How Many Gorillas Are in Uganda?

How Many Gorillas Are in Uganda?

If you’re planning a gorilla trek in Uganda, you might be wondering about the current population of these magnificent creatures. Mountain gorillas are a critically endangered species, and Uganda is home to a significant portion of their population. As of the latest census conducted in 2019, there are approximately 459 individual mountain gorillas residing in Uganda, a remarkable increase from 400 in previous years. These gorillas are found primarily in two protected areas: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Mountain Gorillas: A Protected Species

Mountain gorillas can only be found in a few locations worldwide, including Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, as well as Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These national parks are strategically located near each other, facilitating effective conservation efforts among the countries involved in the Greater Virunga Trans-boundary Collaboration.

Location of Mountain Gorillas in Uganda

In Uganda, mountain gorillas are organized into various groups spread across four main sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park: Rushaga, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Buhoma. Currently, there are 19 gorilla families within these sectors. Additionally, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to the Nyagezi family, the only gorilla group in that park.

The recent baby boom during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown—when five baby gorillas were born within just six weeks—has provided a hopeful outlook for the continued growth of the mountain gorilla population.

Exploring the Different Sectors

Buhoma Sector

Located in the northern part of Bwindi, Buhoma is home to four gorilla families open for trekking: Rushengura, Katwe, Habinyanja, and Mubale. This was the first sector to offer gorilla trekking, starting in 1993 after Bwindi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Buhoma can be accessed from nearby attractions like Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Bunyonyi.

Ruhija Sector

Situated in the eastern part of Bwindi, Ruhija boasts families such as Bitukura, Kyanguriro, Mukiza, and Oruzogo. This area is known for its relatively accessible trekking routes and stunning biodiversity, making it ideal for both gorilla trekking and birdwatching.

Rushaga Sector

As the southernmost part of Bwindi, Rushaga is home to eight gorilla families, making it the sector with the highest number of families open for trekking. Here, you can find families like Busingye, Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya, Muchunguzi, and Kahungye. This sector also offers a unique gorilla habituation experience, allowing visitors to spend more time with the gorillas.

Nkuringo Sector

Also located in the southern part of Bwindi, Nkuringo is known for its challenging terrain and higher elevations, making trekking here more strenuous. It is home to the Nkuringo and Christmas gorilla families, perfect for adventurous trekkers.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

This park features the Nyakagezi gorilla group, which is available for trekking. Due to limited availability—only eight permits are issued each day—early booking (3 to 4 months in advance) is highly recommended.

FAQs About Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

What is Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is an exciting adventure that involves hiking through lush forests to find and observe mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. During your trek, you’ll follow a designated trail and, once you locate a habituated gorilla group, you’ll spend an unforgettable hour with them. This experience allows you to take photographs and learn about their behaviors and social structures. Uganda is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, making it one of the best places for this unique encounter. Unlike other wildlife, mountain gorillas cannot thrive in captivity, so trekking into the wild is the only way to see these incredible primates.

Where Can I See Mountain Gorillas in Uganda?

In Uganda, mountain gorillas are found exclusively in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is located in southwestern Uganda and borders the districts of Kanungu, Rubanda, and Kisoro, as well as the Uganda-DR Congo border. It is home to 19 habituated gorilla families that can be visited by trekkers, spread across four main sectors: Ruhija and Buhoma in the north, and Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is also situated in southwestern Uganda, near the borders of Rwanda and DR Congo. This park is part of the Virunga mountain range and is home to two gorilla families: Nyakagezi and Hirwa. However, most trekking is done with the Nyakagezi group due to the Hirwa group’s unpredictable movements.

Which Park is Best for Seeing Mountain Gorillas in Uganda?

Both Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offer incredible gorilla trekking experiences, with only slight differences. The gorillas in Mgahinga typically reside in bamboo forests, while those in Bwindi are found in a tropical rainforest filled with diverse flora. Visitors have a 98% chance of encountering these magnificent creatures in either park. Many trekkers find that the bamboo vegetation in Mgahinga allows for better visibility and photo opportunities. Regardless of your choice, you’re in for an extraordinary experience with these gentle giants.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking in Uganda Cost?

To go gorilla trekking in Uganda, you’ll need a gorilla permit, along with other services like transportation, accommodations, and a guide. A typical 3-day itinerary starts at around $1,200 per person. Gorilla permit prices are as follows:

• $800 for foreign non-residents
• $700 for residents
• $75 for East African citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan)

These permits allow you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas in either Bwindi or Mgahinga. Additionally, for those looking for a longer encounter, the gorilla habituation experience is available in Bwindi, which costs $1,500 per person and allows you to spend four hours with semi-habituated gorillas under the guidance of experienced trackers and researchers.

