Don’t Miss Gorilla Highlands Bootcamp

The second edition of our newsletter begins with an invitation to the annual Bootcamp, taking place 17-21 November 2018. As long as you have interest in the future of the Gorilla Highlands initiative, you really should take part — physically or online.

The topic is transforming our informal cooperative into a serious international organisation positioned to redefine the region.

In addition to deep discussions there will also be loads of fun, adventure and new friendships to build.

Click for the details here

What Has Happened?

DR Congo: Ebola reaches Lake Albert, but Uganda is prepared

Rwanda: 30% gorilla permit discount news are false

Uganda: It is unclear if/when the Uganda Tourism Board and
Uganda Wildlife Authority will lose their independent agency status

Finally, Please Book Your Easter for Batwa Jamboree!

The Gorilla Highlands Initiative and the Batwa community of Rwamahano wish to announce the

international event: Batwa Jamboree

taking place at: Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda

during Easter: 19-22 April 2019

The word jamboree means a large festive gathering and it may have originated from the Swahili greeting “jambo”. This makes it perfectly suited for the occasion of bringing together the Batwa “Pygmies” of Uganda, Rwanda, DR Congo and Burundi.

15 representatives from each partner Batwa community (at least 5 of them will have to be women) will come to compete in the following categories:

• archery (bow and arrow shooting at targets)
• craft making (from materials provided on-site)
• fire making (timed in challenging conditions)
• dancing (traditional Batwa dances)
• honey making (samples to be brought for tasting)
• pottery (clay will be arranged)
• singing (original compositions about famous Batwa)

We will also draw family trees allowing Batwa to write their own history and engage in other cultural activities. The purpose of the Batwa Jamboree is to get to know each other and learn from each other.

We are calling upon Batwa communities in the four countries to register by calling or messaging +256 782 779 599 before the end of 2018. Each community will then be visited by our representatives and provided with additional information.

We are inviting other people of the four countries to reserve their Easter for visiting the Batwa Jamboree and learn about the Batwa, their history and present. More details about the program will be communicated through our website, Gorilla Highlands on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and this newsletter.

We are informing any interested sponsors and supporters that we plan to make the transport, accommodation and catering of Batwa participants completely free of charge and prepare an appropriate prize pool, so any help is welcome. Please contact the main organisers, Isabelle Masozera and Miha Logar, via +256 776 558 123, +250 781 462 284 or through our contact form.