildlife sometimes you have to wonder at the glory displayed by nature. The beauty of nature is further enhanced with the presence of attractively colored birds. There are about 10,000 species of birds from all over the world. Let us meet 20 world’s most beautiful and colorful birds;

    1. Golden Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus)

    The golden pheasant of Asia is a brilliantly colored game bird. It is also called “Chinese Pheasant”. It is native to forests in mountainous areas of western China, but feral populations have been established in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. The adult male is 90–105 cm in length, its tail accounting for two-thirds of the total length.

    2. Birds of Paradise (Paradisaeidae)

    Birds of Paradise are distinguished by striking colors and bright plumage of yellow, blue, scarlet, and green. These colors distinguish them as some of the world’s most dramatic and attractive birds. The majority of species in this family are found on the island of New Guinea and its satellites, with a few species occurring in the Moluccas and eastern Australia. They can be 12-100 cm in length.

    3. Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus)

    The Hyacinth Macaw or Hyacinthine Macaw are the largest parrots in the world, reaching a massive 100 cm in length. They are native to central and eastern South America. They have striking cobalt blue feathers, contrasting with the bare yellow eye ring and yellow patch of skin next to the lower bill. The tail is particularly long and the powerful black bill is deeply curved and pointed.

    4. Flamingo (Phoenicopteridae)

    Flamingos are the only members of the family Phoenicopteridae. Distinguishing characteristics include long legs, a long, curved neck, and a goose-like voice. Flamingos are mostly found in South America and also can be found in Peru, Chile, Bolivia Argentina, Caribbean and Galapagos islands.

    5. Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea)

    This beautiful Neotropical mystery birds are called American songbird. Adult males are bright red with black wings and tail and females are yellowish on the underpants and olive on top, with olive-brown wings and tail. (Scarlet Tanager)

    6. Northern Oriole (Icterus galbula)

    Northern Oriole, this little musical whistled bird was thought to be two separate species; “Baltimore” in the east and “Bullocks” in the west. Male has black head, back, wings and tail. Bright orange breast, rump and shoulder patch. Female greenish yellow with dull yellow-orange underparts and two dull white wing stripes.

    7. Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides)

    Mountain bluebird (formerly, Sialia arctica; protonym, Motacilla s. Sylvia Currucoides), also known as the Arctic bluebird. The Mountain Bluebird is a medium-sized bird weighing about 30g (1.1 ounces) with a length from 16–20 cm (6.3–7.9 in). These are attractive birds with blue, or blue and red, plumage. Female birds are less brightly colored than males. Call is a thin few; Song is warbled high chur chur.

    8. Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

    The Northern Cardinal can be found in southern Canada, through the eastern United States from Maine to Texas and south through Mexico. The cardinal is about eight inches in length. It has a distinctive crest on the head and a mask on the face which is black in the male and gray in the female. Cardinals are known for their bright red color but only the male is red. The females is a dull brown or olive color with dull red on her wings and tail.

    9. American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis)

    The American Goldfinch also known as the Eastern Goldfinch and Wild Canary, is a small North American bird. They are truly beautiful, though, in their breeding colors. The male displays brightly colored plumage during the breeding season to attract a mate.

    10. Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)

    The Wood Duck or Carolina Duck is a species of duck found in North America. It is one of the most colourful North American waterfowl. The Wood Duck is a medium-sized duck weighing one to two pounds and measuring 19 to 21 inches from bill tip to tail end. The drake is a dramatic, colorful bird with green and purple iridescence on the head, and a droopy crest. The adult male has distinctive multi-colored iridescent plumage and red eyes. The female, less colorful, has a white eye-ring and a whitish throat.

    11. Kingfisher (Halcyonidae)

    The tree kingfishers or wood kingfishers are short-tailed large-headed compact birds with long pointed bills. Like other Coraciiformes, they are brightly coloured. Most tree kingfishers are found in the warm climates of Africa, southern and southeast Asia, and Australasia.

    12. Green Wing Macaw (Ara chloroptera)

    The Green winged Macaw (Ara chloroptera) is one of the largest of the Macaw parrots. It is quite beautiful in color and very distinguished its own right. It is considered to be one of the most docile Macaws and often referred to as the ‘gentle giant’. They are gentler, quieter, and a more affectionate Macaw than many of its relatives.

    13. Troupial (Icterus icterus)

    The Venezuelan Troupial (Turpial in Spanish), Icterus icterus is the national bird of Venezuela. It is found in Colombia, Venezuela, and the Caribbean islands of Aruba and Curaçao. Troupials are fairly large in size, with a long tail and a bulky bill. It has a black head and upper breast. The wings are mostly black with a white streak and the eyes are yellow.

    14. Blue Throated Bee-Eater (Merops viridis)

    The bee-eaters are characterized by richly colored plumage, slender bodies and usually elongated central tail feathers. It is found in Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical mangrove forests.

