How Many Gorilla Families Are in Bwindi?

How Many Gorilla Families Are in Bwindi? Everything You Need to Know for Your Trekking Safari

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is home to 22 habituated gorilla families, while Mgahinga National Park has one habituated gorilla family, making a total of 23 gorilla families across both parks. These families are located in different sectors of Bwindi:

• Buhoma Sector: Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Katwe
• Ruhija Sector: Bitukura, Oruzogo, Mukiza, Kyaruguriro
• Rushaga Sector: Nshongi, Mishaya, Bweza, Bikyingi, Kahungye, Busingye, Mucunguzi
• Nkuringo Sector: Nkuringo, Bushaho, Christmas

Each gorilla family is allocated 8 visitors per day to ensure minimal impact and contribute to conservation efforts.

About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is one of the world’s best places to trek and see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. It shares a border with Congo and is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. The park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also one of Africa’s oldest forests. Gorilla trekking in Bwindi can be done in four sectors: Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija and Nkuringo, offering a unique experience in each.

What to Expect During Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi starts early, with a briefing at each sector’s park headquarters around 7:00 am. The briefing includes important guidelines on how to behave during the trek and how to interact with the gorillas. Afterward, you’ll head into the forest with experienced guides and trackers to find the gorillas. Once located, you’ll have one hour to observe and take pictures. Afterward, you’ll return to the starting point to receive a certificate confirming your successful gorilla trekking experience.

Gorillas share 95% of the same DNA as humans, making them fascinating to observe in their natural environment. Only 8 visitors per day are allowed per family, in line with Uganda Wildlife Authority’s policy, to ensure the safety and conservation of the gorillas. To participate in gorilla trekking, you must be at least 15 years old, as minors are not allowed due to safety and health concerns.

Chances of Seeing Gorillas in Bwindi

Bwindi has a 98% success rate for gorilla sightings, thanks to the park’s vast population of gorillas. Every gorilla family is visited by 8 guests per day, allowing for an intimate and controlled experience. Visitors can trek in any of the park’s sectors throughout the year, as permits are available for every family.

When is the Best Time to Trek Gorillas in Bwindi?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a tropical rainforest, experiences rain throughout the year. However, the best time to trek gorillas in Bwindi is during the drier months of January, February, June, July, August and early September. These months typically see less rainfall, making your trekking experience more comfortable with clearer views of the gorillas. That being said, the weather in Bwindi can be unpredictable and gorilla trekking can be done year-round. Interestingly, the rainy season can sometimes offer better gorilla sightings, as the lush vegetation provides more food for the gorillas, making them easier to spot.

Due to high demand, especially during the dry months, it’s essential to book your gorilla permits in advance to ensure availability.

Gorilla Trekking Permit Prices in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Non-Foreign Residents: USD 800 per person
• Foreign Residents: USD 700 per person
• East African Citizens: UGX 300,000 per person

These permits allow for one hour of gorilla viewing and are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. It’s important to book your permit well in advance, especially during peak seasons like January, February, July, August, September and December, when permits sell out quickly.

How to Book Your Gorilla Trekking Permit

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we make the process of booking your gorilla trekking permits easy and transparent. Simply contact us with your preferred dates and we’ll check the availability of permits through the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s online system. If permits are available, we’ll send you an invoice for payment. Once payment is received, we’ll secure your permits and send you a confirmation along with a receipt and booking ID.

Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Contact Trek Africa Gorillas today to secure your gorilla trekking adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park!

How to Get to Bwindi for Gorilla Trekking

Bwindi is accessible by road or air, depending on your preference.

• By Road: Bwindi is about a 9-10 hour drive from Kampala or Entebbe. The scenic road trip includes stops for photography at the Equator, lunch in Mbarara and views of the beautiful countryside. We provide comfortable 4×4 vehicles for your journey and our experienced drivers ensure your safety throughout the trip.
• By Air: You can also fly to Kisoro or Kihihi Airstrips, both of which serve Bwindi. Flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip take approximately 1-2 hours. After landing, you’ll have a short drive to your lodge or hotel. Daily flights are available, with options for scheduled or chartered flights depending on your budget.
• Through Rwanda: Another option is flying into Kigali International Airport, which is about a 4-5 hour drive to Bwindi via the Cyanika or Katuna border. For convenience, we recommend the East African Visa, which allows entry into Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. The visa costs USD 100 and is more cost-effective than purchasing separate visas for each country. Single entry visas are also available: USD 50 for Uganda and USD 30 for Rwanda.

Where to Stay in Bwindi During Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure

Bwindi offers a variety of accommodations, from budget-friendly options to luxury lodges, catering to different needs and preferences. We recommend staying in the sector where you’re trekking for easy access to the park headquarters. Here are some of the best options in each sector:

• Rushaga Sector: Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
• Nkuringo Sector: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
• Buhoma Sector: Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp
• Ruhija Sector: Trekkers Tavern Lodge, Bakiga Lodge or even lodges near Lake Bunyonyi or in Kabale Town

Note: Accommodation tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Booking in advance is recommended to secure your preferred lodging.

Why Book with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we pride ourselves in offering memorable and sustainable travel experiences across East Africa, with a focus on gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Based in Uganda, we’ve been in business for over 15 years and have developed strong relationships with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), which helps streamline the permit booking process. As a member of AUTO (Association of Uganda Tour Operators) and a registered operator with Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), we ensure your trip is safe, well-organized and eco-friendly.

Our team is passionate about creating personalized and life-changing experiences for our guests. We are highly rated on platforms like TripAdvisor and SafariBookings, reflecting our commitment to excellent service and customer satisfaction. Whether you’re planning a single trek or a longer safari, we handle all the details to make your experience hassle-free.

To learn more about how many gorilla families are in Bwindi or to start planning your gorilla trekking adventure, contact Trek Africa Gorillas today!