GORILLAS IN UGANDA.

The Mountain gorilla census report released in December 2019, put global figure of known mountain gorillas at 1,063. The survey that was conducted by the Protected Area Authorities of Uganda and DRC (Uganda Wildlife Authority and l’Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature, respectively) under the framework of the Greater Virunga Trans-boundary Collaboration with support from Rwanda Development Board and many other partners and donors.

Based on the survey report, more than half of the world’s Gorilla population lives in (Bwindi Impenetrable forest). Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, further South western Uganda is also home to Mountain Gorillas.

UGANDA GORILLA FAMILIES

Bwindi Impenetrable national park is divided into four sectors each with several Gorilla families open to visitors every day. Plans are underway to have more Gorilla families for tourism, and we promise to keep you updated or feel free get in touch for more up-to-date info.

As of January 2022, total number of habituated Gorilla families in Bwindi is 23 with 21 groups/families available for tracking with up to 8 persons every day. This provides for 168 Bwindi Gorilla permits every day.

Occasionally, Gorilla groups/families disintegrate and join other bigger groups for various reasons. This therefore can affect the number of available families for tracking hence need to check with Adventure Consults for the latest updates on figures/numbers.

Buhoma sector forms the Northern side of the forest, with 6 habituated Gorilla families. This has proven to be everyone’s favorite spot because it’s where Gorilla tourism history begins. As of November 2021, the habituated families in Buhoma are;

  • Mubare group.
  • Rushegura family
  • Habinyanja group.
  • Katwe.
  • Binyindo
  • Muyambi.

Occasionally these groups visit different accommodation facilities in the area, so keep an eye through your window for occasional early morning visitors. Never know, might get a wake-up call from a black-back or silverback himself!

The Ruhija sector is located in the Eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National park, which is approximately one hour drive from Buhoma area. Most of upmarket facilities are located in Buhoma, so if you love luxury, you need to get ready for early morning start if you are booked to track Ruhija families. There are however new properties coming up in Ruhija, so early morning drives may soon be avoided. The five gorilla families in this sector are;

  • Bitukura
  • Oruzogo
  • Kyaguriro A
  • Kyaguriro B
  • Mukiza

The Nkuringo sector is in the south of the Bwindi Impenetrable National park and is home to one of the oldest families in the region – Nkuringo gorilla family. This is believed to be the most interesting group with about 19 family members (as of October 2021). It’s also a challenging family to track as well due to the terrain, and yet rewards visitors with greatest views of the magnificent scenery.

While looking for Gorillas in Nkuringo, you get to see more than just Gorillas as the sweeping landscapes across are breathtaking! The amazing volcanoes of Nyiragongo and Nyimuragira in Congo can be seen on clear day or night.

As part of Nkuringo sector, the other habituated families are Bushaho, Christmas & Posho.

Rushaga is also located in the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Gorilla families in this area;

  • Mishaya.
  • Busingye
  • Kahungye
  • Bweza.
  • Nshongi
  • Bikingi
  • Kutu.
  • Mucunguzi

Rushaga sector has become popular due to the high Gorilla population and boasts of the highest number of gorilla families.

It’s in this area of Bwindi that one of the families is dedicated to a special activity – Gorilla Habituation Experience. Check with our team for Special Interest Trips or simply make habituation experience part of your Standard Safaris to Uganda.

Rushaga sector can be categorized as a “highland Kingdom” due to the amazing display of the Virunga ranges that divide up Uganda, Rwanda & Congo. The Mgahinga, Muhavura, Sabinyo, Karusimbi, and Bisoke among others make part of the highest points in the region and can be seen from Rushaga section.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is one of the world’s four National parks that are home to the endangered mountain gorillas. The park has one habituated gorilla family – Nyakagezi.

Nyakagezi family is known for its adventurous character whereby family members sometimes wander through the volcanic watershed into the neighbouring Rwanda for days, weeks, months and sometimes a year. In the last 7 years however, Nyakagezi has been stable in its Mgahinga home without crossing borders and we are hopeful, no more moving up and about. Adventure Consults’ clients have been tracking Mgahinga Gorilla family and is reported to be one of those with the best viewing opportunities.