    15. Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris)

    Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) also known as the Nonpareil. The male Painted Bunting is often described as the most beautiful bird in North America. Its colors, dark blue head, green back, red rump and underparts. The plumage of female and juvenile Painted Buntings is green and yellow-green, serving as camouflage.

    16. Keel-Billed Toucans (Ramphastos sulfuratus)

    The Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus), also known as Sulfur-breasted Toucan or Rainbow-billed Toucan. It is the national bird of Belize. The Keel-Billed Toucan is a large and colorful bird with black plumage, a bright yellow throat and cheeks, vibrant red feathers under its tail and a yellow-green face.

    17. Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus)

    The Rainbow Lorikeet is very colorful as its name suggests.The head is deep blue with a greenish-yellow nuchal collar, and the rest of the upperparts (wings, back and tail) are deep green. The chest is red with blue-black barring. The belly is deep green, and the thighs and rump are yellow with deep green barring. In flight a yellow wing-bar contrasts clearly with the red underwing coverts. It is found in Australia, eastern Indonesia (Maluku and Western New Guinea), Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. In Australia, it is common along the eastern seaboard, from Queensland to South Australia and northwest Tasmania. Its habitat is rainforest, coastal bush and woodland areas.

    18. Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)

    Macaws are the largest parrots in the world — the body of the scarlet macaw from beak to tail can be as long as 33 inches. This beautiful macaw has a creamy white, almost featherless face, with bright red plumage covering most of its body, wings and long tail. Brilliant blue and yellow feathers also adorn the lower wings. They can be found from southern Mexico to Peru, as well as Bolivia, eastern Brazil and the island of Trinidad.

    19. Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis)

    The Stork-billed Kingfisher, Pelargopsis capensis (formerly Halcyon capensis), is a tree kingfisher which is widely but sparsely distributed in the tropical Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia, from India and Sri Lanka to Indonesia.

    20. Peafowl (Pavo)

    Peafowl, a large bird of the pheasant family, is among the most colorful of birds. The male is called a peacock, the female a peahen, and the offspring peachicks. The adult female peafowl is grey and/or brown. Peachicks can be between yellow and a tawny colour with darker brown patches.

    It is difficult to select 20 most beautiful and colorful birds around from 10,000 species in the world. But we try our best. Give your comment and let us know that you support us.

  • The Most Dangerous and Deadliest Scorpions on Earth

    In wildlife there are so many dangerous and poisonous animals or creatures, you must have to avoid. Scorpions are one of them. They are really dangerous and sometimes deadly too. Here I tried to make a list of the most dangerous and deadliest Scorpions on Earth.

    1. Deathstalker (Leiurus quinquestriatus)

    The deathstalker (Leiurus quinquestriatus), also known as Palestine yellow scorpion, Omdurman scorpion, Israeli desert scorpion. They are yellow in color and about 30–77 millimeters in long. The deathstalker is known for its venom, it is a powerful mixture of neurotoxins, with a low lethal dose. A sting from this scorpion is very painful, it normally would not kill a healthy adult human, but young children, the elderly, or infirm (such as those with a heart condition or those who are allergic) would be at much greater risk for its life-threatening allergic reaction.

    2. Yellow Fat-tailed Scorpion (Androctonus australis)

    Androctonus australis is a North African desert scorpion. They can grow upto 10 centimetres in length. Androctonus australis is one of the world’s most dangerous scorpions for its very potent venom, equivalent to a black mamba snake. It causes several deaths every year.

    3. Arabian fat-tailed scorpion (Androctonus crassicauda)

    The Arabian fat-tailed scorpion (Androctonus crassicauda) is a species of dangerous scorpion. They can be found in North Africa and the Middle East. Some authorities report a sting from a Arabian fat-tailed scorpion can kill an adult human in seven hours. Reactions vary considerably, but children are especially vulnerable.

    4. South African Spitting scorpion (Parabuthus transvaalicus)

    South African Spitting scorpion (Parabuthus transvaalicus), also known as Black Spitting Thicktail scorpion, South African Fattail scorpion, South African Giant Fat Tail scorpion, Transvaal thick-tailed scorpion or dark scorpion. They can be found in Southern and Eastern Africa. They can spray their venom up to 3 feet long. This venom effects in the eyes is pain to temporary blindness. Permanent damage can occur if the venom is not washed from eyes.

    5. Striped bark scorpion (Centruroides vittatus)

    The striped bark scorpion (Centruroides vittatus) is an extremely common scorpion. They can be found throughout the midsection of the United States and northern Mexico. They are not so aggressive. The sting can be extremely painful. For some, the worst passes in 15–20 minutes, but not uncommon to remain very painful with numbing sensations for 2–3 days.

    So…here I found only five of them. There are not so resources about these scorpions on internet but I know there are more out there, that are really dangerous, poisonous and deadly. I can give you a short list of scorpions, if you want to research about them.