How Long Does Gorilla Trekking Take in Uganda?

The duration of a gorilla trek in Uganda can range from 3 to 7 hours, depending on various factors such as the gorillas’ location that day, their movements, and the weather conditions. On some occasions, treks may even take an entire day. Each trekking day starts with a briefing at 7:45 AM, where rangers explain the do’s and don’ts in the forest. Once you find the gorillas, you’ll be allowed to observe them for one hour.

How Many People Can Visit the Gorillas in Uganda Per Day?

To protect the mountain gorillas and minimize their stress, only 8 people are allowed to trek with each gorilla family each day. This limit helps reduce the risk of behavioral disturbances and the potential spread of diseases to the gorillas.

What is a Gorilla Trekking Permit?

A gorilla trekking permit is a special document issued to visitors wishing to trek mountain gorillas in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This permit grants you a one-hour encounter with the mountain gorillas and is valid for one day. If you wish to trek on multiple days, you will need to purchase additional permits. Each permit comes with a unique booking number that specifies the trekking region, whether it’s Rushaga, Ruhija, Nkuringo, or Buhoma in Bwindi, or Nyakagezi in Mgahinga.

How Much Does a Gorilla Trekking Permit Cost in Uganda?

A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda offers an unforgettable experience of encountering mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. The cost of these permits varies depending on your residency status:

• Foreign Non-Residents: $800 per person per trek
• Residents: $700 per person
• East African Citizens (Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan): $75 per person

With your permit, you’ll enjoy a one-hour encounter with these magnificent creatures in either Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Where Can I Purchase a Gorilla Permit in Uganda?

You can purchase your gorilla trekking permit directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or through a reputable tour operator, such as Trek Africa Expeditions. If you choose to book through a tour operator, look for reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor. Once you’ve selected a date for your trek, send an email to the operator, who will check for permit availability with UWA. Upon confirmation, you can make your payment, and they will secure your permit for you.

Can Elderly or Disabled Individuals Participate in Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Absolutely! Gorilla trekking is accessible for elderly and disabled individuals in Uganda. In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, special sedan chairs are available for those who may have difficulty walking. Experienced porters will carry you to and from the trekking area. You can arrange to hire a sedan chair either in advance or on the day of your trek, with costs ranging from $400 to $500.

What is the Minimum Age for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

The minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda is 15 years. This age limit helps ensure the safety and comfort of both trekkers and the gorillas. Children under 15 are not permitted due to their unpredictable behavior and the heightened risk of transmitting diseases to the gorillas.

When is the Best Time to Trek Mountain Gorillas in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, but the best times to visit are during January, February, March, early April, and June to early September. These months typically experience less rain, making for easier treks and better visibility of the gorillas. The trails can be muddy during the wetter months of April, May, and November, which may affect your trekking experience.

What Should I Pack for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

When preparing for your gorilla trekking adventure, it’s essential to dress appropriately and pack wisely. Here are some recommended items:

• Footwear: Comfortable, durable walking shoes or boots are a must, as the terrain can be steep and muddy.
• Clothing: Wear a long-sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers to protect against stinging nettles and biting ants.
• Insect Repellent: Essential for warding off insects.
• Torch/Flashlight: Bring a flashlight with spare batteries for better visibility in the forest.
• Wet Wipes and Water Bottle: Stay hydrated and clean during your trek.
• Camera and Lenses: Capture those unforgettable moments with the gorillas.
• Gardening Gloves: Useful for navigating the undergrowth.
• Hat and Sunscreen: Protect yourself from the sun.
• Rain Jacket and Sweater/Fleece: Be prepared for varying weather conditions.
• Binoculars: Great for birdwatching while you trek.

Where Can I Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Uganda?

Uganda offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets, ranging from budget lodges to luxury hotels. Some recommended places include:

• Buhoma Lodge
• Bwindi Lodge
• Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge
• Rushaga Gorilla Camp
• Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge
• Four Gorillas Lodge
• Bakiga Lodge

These accommodations provide comfortable lodging, delicious local and international cuisine, and amenities like Wi-Fi, all while keeping you close to the action of gorilla trekking.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure with Trek Africa Expeditions?

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we specialize in arranging unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Our knowledgeable team is dedicated to ensuring your adventure is seamless and enjoyable. We offer a range of safari packages tailored to various budgets, and we handle all the logistics, including securing your gorilla permits.

Don’t just take our word for it—check out our TripAdvisor reviews to see what our satisfied clients have to say. With our commitment to exceptional service and customer satisfaction, you can trust us to provide a memorable safari holiday. Contact us today to begin your gorilla trekking adventure!