JUNGLE TALES | YEAR OF THE CHIMP

JUNGLE TALES

| Year of the Chimp

February 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.”

Well, it is not only because the chimpanzees topped the list in the volumes of traffic plus permit bookings, 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 the above mentioned facts, we at Great Lakes Safaris declared 2015 the year of the Chimp.

Uganda Revises Entry Visa Fees

Travelling to Uganda again or soon? Then be advised that the Ugandan government has revised the entry visa fees. None the less, be sure that it will be money well spent.

Uganda Vs Spain As if to prove “Uganda is not Spain”, our very own ambassador of nature brought Spain’s football 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

Counting 14 years and still at your service.

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 our first 14 years of operation.

Firstly; our esteemed loyal customers, valued international partners, suppliers, key industry stakeholders, plus of course the team behind Great Lakes Safaris. Thank you for your dedication and service. It is without a doubt 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 anniversary celebration, the funds were dedicated towards painting The Salvation Army Orphanage home in Tororo.

In the same spirit, 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 we at Great Lakes believe 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

2015- Our CEO was voted the Best Role Model and Best Tourism Achiever in the Ekulla Pearl of Africa Tourism Awards

JUNGLE TALES | YEAR OF THE CHIMP

Great Lakes on the road

They say the world is like a book and not to travel is like being stuck on the same page forever. So last year we 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, 2015.

Also together with our

Kamili partners, we boarded the KamiLive Tour Bus through the United Kingdom, visiting; Winchester, Exeter, Cotswolds, Chester and London.

This year we intend to be

attending the World Travel Market Africa and we shall later on be attending WTM – London. Pass by to learn more about us, our latest developments & special offers. Hope to see you there.

Since the Ugandan government and other East African governments revised their entry-visa fees (Uganda’s is now at $100 effective July 2015), the East African Tourism Visa has become the most popular permit of choice for cross-border travel into and within the region. The East African Tourism Visa can be obtained directly upon arrival and paid for in cash. Its advantages are that you get to do a one-time purchase and get a single stamp to access Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania & Burundi, for only $100

Perhaps the long term intention of the East African governments is to encourage foreigners to get used to East Africa as a single visa destination despite the geographical borders separating the main attractions. But one thing is for certain; it will be money well spent.

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 REVISES ENTRY VISA FEES

E.A Tourist Visa’s rising popularity

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 and some ironic tweets.

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’ve been here, I have no doubt that Uganda is one of the most beautiful countries in the world,” Patrick Kluivert, former FC Barcelona striker.

And as if to add insult to injury, the Uganda Cranes won the soccer match we played against the Barcelona legends.

But where did this all begin? It all started with a meeting between former FC Barcelona player Rayco Garcia and Amos Wekesa, CEO Great Lakes Safaris Ltd. They discussed 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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NEW OFFICES IN KIGALI

Since service and progress are at the core of our reputation, we just recently expanded our operations. 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 .

JUNGLE TALES | YEAR OF THE CHIMP | Issue 1

PRIMATE LODGE

KIBALE

For your convenience, comfort and pleasure, they will 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 constructed again from the ground up. The new design features much larger windows allowing more natural light in and doubling natural air flow. The idea was to bring the outdoors experience indoors. 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. As you read this, all the 9 New Luxury Cottages are finished. At your earliest convenience go and check in for a touch of royalty.

Work has commenced on the Standard Cottages as well, they’re furnishing and renovating them to ensure they have better features. They too have been fitted with large windows; better lighting, assorted décor and they are an absolute delight to stay in. So far 3 of them are done and the remaining 5 will soon be done, turning the premises into a 4 star jungle hideout, exactly what a honeymoon/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 for more information.

RANKED AS EXCELLENT BY TRIP ADVISOR

Because good is not necessarily good enough…

JUNGLE TALES | YEAR OF THE CHIMP | Issue 1

We are pleased to announce the new International Group Tours for 2016!

Discover the best of Uganda with the 7-day Discover Uganda Tour! An ideal trip if you are constrained by time or budget-wise. Appropriate if you would 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.

With the option of upgrading

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

We are pleased to share with you the birth of 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 is a perfect base for exploring 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 180⁰ river views. It’s an ideal stop if you’re in and around the Murchison 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 ITINERARIES & 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 service. Last year we sent our guide, Peter Mukasa to England for further training. But this doesn’t stop at guide level. From the accounts office to the marketing department, we invest in our workforce. We know how much our human capital reflects on the quality of service and sustainability of business.