    1 ) Odontobuthus doriae
    2 ) Leiurus quinquestriatus
    3 ) Androctonus mauretanicus
    4 ) Centruroides noxius
    5 ) Androctonus Australis
    6 ) Centruroides santa maria
    7 ) Tityus serrulatus
    8 ) Centruroides suffusus
    9 ) Centruroides limpidus
    10 ) Compsobuthus acuticarinatus
    11) Leiurus jordanensis
    12) Tityus trinitatus
    13) Apistobuthus pterygocercus
    14) Tityus bahiensis
    15) Buthus occitanicus

    Want to know about wildlife facts, strange news or amazing photography ? Signup on my site and stay with me.

  • The Mountain Gorillas: Great Apes to See in Africa

    The Mountain Gorillas: Great Apes to See in Africa

    The mountain gorilla (botanical name Gorilla beringei beringei) is the largest, strong ape inhabiting Africa’s volcanic slopes, has few natural predators. But due to increase in human nature and new invention the gorillas are highly endangered animals because of man. Such as poaching, civil war, and habitat destruction, the mountain gorilla, a subspecies of the eastern gorilla, has become the most endangered type of gorilla.

    Currently, the mountain gorilla’s habitat is limited to protected national parks in two regions of Africa. One group of gorillas lives in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. The other group is spread over three national parks in the Virungas mountain region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda.

    Mountain gorillas are as shy as they are strong. But when threatened, they can be aggressive. They beat their chests and let out angry grunts and roars. Group leaders will charge at the threat. Mothers will fight to the death to protect their young.

    Mountain gorillas live in groups of up to 30. The group, or troop, is led by a single alpha male, an older silverback. These males are called silverbacks because of the silver stripe they develop on their backs when they mature. The oldest males of the group are at least 12 years old. These troops also include several younger males, adult and juvenile females, and infants.

    In addition to providing protection to group members, silverbacks maintain order and decide all activities within their troop. They schedule feeding trips, resting time, and travel. They also father the majority of the young in the group.

    Female mountain gorillas can produce young beginning at age 10. They carry one or two babies at a time and give birth after a 8.5-month gestation period. In general, they will bear between two and six offspring in a lifetime.

    Newborn gorillas weigh about 1.8 kgs at birth. They are as weak and uncoordinated as human babies. For the first four years of their lives, they get around by clinging to their mothers backs. By 3.5 years of age, the young gorillas are fully weaned from their mother’s milk and start the same diet as mature mountain gorillas: plants, leaves, roots and shoots.

    Fully-grown male mountain gorillas can weigh up to 180kg. Females weigh half that at about 90 kg. Aside from the silver stripe on their backs, male mountain gorillas are distinguished from females because they have a crest of fur on their heads. Both genders have similar thick black hair covering their body. Their thick hair keeps them warm in cold mountain temperatures.

    In Uganda, Bwindi is the ultimate destination for gorilla trekking safaris, journeys to see the great apes in the wild. In the whole world, there are as few as 1000 mountain gorillas left. Gorilla tracking will cost you about US$700 per person and this activity is limited to only those who are above 15 years. The gorilla tracking is done in Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park.

    Gorilla tracking is for exactly one hour after meeting the gorillas, typically they do not count the trekking time they do consider the time when you meet the gorillas. There is actually gorilla habituation in Uganda where you get to spend about four hours with the gorillas in the wild.

     

  • Visiting the Volcanoes National Park

    Visiting the Volcanoes National Park

    This Rwanda protected area is a home to the endangered mountain gorillas. It’s located in the north western part of Rwanda about 116km that’s about 2 hours’ drive from Kigali Rwanda’s capital and its largest city. The park is known one of the most famous parks not only in the East Africa but also in the whole of Africa; its fame has been raised by the counts of mountain gorillas that it supports. The volcanoes national park is known for being part of the Virunga massif and it supports over 480 remaining mountain gorillas out of about 900 left in the world almost a half of these remaining apes are inhabited in this small African country.

    The Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is regarded as the gorilla stop center for the travelers undertaking gorilla safaris in Rwanda. Gorilla tracking is known as the number one tourist activity thought after by very many travelers within and outside Rwanda. The activity involves moving deep into the forest passing through muddy and sometimes steep volcanoes in order to meet our close relative something which makes the activity more interesting. The magical one hour you are allowed to stay with these endangered apes is a memorable one.

    Over 80% of travelers to Rwanda visit volcanoes national park for an opportunity to have a close sighting of these rarely seen mountain gorillas which are only seen in their natural habitat. No one is allowed to track/trek these endangered mountain gorillas without a gorilla permit which costs a fee of US$1500 per person per tracking the fee includes the park entry fee and a ranger  guide fee. Permits are sold ate the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) Offices in Kigali or at the park headquarters in Kinigi.

    You can’t talk about mountain gorillas of Rwanda without mentioning the works of Dian Fossey. She was a prominent primatologist that fell in love with these endangered apes, without her, and the continued support by the government, tourism industry and the local people especially those who live near the park, mountain gorillas would be nowhere to be no more. She habituated and studies the behaviors of these mountain gorillas for a period of more than 18 years.  However, she was killed by the poachers whom she had made herself very unpopular, she was buried in Karisimbi were she had established her research center near Digit her favorite gorilla. Don’t forget to visit her tomb to get more history about her work and gorillas.

