JUNGLE TALES | YEAR OF THE CHIMP

JUNGLE TALES

| Year of the Chimp

January 2016

LAST YEAR IN REVIEW | WHAT’S NEW | WHAT WE THOUGHT YOU KNEW ISSUE: 01

A very warm hello to you all, it is with great pleasure that we welcome you back from the year of the chimp. Congratulations upon your safe return.

By now we know you are probably wondering why this edition of our newsletter was dubbed “Jungle Tales | Year of the Chimp.”

The Jungle tales will be a monthly publication from us. But based on our bookings and findings, the chimpanzees topped the list in the volumes of traffic, not to mention, 2015 was the first year a Chimpanzee was recognized as a legal person! Yes, who said evolution is a one way road.

So in light of that fact, we at Great Lakes Safaris declared 2015 the year of the Chimp. And on that note, allow us to wish you a very blessed and fruitful journey through 2016.

Change in Tourist Visa Fees

Travelling to Uganda again or soon? Then be advised that there has been a significant change in the visa charge. The impromptu change may surprise you as much as it shocked us, none the less, be sure that it will be money well spent. Without a doubt.

Uganda Vs Spain

As if to prove “Uganda is not Spain”, our very own ambassador of nature brought Spain’s legends to Uganda. Want to find out how and why he did it? The details lie inside.

Greetings from the jungle…

JUNGLE TALES | YEAR OF THE CHIMP | Issue 1

Marking 14 years in service and business

From the humblest of beginnings, look how far we’ve come. Not to claim the credit, we shall without further ado, allocate it where it’s due and where else if not to you. Very many thanks to all of you who have been supporting Great Lakes Safaris in the first 14 years of existence.

First and foremost; our esteemed loyal customers, our highly valued international partners, our suppliers, various key players and stakeholders in this industry, plus of course the team behind Great Lakes Safaris. Thank you for your dedication and service, without a doubt it’s you that have grown us into the brand we are. Without you we would surely not be where we are today.

At our 10 years celebration, we hosted a grand party and God willing we’ll do it even bigger for the 15th anniversary. But last year, the money that we’d intended to spend on celebration was diverted to a much more worthy and nobler cause, instead of an office party the funds went to towards painting The Salvation Army Orphanage home in Tororo.

Instead of the usual feasting and merry making while counting our blessings, at the end of last year, we chose to share our blessings. Our end of year party was held in the hearts of less privileged younger ones, the custodians of tomorrow. Since giving is more rewarding than receiving, to keep our hearts warm, we donated the money intended for the party to the Sanyu Babies home.

Our first fleet…

Our current home…

Last year’s accolades…

PROOF OF OUR EXISTENCE

2002 - International Award for Best Performance

2008- Chimp Award for Investment in Eco-Tourism

2011-Nominated for Tourism of Tomorrow Conservation Award

2011 – 20th

among the Fastest Growing Top 100 Midsized Companies

2011-2012 Revenue Growth Champion Uganda

2012- Number 1 in Tourism category, Top 50 Brands Awards

2013- Number 27 of Top 100 Midsized Companies

2015-Best Local Tour Operator in the Tourism Awards

2015- Our CEO, Amos Wekesa was voted the Best Male Personality in Tourism

WE’VE ALSO SET UP SHOP IN KIGALI! MAYBE NEXT YEAR

WE’LL SET UP CLOSER TO YOU.

JUNGLE TALES | YEAR OF THE CHIMP

Great Lakes on the road

They say the world is like a book and not to travel is equivalent to being stuck on the same page forever. So last year we also hit the road and turned a few pages. We left our trails in Kenya and England.

We are proud to have participated in the Magical Kenya Travel Expo held at the Leisure Lodge Beach & Golf Resort, Diani beach from the 15th to the 17th of October.

Also together with our partners and other Kamili partners, we boarded the KamiLive Tour Bus through the United Kingdom, visiting the following Venues:

26th October – Winchester

27th October – Exeter

28th October – Cotswolds

29th October – Chester

30th October – London

This year we shall be attending the World Travel Market & Indaba. Pass by to learn more about us and our latest developments & offers. Hope to see you there.

