Mount Diablo Group: "Journey to Uganda and Rwanda"

Wednesday, May 13, 7 pm, Winslow Center, 2590 Pleasant Hill Road (at Taylor Boulevard), Pleasant Hill.

Join Sarah Cramer for a slide presentation and talk spotlighting conservation efforts in Uganda and Rwanda.

Many people are familiar with the safari circuit of West Africa. Both Kenya and Tanzania have had booming ecotourism industries for several decades. But a little farther north you can find many of the same animals (lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffalo) without the crowds of tourists! Uganda is quickly emerging as a fantastic ecotourism destination for its game and other natural wonders - including Murchison Falls, the most powerful waterfall on earth, or the Rwenzori Mountains, the longest mountain chain in Africa!

In November Cramer helped lead 18 Americans on an amazing adventure to visit these areas, see all kinds of wildlife, and connect with the people of Uganda. Their trip included meeting the scientists and educators working to preserve the habitat and wildlife of the Budongo Forest, cruising on the River Nile, tracking lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park, planting seedlings with the Kibale Community Fuel Wood Project, as well as many exciting animal-viewing opportunities! The 19-day adventure concluded with a journey to Rwanda to meet mountain gorillas.

During the trip, Sarah was impressed by the physical beauty of Uganda and Rwanda and the warm, welcoming people working hard to preserve their nation's natural riches. Africa is often forgotten or ignored by the Western world; please join us to learn why Uganda, the "pearl of Africa" deserves your attention.

Sarah Cramer is an education specialist and Zoo Camp director at the Oakland Zoo. Previous travels have found her in Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe, and Central America.

Everyone is welcome to attend and no reservations are necessary. For more information about this program, contact Ken Lavin at (925) 686-0793 or emai to ken_lavin -at- hotmail.com