    Besides mountain gorillas, the park is a home to the rare golden monkeys; they are known to be living only in the Virunga volcanoes that stretch from Congo to Uganda through Rwanda. They have beautiful magical golden patch on their back that makes them attractive, they are fabulous fan to watch when playing in fruitful trees or in the bamboo forest of volcanoes national park. They are rare species and amazing to encounter when jumping from one tree to another.  Travelers on Rwanda gorilla treks have always combined the golden monkey tracking with their gorilla safari package in Rwanda making the gorilla tracking safari more exciting and rewarding.

    The park is also a home to the great volcanic mountain with the highest mountain in Rwanda Mount Karisimbi 4,507m found within the park boundaries and it’s among the eight mountains that form the Virunga ridge. Bisoke 3,711m is also primarily located within the volcanoes national park it offers several adventurous activities including hikes with an opportunity to view beautiful views of Ngezi Crater lake. Don’t forget mount Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura which also found in the Volcanoes National park hence a home to five volcanic mountains. All these attractions make the park more rewarding especially to those who love adventure.

    For birders, volcanoes national park offers the best sighting opportunities to see various species of birds. Volcanoes national park is a home to over 180 species of birds some of which are Albertine rift endemic, even during gorilla trek, chances of sighting bird species are very high, so those interested in bird watching will be gifted with a double chance. The mixture of the above make the park (Volcanoes National Park) a must visit Rwanda tourism site and its proximity makes access very easy. Come and explore with us Rwanda’s hidden secrets at volcanoes national park.

  • Car Rental: A Wise Move to Travel Around a Foreign Destination

    Car Rental: A Wise Move to Travel Around a Foreign Destination

    Renting a car can be a wise move when traveling around a foreign destination, as it offers several advantages and flexibility. However, there are certain factors to consider before making this decision. Let’s explore the benefits and considerations of renting a car for travel.

    Benefits of Renting a Car

    Independence and Flexibility: Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and visit off-the-beaten-path destinations that may not be easily accessible by public transportation. It allows you to create your itinerary and have more control over your travel experience.

    Convenience: Having a rental car means you don’t have to rely on public transportation schedules or deal with crowded buses or trains. You can come and go as you please, making it convenient for day trips, exploring remote areas, or making spontaneous stops along the way.

    Accessibility: Some destinations, especially rural or remote areas, may have limited public transportation options. Renting a car ensures you have reliable transportation to reach those places and enjoy the natural beauty or cultural sites that may be inaccessible otherwise.

    Cost-Effective for Groups: If you’re traveling with a group or family, renting a car can often be more cost-effective than purchasing individual tickets for public transportation. It allows you to split the cost, making it an economical choice for group travel.

    Considerations Before Renting a Car

    Driving Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the driving regulations and requirements of the country you’re visiting. Some destinations may have different driving rules, road signs, and driving customs that you need to be aware of to ensure a safe and legal driving experience.

    Road Conditions and Traffic: Research the road conditions, traffic patterns, and driving culture of the destination. Some countries may have challenging road conditions, aggressive drivers, or complex traffic systems that can be overwhelming for inexperienced drivers.

    Parking and Navigation: Consider the availability and cost of parking at your destination. In crowded cities, parking can be expensive and limited. Additionally, ensure that you have a reliable navigation system or a map to navigate unfamiliar roads and reach your destinations efficiently.

    Insurance and Documentation: Understand the insurance coverage provided by the car rental company. For instance, a travel company such as Car Rental in Uganda offers comprehensive insurance that covers liability, damage, and theft free of charge.  Also, ensure you have all the necessary documentation, such as a valid driver’s license and international driving permit if required.

    Alternative Transportation: Evaluate the availability and efficiency of public transportation options at your destination. In some cities, public transportation networks may be extensive, reliable, and cost-effective, making renting a car unnecessary.

    Overall, renting a car can be a wise move to travel around a foreign destination, but it’s essential to consider the specific circumstances of your destination and your comfort level with driving in unfamiliar surroundings. Assess the benefits and potential challenges to make an informed decision that aligns with your travel preferences and needs

  • Top 5 Wildlife Safari Experiences in Uganda

    Top 5 Wildlife Safari Experiences in Uganda

    A safari in Uganda is one of the best trips to enjoy wildlife viewing in Africa. This is not due to high wildlife numbers like in Tanzania, South Africa and Kenya but the diversity of wildlife you can see on a single safari. Uganda is a great place hosting incredible wild animals including gorillas, chimpanzees, over 10 species of monkeys, and more.