THE SUDDEN DOUBLE

Perhaps the actual intention of the

Ugandan government was to

encourage foreigners to get used to

East Africa as a single destination

despite the geographical borders

separating the main attractions.

And to that effect, in July last year,

they decided to increase the Tourist

Visa fees from US $50 to US $100 per

person. The sudden double may

surprise you as much as it shocked us

but be sure it will be worth paying.

The Tourist Visa can still be obtained

directly upon arrival and paid for in

cash. We will keep you updated in

case of any new information.

But you can still enjoy the East

African Visa which lets you visit

Uganda, Rwanda & Kenya for $100.

Ponder on this.

LITTLE KNOWN FACTS & STATS

68% The number of the citizens of the world who have not toured their own countries or at least taken the time to explore and learn more about their heritage, culture and local attractions. Have you?

42% 42% of all the money spent on a daily basis is spent by travellers, tourists and holiday-makers. What do you spend on ?

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON VISA FEES

www.ugandawildlife.org

www.tourism.go.ug

Uganda adjusts Tourism Visa fees

JUNGLE TALES | YEAR OF THE CHIMP | Issue 1

Uganda Vs Spain

Spanish Prime Minister

Rajoy sent a text to his finance minister in the midst of negotiations on the terms of a bailout for Spain's banks. Urging him to hold out for a good deal, it said: "We're the number 4 power in Europe. Spain is not Uganda." The remark caused a storm of protest in Uganda & some ironic tweets pointing out Ugandan economic success.

So how do the two countries compare? Not just in terms of finance but in the currency of beauty. Allow me to quote, “In the short time that I have been here, I have no doubt that Uganda is one of the most beautiful countries in the world,” Patrick Kluivert said.

And as if to add insult to injury, the Uganda Cranes won the soccer match we played against their greatest players.

But where did this all begin? It all started with a meeting with former FC Barcelona player Rayco Garcia. During his stay in Kampala Amos Wekesa, CEO Great Lakes Safaris had the opportunity to discuss the possibilities of starting a football academy in Uganda, giving the Ugandan youth a chance to develop their talents, and to market Uganda as an unparalleled tourism destination.

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OUR NEW OFFICES IN KIGALI

Since progress is our reputation, we just recently expanded our operations and coverage. We now arrange safaris throughout Rwanda including the 3 National Parks; Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park and the Nyungwe National Park. We also conduct history and cultural tours plus trips to other scenic places like Gisenyi and Kibuye on the shores of Lake Kivu.

TO CONTACT US DIRECTLY: Kigali, Kibagabaga, KG 10, Plot 51 Office: +250 280 550 055 Mobile: +250 (0) 782-174933

INTERNATIONAL CHIMP NEWS

April 20, 2015 – New York, NY – For the first time in history a judge has granted an order to show cause and writ of habeas corpus on behalf of a nonhuman animal. This afternoon, in a case brought by the Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP), Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Barbara Jaffe issued an order to show cause and writ of habeas corpus on behalf of two chimpanzees, Hercules and Leo, who are being used for biomedical experimentation at Stony Brook University on Long Island, New York. Under the law of New York State, only a “legal person” may have an order to show cause and writ of habeas corpus issued in his or her behalf. The Court has therefore implicitly determined that Hercules and Leo are “persons.” A common law writ of habeas corpus involves a two-step process. First, a Justice issues the order to show cause and a writ of habeas corpus, which the Nonhuman Rights Project then serves on Stony Brook University. The writ requires Stony Brook University, represented by the Attorney General of New York, to appear in court and provide a legally sufficient reason for detaining Hercules and Leo. The Court has scheduled that hearing for May 6, 2015, though it may be moved to a later day in May. The NhRP has asked that Hercules and Leo be freed and released into the care of Save the Chimps, a sanctuary in Ft. Pierce, Florida. There they will spend the rest of their lives primarily on one of 13 artificial islands on a large lake in Ft. Pierce, Florida along with 250 other chimpanzees in an environment as close to that of their natural home in Africa as can be found in North America.

