How Many Gorilla Families Are in Uganda? Over half of the world’s mountain gorilla population resides in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. According to the 2018 census findings given by Uganda’s Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, the number of Mountain Gorillas is increasing. The worldwide population of mountain gorillas has risen to about 1,063 from 880 in 2011, spread across three African countries: Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda.
According to a study done between May and December 2018, there are at least 459 gorillas in the world-renowned Bwindi Impenetrable National Park alone, up from 400 in 2011. There are also over 80 in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Because the Bwindi population contains slightly less than half of all mountain gorillas on the planet, its significance for the worldwide survival of these giant apes cannot be understated.
The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park mountain gorilla population is split into 20 gorilla families and 13 lonely individuals, although only 18 of these groups are habituated and may be visited by people in four tracking districts, namely Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda contains only one tracking location, Ntebeko, and the sole habituated gorilla group is the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family. This gorilla group that is composed of 10 individuals used to be migratory and regular travelers, departing for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. Thankfully, they came home and have not moved since 2012, How Many Gorilla Families Are in Uganda?
The habituation of gorillas takes two years. During this period, gorillas become accustomed to humans and continue with their usual behaviors in the woods even when humans are there.
Is there an age limit for gorilla trekking in Uganda?
Only 8 visitors over the age of 15 are permitted to follow each habituated gorilla troop every day, according to UWA conservation laws, How Many Gorilla Families Are in Uganda?
How many gorilla permits are available for gorilla trekking in Uganda each day?
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) provides over 144 gorilla tracking permits every day in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, as well as eight for the Mgahinga gorilla family.
How near/far are gorilla groups in Uganda?
When hiking the gorillas, there is no such thing as the nearest or furthest gorilla family. The terrain may vary, and the time required is always uncertain. Gorillas roam about every day and never stay in the same area again. A two- or three-hour journey today may take six hours the next day. It is possible to book your favourite tracking group through your preferred tour operator like Explore Rwanda Tours.
How many gorilla groups are in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?
There are 18 habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and visitors are allowed to track any of the groups.
How is gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is practically every traveler’s lifetime fantasy, and has been described by some as the finest wildlife experience on the planet. Meeting mountain gorillas in their native environment, witnessing their tremendous force but tenderness, and the playful attitude of the youngsters and newborns, is a remarkable experience. Every day at 8 a.m., gorilla treks begin with a briefing, followed by groups of up to eight people trekking into the enigmatic jungle that shelters about half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.
The gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park, which is led by our skilled rangers and an experienced team of advance trackers, can last anywhere from 1 hour to 8 hours, depending on where the gorillas are on any given day. Several other animal and flora species may be seen along the journey, culminating in 60 fantastic minutes in the company of one of our habituated mountain gorilla groups. All guests participating in gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi impenetrable national park will require a gorilla permit, How Many Gorilla Families Are in Uganda?.
Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
In contrast to gorilla tracking, the habituation experience follows one of the families that are becoming habituated to visitor visits. Habituation is crucial in ensuring that families become accustomed to tourist visits, both for their safety and to minimize their shyness.
The habituation experience also means that a maximum of four visitors will spend more time with the gorilla family (a total of four hours is permitted) while our team of rangers and researchers execute their daily grooming activities. A gorilla habituation permit is required for all travelers visiting Bwindi impenetrable national park for the Gorilla Habituation Experience.
Other Activities visitors can do alongside gorilla trekking in Uganda.
There are a number of interesting activities that visitors can do alongside gorilla trekking in Uganda and these include birding, Batwa trail experience and golden monkey trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla national park, game drive safaris in Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Semuliki-Toro Wildlife Reserve, Kidepo Valley National Park and Lake Mburo national park, guided nature walks, hiking, community tours, visit top of the falls in Murchison Falls national park, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale national park of Budongo Forest among others.
Book with us a gorilla safari to Uganda or Rwanda or DR Congo!