    Mountain gorilla tracking

    Uganda is the best destination for gorilla trekking on the entire planet. Mountain gorillas in Uganda live in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park located in southwestern Uganda. Bwindi impenetrable has the highest mountain gorilla population estimated at 480 with 18 habituated mountain gorilla families. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park on the other hand has only one mountain gorilla family. Each of the mountain gorilla groups is tracked by strictly 8 tourists everyday spending with it an hour.

    Mountain gorillas can be best tracked in the dry season in the months of December to January and from June to September. Mountain gorilla tracking permits are sold at US$700 during the peak season and US$450 in April, May and November.

    Recently introduced in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s Rushaga sector is the mountain gorilla habituation experience. There are two gorilla groups that are currently undergoing habituation and only 4 tourists are allowed to be part of this great adventure where tourists are allowed to stay in the presence of the mountain gorillas for 4 full hours getting to know more about them and observing the gorilla habituation experience. The permits for the gorilla habituation experience are sold at US$1500 per person.

    Game Viewing

    This can be done in the major savanna national park that Uganda has. The popular Queen Elizabeth National Park in western Uganda has a variety of wild animals like elephants, tree climbing lions in the Ishasha sector, hippos and crocodiles along the Kazinga channel, buffaloes, chimpanzees in the Kyambura gorge forest, Topi’s and many others. Murchison falls national park also in western Uganda is also a home to a number of wild animals including buffaloes, African elephants, Nile crocodiles, hartebeests, giraffes and many others. These can be viewed while on game drives or on boat cruises along the Nile.

    The Kidepo Valley National Park situated in the extreme northeastern Uganda is another unique wildlife destination and among the best game viewing destinations in Uganda with a variety of wild animals like cape buffaloes, leopards, hyenas, elephants, zebras, cheetahs and many others.

    Birding

    Uganda the pearl of Africa is blessed with a number of bird species. Currently over 1000 birds’ species have been recorded including those that cannot be found in any other place on the African continent. Some of the most rare birds in Uganda include the shoebill stork that lives in the swampy areas. Other birds that can be sighted include Turacos, skimmers, falcons, hornbills, Egrets, eagles and many others. These are usually seen along water bodies, swamps, forests, while others keep flying in the air.

    Chimpanzee Tracking And Habituation Experience

    This is usually done Kibale forest national park, which is located in western Uganda. This national park has the highest chimpanzee population in the world and it’s on such basis that it was named the primate capital of east Africa. Chimpanzee tracking is the most done adventure wildlife activity in this national park. Tourists going for chimpanzee tracking are expected to be at the national park headquarters early in the morning for briefing after which they are directed along the various tracking trails in search of the chimpanzees.

    Tourists going for chimpanzee tracking usually come back by midday. The chimpanzee habituation experience on the other hand is a full day activity that starts very early in the morning at 7:00 am ending in the evening. The chimpanzee habituation experience gives tourists a greater chance to spend more time with the chimpanzees and get to learn more about them.

    Chimpanzee tracking permits are sold at $150 and the chimpanzee habituation experience permits are sold at $220. Tourists need to however book early enough.

  • 5 Sounds of Nature You Will Never Forget

    5 Sounds of Nature You Will Never Forget

    As you travel, especially if you are interested in seeing wild animals or spending some time around other natural forces and phenomena, there are certain sounds which only nature makes – and some of these sounds will stay with you for ever.  Just like seeing an old photo which you took on safari, tasting food you enjoyed at a street market in Asia or smelling the distinct aroma of an exotic fruit (in particular I’m thinking of durian fruit as I write this) – sounds can evoke great emotion or trigger incredible memories…  especially when it is a sound you perhaps just heard in the distance and never go to see the culprit – it is amazing how far some natural sounds will travel!

    Here I have listed 5 sounds which I have experienced, and which will stay with me as a fond reminder of that trip for ever!  Whilst it wasn’t always possible, where I have been able to I have included recordings of those sounds taken on these trips.  Please feel free to leave a comment to let me know which natural sounds you have experienced will stay with you, and which I should really try to experience myself.

    The Song of the Gibbon, Vietnam

    This is by a long long way my favourite sound (natural or otherwise) in the world, and living right next door to Wingham Wildlife Park who house this exact same species I am lucky enough to hear it on most mornings (especially when i is foggy), however here is nothing as amazing as hearing this first thing in the morning, in the humid Vietnamese rain forest!

    We got up very early in the morning while staying in Cat Tien National Park and were taken to the main park office to meet our morning gibbon walk guide.  We only trekked for about 20 minutes or so before we got to the giant banyan tree, at which point we had some (delicious) breakfast while we waited for the gibbons to wake up.  Just after dawn we heard the sound of gibbons calling and our guide rushed us to their position.

    We were so glad to actually see a bonded pair of White Cheeked Gibbons in the wild, as this isn’t guaranteed with this tour…  but all of the conditions were in our favor.  However we couldn’t believe our eyes when it turned out that they had a little baby with them too, which must have been no more than 9 months or so old.  After watching them silently for about what felt like 5 minutes (but to be honest I didn’t check the time and we could have been there for 2 hours considering how many photos I took) they started to sing – first one, and then in unison.