LOCAL CHIMP NEWS

It is with great pleasure that we break the good news to all primate lovers world over. Those familiar with chimp tracking are aware that previously no more than 12 people were permitted to go into the park to track the chimps per shift, that number has been upped by 50% and now you can go in as a group of 18 trackers per shift.

JUNGLE TALES | YEAR OF THE CHIMP | Issue 1

THEY JUST KEEP

UPGRADING...

PRIMATE LODGE

KIBALE

For your convenience, comfort and pleasure, they’ll stop at nothing to always give you a better experience than everyone else. And for this purpose, they broke down all the luxury tents and in their stead constructed all new Royal Luxury Cottages.

Don’t get it wrong, we don’t mean renovation; they built again from ground up. The new design features much larger windows allowing more natural light in and doubling natural air flow. The concept was to bring the outdoors experience indoors. At your earliest convenience go and check in for a touch of royalty. The rooms were fitted with regal décor, well-polished furniture, steady supply of hot water in the bathrooms & unique designs for the entire room outlay. At the moment, 7 luxury cottages are finished & the last 2 will be done by end of February.

Work has commenced on the Standard Cottages as well, they’re furnishing and renovating them to ensure they have similar features to the Luxury Cottages. They too have been fitted with large windows, better lighting, décor and they are an absolute delight to stay. So far 2 of them are done and they’ll be done with the remaining 5 soon, turning the premises into a 4 star jungle hideout. Just what a getaway

destination is supposed to be.

Book and experience the upgrade for yourself. Don’t hesitate to contact them for a booking in advance to make your reservation or get more information.

RANKED AS EXCELLENT BY TRIP ADVISOR

Because good is not good enough

JUNGLE TALES | YEAR OF THE CHIMP | Issue 1

Great Lakes Safaris is pleased to share with you the new International Group Tours for 2016!

Discover the best of Uganda with this 7-day Discover Uganda Tour! An ideal short trip if you’re constrained by time or budget-wise. Or you’d like to combine Uganda with another East African destination.

The safari includes intimate

primate & wildlife encounters, cultural interactions and overnights in traditional and adventurous safari lodges.

Or you can alternatively opt

to upgrade to the more superior accommodation for even more comfort! Every scheduled departure is guaranteed with a minimum of 2 people only

We are pleased to inform you about the little known Baker’s Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park. This rather recent addition to Uganda’s Exclusive Camps is located on the southern banks of the mighty River Nile, which perfectly transects Murchison Falls National Park.

The little known haven

derives its name from the historic English explorer Sir Samuel Baker.

The lodge comprises of a

thatched central lounge, a bar and dining area which is raised with wooden decks all around allowing guests to savor the morning sunrise at breakfast, sunset in the evening and 180 ⁰ river views. It’s a must stop if you’re in and around the area.

Baker’s Lodge cottage

Birding Safari Uganda (10 days) info@safari-uganda.com

Classic Safari (14 days) info@greatlakessafaris.com

Fly in Gorilla Safari (4 days) www.greatlakessafaris.com | www.safari-uganda.com Rwanda Gorilla Safari (4 days)

Primate Special Uganda (9 days MUTUNGO HILL, PLOT 1001, BLOCK 243

Primate Safari Uganda & Rwanda (12days) BIINA ROAD / TANKHILL ROAD

Secrets of the North (12 days) P.O BOX 33024, KAMPALA UGANDA

Flying Honey Moon Package (5 days) Tel/Fax: +256 (0)414 267 153, Mob. +256 (0)772 426 368

The Uganda Group Tours

A new gem by the Falls

NEW ITENERARIES & SPECIAL OFFERS | FOR BOOKINGS & RESERVATIONS

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

For his excellent service and

continued dedication to the company’s

vision, as manifested in his outstanding

performance, we’d like to thank and

commend “Nicholas Kasirye”.

INVESTING IN SERVICE At Great Lakes Safaris, we know

that our biggest asset and bestselling point is in service, not just a functional fleet and accommodation. Last year we sent our guide, Peter Mukasa to England for further training. And this doesn’t stop at guide level, from accounts to the marketing department, we invest in our workforce. Since the human resource factor reflects heavily on the quality of service and sustainability of business.