Mountain Gorilla Families in Uganda 2024
Mountain Gorilla Families in Uganda. Uganda stands out as one of the few places on earth where mountain gorillas thrive in their natural habitat. With almost half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, Uganda is a prime destination for unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences. The country’s two gorilla-tracking locations—Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park—host more than 20 fully habituated gorilla families that visitors can trek.
Gorilla Families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is the larger and more diverse of the two parks. The park is split into four main tracking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each sector contains its own unique gorilla families, each with distinct behaviors, group dynamics, and tracking experiences.
Buhoma Sector.
located in the northern part of the park, includes the Mubare family, which was the first to be habituated in Uganda. Mubare is known for its stable structure and gentle demeanor. Nearby is the Habinyanja family, which occupies forested swamps and is known for a more active lifestyle. The Rushegura group, originally part of Habinyanja, split off to form its own unit. This family tends to stay close to park headquarters, making it one of the easier groups to track.
Ruhija Sector
This sector is situated in the eastern region; you’ll find families like Bitukura, Oruzogo, and Kyaguliro. Bitukura is known for peaceful interactions and tight bonding between members, while Oruzogo tends to charm visitors with its playful young gorillas. Kyaguliro, though primarily a research group, occasionally becomes available for trekking.
Rushaga Sector
In the south, it offers the highest number of gorilla groups, making it popular for travelers looking for permit availability. Families like Nshongi, once the largest group in Bwindi, now have several splinter families, including Bweza and Busingye. Nshongi still remains one of the most captivating to observe due to its large size and interesting interactions. Busingye, led by a bold silverback, is known for occasionally displaying dominance, while Mucunguzi is a relatively newer group led by a younger male who has grown into a strong leader.
Nkuringo Sector
Just on the southwestern edge of Bwindi, it features challenging terrain but rewarding encounters. The Nkuringo group is one of the most spirited and scenic to visit, often roaming the ridge near the community edge. The Christmas family, named after a silverback born on Christmas Day, offers memorable encounters due to their sociable behavior. A newer family, called Posho, has recently been habituated and added to the list for 2024, making Nkuringo even more diverse.
Gorilla Group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Though smaller, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park holds its own special charm. The sole habituated family here is the Nyakagezi group. This family is famous for its unusually high number of silverbacks. For years, it was known to roam into neighboring Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, but since 2016, it has largely stayed within Ugandan borders, allowing for more reliable tracking. The family displays fascinating social interactions and is ideal for travelers who want a less-crowded tracking experience.
The Gorilla Habituation Experience
For travelers looking for a more immersive encounter, Bwindi’s Rushaga sector offers a special Gorilla Habituation Experience. This is different from standard gorilla trekking because you get to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated family, alongside researchers and rangers. This process helps prepare gorillas for eventual daily visitor treks and gives participants a deeper look into gorilla behavior. Families like Bikyingi and Bushaho are typically used for this experience.
Access and Permits in 2025
To track gorillas in Uganda, travelers must purchase a permit through the Uganda Wildlife Authority. A standard gorilla trekking permit costs $800 per person, while the gorilla habituation experience costs $1,500. Permits are limited and highly sought-after, so it’s best to book well in advance—ideally six months before your trip.
Travelers can access Bwindi and Mgahinga by road from Entebbe or Kampala, a journey that takes about 9 to 10 hours. Alternatively, domestic flights from Entebbe to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips offer faster and more convenient options, especially for travelers short on time.
Plan Your Safari With Us
Every gorilla family has a story, a personality, and a rhythm. Some are calm and nurturing, while others are bold and full of playful energy. Our expert safari planners help match you with the right gorilla family based on your preferences, fitness level, and travel style. Whether you wish to hike deep into the misty hills of Nkuringo or enjoy an easier trek in Buhoma, we ensure your gorilla trekking experience is safe, ethical, and deeply rewarding.
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