    Sadly the photos came out rubbish as I had the wrong lens with me on this trip and the lighting was terrible, but I do have that absolutely magical sound not only in my mind, but recorded!

    The Racket of the Rainforest, Borneo

    Out of all the rain forests I have been to so far (in Costa Rica, Borneo, Vietnam & Australia) it is the Baku National Park which has so far had the loudest inhabitants – especially for some reason at about 2:00 pm – our guide said you can always tell when it is 2:00 pm because a special species of cicada always starts to chirp at that time…  It might have been a fluke but just as it started it was in fact 2:00 pm!

    A lot of people complain that in the rain forest they can’t sleep, but personally I love the noise and find it relaxing – it really drives home the fact that you are at that point absolutely surrounded by nature!  It also helps that for many years (before I started to travel) I kept a lot of reptiles which were in my bedroom, and the majority of these fed on crickets.  This was also my first rain forest experience so there are a lot of other memories of the temperature, humidity and amazing wildlife which accompany this sound for me!

    The Call of the Howler Monkey, Costa Rica

    When we heard these guys at our lodge in Tortuguero, Costa Rica and it was very early in the morning…  as well as being just 10 meters or so away from our room!  It is a really deep grumble and can be heard from really far away it’s no wonder they call them their wake up call at that lodge!

    In a recording it might not sound like a particularly nice noise, and to be honest not hugely different from the grunt of a pig, however for the size of this monkey it really is an incredible sound.

    The Falls of Gulfoss, Iceland

    There is so much to see in Iceland and much of it revolves around water (be it from rivers, waterfalls or volcanic activity), with one of the most spectacular being the massive Gullfoss waterfalls where 140 cubic meters of water (although in the winter when we were there it is more like 80 cubic meters) per second cascade over the edge.

    The audio file doesn’t really do the real thing justice, and as you walk down towards the lower viewing area you have to really speak up around your travelling partner to ensure that you can hear each other.  Whilst this isn’t necessarily my fondest Iceland memory, or even my favourite waterfall for that matter, the sheer crashing noise it emits really sums up the raw power ad beauty of Iceland.

    The Laugh of the Kookaburra, Australia

    The kookaburra is a type of kingfisher bird from Australia and the sound it makes is not only unmistakable but also in my opinion one of the best bird songs there is…  It might not be as beautiful as some of the smaller song birds, but to me, it’s just a sound that makes you feel good!

    We heard a few kookaburras whilst in Australia (having seen our first wild one sitting on top of a sign in Taronga Zoo, Sydney, of all places!  However it wasn’t until we went to the great ocean road near Melbourne to look for koalas where we first heard our first wild Kookaburra.

    Sounds of Nature Not Yet Heard

    There are a few sounds of nature which I am yet to experience, and can’t wait for the day that I do.  These include (but I am sure that this list will increase with time, even as I get round to hearing them, rather than decreasing):

    • The chest beat of a wild gorilla in Africa
    • The pant hoot of a wild chimpanzee
    • The rumble of a volcanic eruption
    • A whale singing
    • The warning of a wild rattle snake
  • Top 4 Wildlife Safari Experiences Not to Miss in Rwanda

    Top 4 Wildlife Safari Experiences Not to Miss in Rwanda

    Top Things to See in Rwanda

    Mountain Gorillas

    Rwanda is blessed to have the mountain gorillas in her volcanoes national park located in the western part of the country. Mountain gorillas are very endangered primates that are currently remaining in only 3 countries on the entire planet. Of the three countries, Rwanda is the best destination for gorilla safaris and currently there are 10 habituated mountain gorilla groups. The mountain gorillas in Rwanda are very easy to track because the forests in volcanoes national park where the mountain gorillas live are not very thick thus offering much clear views of the great apes relaxing and well as a better chance for clear photographs.

    The Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is located a few kilometers from the capital city Kigali and can be got to after a 2 to 3 hours drive coupled with en route sightings of the beautiful landscapes in the Rwandan countryside.

    The mountain gorilla tracking permits for Rwanda are sold at $750 and the mountain gorillas in volcanoes national park can be tracked at any time of the year. Tourists are however recommended to book or secure their mountain gorilla tracking permits early enough because a limited number is usually available a day (only 80 mountain gorilla permits).

    Golden Monkeys

    These are also very unique primates in Rwanda that also inhabit the forested mountains of Volcanoes National Park. Just like mountain gorillas, golden monkeys are also very rare primate species that can only be found in the Virunga massif to covers volcanoes national park. These primates are very unique with their golden fur and also live in groups just like most of other primates.

    Golden monkey tracking also starts in the morning however tourists usually return by mid day and can therefore get time to rest or go for a cultural tour to the Ibyiwacu cultural village. The golden monkey tracking permits is sold at $100 and they can also be tracked at anytime of the year.

