Trekking the Largest Gorilla Families in Uganda

Trekking the Largest Gorilla Families in Uganda

Uganda is home to an incredible 19 habituated mountain gorilla families, making it one of the best destinations in the world for gorilla trekking. These gorilla families are found in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which has 18 habituated gorilla groups and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which has one.

For those looking to trek a gorilla group with the highest number of individuals, the Mishaya Gorilla Family, located in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi, is the best choice. This family has 24 members, offering an extraordinary opportunity to observe multiple gorillas interacting in their natural habitat.

Overview of Gorilla Families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi is divided into four trekking sectors, each home to different gorilla families:

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

Why Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the Top Gorilla Trekking Destination

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, is one of the most famous gorilla trekking destinations in the world. Home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, Bwindi is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s oldest forests.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is conducted in four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. Regardless of the sector, every trek offers an unforgettable encounter with these magnificent primates.

How Many Gorilla Families Can You Trek in Bwindi?

There are 18 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi and each group is visited by a maximum of eight tourists per day. With a 98% success rate in spotting gorillas, Uganda offers one of the best gorilla trekking experiences worldwide. Trekking permits are required and should be booked in advance due to high demand.

What to Expect During Your Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking involves hiking through dense rainforest to find and observe a gorilla family in the wild. The experience begins at 7:00 AM with a briefing at the park headquarters, where you will learn about the rules and safety guidelines. A team of expert guides and rangers will then lead you through the forest, tracking the gorillas. Once found, visitors are allowed one hour to observe and photograph the gorillas before returning to the park headquarters, where you will receive a certificate of completion.

Gorillas share 95% of their DNA with humans, making their behavior fascinating to watch. To ensure their protection, only visitors aged 15 and above are allowed to trek and each visit is limited to a small group of travelers.

Gorilla Trekking Permit Prices for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

To visit the gorillas, you need to purchase a gorilla trekking permit, issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The permit prices are as follows:

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

Since permits are in high demand, especially during peak seasons (January, February, July, August, September and December), it’s advisable to book early. At Trek Africa Gorillas, we assist with checking availability, securing permits and planning your trip for a seamless experience.

Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

While gorilla trekking is possible year-round, the best months to visit are the drier seasons from June to September and December to February. During these months, trails are less muddy, making the hike easier. However, the wet seasons (March to May and October to November) also have advantages, as there is more gorilla activity close to the trekking routes due to the abundance of food.

How to Reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi is accessible by both road and air:

• By Road: A 9-10 hour drive from Entebbe or Kampala with scenic stops at the Equator and beautiful landscapes.
• By Air: Daily domestic flights operate from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip, reducing travel time to about 1-2 hours.
• From Rwanda: You can fly into Kigali International Airport and drive to Bwindi via the Cyanika or Katuna border, which takes approximately 4-5 hours.

For travelers visiting multiple East African countries, we recommend purchasing an East African Tourist Visa ($100), which allows entry into Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya without the need for separate visas.

Accommodation Options in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi offers a variety of accommodations ranging from budget to luxury lodges. We recommend staying in a lodge near your assigned trekking sector for convenience:

• Rushaga Sector: Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorillas 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 nearby Lake Bunyonyi lodges.

Lodges get fully booked quickly during peak seasons, so it’s best to book early to secure your preferred stay.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Safari with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we are a trusted local tour operator with over 10 years of experience in organizing gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda. We are registered with the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and a member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO). Our expertise ensures a smooth and memorable safari, from securing permits to organizing transport and accommodation.

We are highly rated on TripAdvisor and SafariBookings, thanks to our commitment to sustainable tourism and exceptional customer service.

Ready to Trek a Gorilla Group with Many Gorillas in Uganda? Contact Trek Africa Gorillas today to start planning your unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park!