    The Chimpanzees

    Chimpanzees in Rwanda live in Nyungwe forest, which is situated in southwestern Rwanda. This forest is among the less disturbed natural forest in east Africa and is a home to not only chimpanzees but also a wide range of wildlife species including birds, plant vegetation, insects and many others.

    Chimpanzees are however the leading wildlife attractions of Nyungwe forest national park and the forest has tracking trails that lead tourist to different corners of the forest amidst great scenic views.

    Savanna Wildlife Species

    Akagera national park located in eastern Rwanda is the only savanna national park in Rwanda and a home to a number of savanna wild animals that include zebras, giraffes, lions, hippos, buffaloes, baboons plus a number of antelopes.

    Akagera national park covers lake Ihema, which is a home to a number of aquatic wild animals, and it’s where tourists while on a boat cruise that costs only $40 view the hippos and crocodiles.

    The other wildlife species in the national park can be viewed while on game drives. Park entrance fees are only $35.

  • 10 Weird Foods From Around The World

    10 Weird Foods From Around The World

    I’m quite a big fan of weird foods, especially meat, although I would prefer to refer to them as exotic, as I don’t look at many of them as being weird, whilst other foods which I find to be weird are widely enjoyed…  For example I draw the line at snails!

    Some people however have asked me what the most unusual things I have eaten are so here are just a few of them….  Id love to hear about what you have eaten whilst travelling or in your local area.

    1 – Baby duck egg

    This is a delicacy I have seen on TV before and thought that a) I’d never see it in person and b) I wouldn’t try…  However we went to Vietnam and in Ho Chi Minh City it’s actually a very common street food.  As part of a food tour with tiger tours they offer this to me and I thought whilst there I might as well give it a try…  It sounds gross, it’s a duck egg which was fertilised and allowed to mature almost to the point of hatching before cooking…  And trust me it is rank!  Probably not as bad as you’d think though – the texture is quite smooth and it essentially tastes like duck egg – it’s more knowing what it is that gets you!

    2 – Kangaroo jerky

    I don’t find this weird as kangaroo is by far my favourite meat, as long as it is prepared properly.  It has a distinct flavour and is a very tender meat when cooked by someone who knows what they are doing with it…  It’s not as straight forward to cook as pork or beef.  Whilst in Australia I thought I would try it as a jerky…  I find the meat to have a slightly peppery flavour anyway so thought it would go well, but to be honest when dried for jerky it just goes too dry and stringy, taking on the properties of a good dog chew.  (Shame as I am also a huge jerky fan)

    3 – Frogs legs

    The most recent, and where they were the biggest was in Florida…  They are seasoned very nicely here and I think flavour wise were my favourites however they are just far too big there, using bull frogs.  As such they have some black veins running through them which is off putting for me.  I have also tried them in Vietnam where they are very veiny and I didn’t like the way they are cooked at all…  Although the flavour was good as they like theirs spicy.  The best however were the first ones I ever had in France.  The English often make fun of the French for their consumption of these legs but if you prepare them as nicely as they do…  Why not!  They are much drier and smaller than the others I had eaten and covered in a light garlic batter…  Really good!

    4 – Crocodile & alligator

    I have eaten both in Vietnam, USA and even back here in the UK – in fact I make a pretty good crocodile burger!  It’s a very tender light meat which reminds me a little bit of fish in its texture, but with its own mild taste.  It’s good as a burger, in a curry and even battered…  I don’t find it weird at all and recommend it if you come across it, just be careful in rural areas to make sure it is sourced responsibly, especially crocodile.

    5 – Puffin

    When I returned from Iceland some of my friends were shocked that I’d eaten a cute puffin…  I must admit that it’s a gorgeous bird and in some areas / some species are endangered or vulnerable, but not in Iceland…  There it is quite common to eat this species and it is done in a sustainable manner.  The flavours a really nice but I wasn’t too keen on how it was presented…  Lightly smoked and not cooked further – it was like puffin sushi and I felt like I might have just as well chewed on a live puffin, which was a shame.

    6 – Florida cat fish

    There’s a reason why these guys sit at the bottom of ponds not showing their faces, they’re ugly as sin!  I had it as part of a swamp meal which included frogs legs and alligator, both of which were good…  But this ugly fish tastes of the muddy waters it lives in.

    7 – Durian fruit

    I have not actually eaten fresh durian as when ever I have seen it they have been sold whole…  I have no desire to eat that amount of any fruit in one go!  However I have eaten products made with and / or containing this stinky fruit.  If you have been to a market in Asia you will know the smell…  It’s that smell you first assumed to be a sewer and I most associate it with Malaysia.  A lot of people say that it is the king of fruits and the most delicious of all, as long as you get past the smell…  Me?  I think it tastes a lot like it smells…  And don’t think that a durian flavoured sweet won’t smell, they’re still not something you want to open in a hotel room.  No fruit should be banned from public transport and hotel rooms, but there is good reason why this one is pretty much anywhere it grows!

    8 – Goats Udders

    It seems like a lot of my weird food experiences have been in Vietnam, and this is one of the weirdest.  It is fried on a gas cooker in the middle of your table, and is marinated in a fairly spicy sauce.  The taste isn’t too bad.  I like goat as a meat however the flavour does seem to be a bit stronger in the udders….  The worst thing about them is the texture!  It is what I image chewing on a condom to be like and wouldn’t recommend it at all.

    9 – Saures fleisch

    A german dish which literally translates as sour meat and is not to be confused with the absolutely delicious saurbratten…  Possibly one of the tastiest dishes in the world!  Saures fleisch on the other hand is meat which is slightly pickled and tastes a little fermented and then preserved in a lot of gelatine…  It looks a lot like dog food and is even served cold.  If you are waiting for a nice big steaming pile of saurbratten this is one of the worst things which can be placed in front of you…  Also I’m not sure what sort of meat it is and from which part of the animal(s) it comes from – I’m pretty sure it’s just scraps!

    10 – Dried insects

    I have eaten dried insects including crickets, locusts, mealworms and ants in a variety of scenarios and ways, and must say that I have never found them to be horrible.  Ants are quite bitter with the hint of a citric taste so go well with chocolate, whilst mealworms a much more savoury option.  All of them are much better cooked having tried mealworms, crickets and locusts live as well…  The flavour it similar but the sensation and knowing what you are eating is very different!

  • Chimpanzee Trekking: Tanzania or Uganda?

    Chimpanzee Trekking: Tanzania or Uganda?

    Tanzania is a country in East Africa within the Great Lakes region. It is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south. 

    Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, is in north-eastern Tanzania. Tanzania is ranked as the top destination for Big Five safaris and the vast majority of tourists also visit Zanzibar – or do a northern circuit of Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and Mount Kilimanjaro.

    People also come to Tanzania to go chimpanzee trekking. Recently Primate Safaris Rwanda visited Tanzania to clearly understand the difference between the chimpanzees in Tanzania and those in Uganda.

    Tanzania

    Gombe Stream National Park is one of the smallest national parks in Tanzania at only 20 square miles. The park is located in the western Kigoma region and was established in 1968. The terrain is distinguished by steep valleys, and the forest vegetation ranges from grassland to alpine bamboo to tropical rain forest.

    The park is accessible by boat and is known to be a home for chimpanzees. It is in this park where Jane Goodall conducted her research on chimpanzees. The park’s diversity makes it increasingly popular, just like Kibale Forest National park in Uganda. Besides chimpanzees, primates inhabiting Gombe Stream include beachcomber olive baboons, red colobus, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, and vervet monkeys.

    The park is also home to over 200 bird species and bush pigs. There are also 11 species of snakes, and occasional hippopotami and leopards. Visitors to the park can trek into the forest to view the chimpanzees, as well as swim and snorkel in Lake Tanganyika with almost 100 kinds of colourful cichlid fish.

    With the support of renowned anthropologist Louis Leakey, Goodall set up a small research station in Gombe Stream in hopes of learning more about the behavior of our closest relatives. There she spent months tracking the elusive chimpanzee troops, particularly the Kasakela chimpanzee community, and observing their daily habits until she was slowly accepted by one troop and was allowed rare and intimate glimpses into chimpanzee society. She wrote many books and filmed many documentaries about the behavior of chimpanzees.

    Uganda

    Uganda is the world’s second most populous landlocked country after Ethiopia. The southern part of the country includes a substantial portion of Lake Victoria, shared with Kenya and Tanzania. Uganda is in the African Great Lakes region. Uganda also lies within the Nile basin and has a moderate equatorial climate.

    Uganda is the most well known destination for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Africa.

    The Kibale Forest National Park, located in western Uganda, is known to be the home to the close relatives of humans, chimpanzees. It contains a diverse array of landscapes and Kibale is one of the last remaining expanses to contain both lowland and montane forests. In eastern Africa, it sustains the last significant expanse of pre-montane forest.

    Kibale National Park is an important eco-tourism and safari destination, popular for its population of habituated chimpanzees and 12 other species of primates. The park has one of the highest diversity and concentration of primates in Africa. The park protects several well-studied, habituated communities of common chimpanzee, as well as several species of central African monkey including the Uganda mangabey, the Ugandan red colobus and the L’Hoest’s monkey. Other primates that are found in the park include the black-and-white colobus and the blue monkey.

    The park’s population of elephants travel between the park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. Other terrestrial mammals that are found within Kibale National Park include red and blue duikers, bushbucks, sitatungas, bush pigs, giant forest hogs, common warthogs, and African buffalo. The carnivores that are present include African leopards, African golden cats, servals, different mongooses and two species of otter. In addition, lions visit the park on occasion.

    The park boasts many species of birds, including the olive long-tailed cuckoo, western tinkerbird, two species of pittas (African and green-breasted) and the African grey parrot.

    Primate Safaris Rwanda is offering a safari that gives you the opportunity to visit the primates in both nations. Check out the the 8-day safari here!