People Allowed To Track The Gorilla Families
The number of people allowed to track mountain gorillas is regulated and limited in order to protect the species and minimize disturbance to their natural habitat. The current regulation stipulate that a maximum of eight people is allowed to track a specific gorilla group per day. This limit helps reduce stress and potential negative impacts on the gorillas and their environment.
These restrictions are enforced in the areas where mountain gorillas are found, particularly in protected areas such as national parks. Such parks include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park or Kahuzi Biega both found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On the day for gorilla trekking, you are required to raise up early and head to park headquarters to meet with other trekkers. the ranger guide will brief you on the does and the don’ts/ rules and regulations of gorilla trekking. Thereafter, you will be divided in groups of each group having a maximum of 8 members led by experienced ranger/ guide who is well versed with the trails and also familiar with the movement of the gorillas. while in the forest, you will encounter other primate species, including different species of monkeys, bird’s species and other animals like the forest animals. The trek usually lasts for about 1-8 hours following the location of the Gorillas, note, gorillas are wild. when you finally found them, you will be allowed a period of 1 hour to observe them, watch them going by their daily activities, Taking photos. Rem. No flash lights are allowed while with the gorillas.
Gorilla Habituation is yet another interesting activity conducted in Rushaga sector of Bwindi impenetrable forest. Gorilla Habituation is currently done only in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest national park in Uganda. Gorilla Habituation is a process where a selected gorilla group is frequently visited by researchers and scientist with the aim of getting them used to the sight of humans. The process is conducted for period of about 2-3 years until when the gorillas a ready to be in the presence of human without causing any threats.
Beside the normal gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation starts early at dawn by 6:00pm when you will in the company of researchers and rangers seeking out the gorilla group. when you find them, you will have 4 hours with the gorillas which goes on for the whole day until the gorillas start making nests for their evening rest then you can exit the forest. its also only in Uganda where you can find Gorilla Habituation experience in the whole world.
Whereas gorilla trekking maximum is 8 people per gorilla group, during Gorilla Habituation, a maximum of 4 people is allowed to spend 4 hours with the gorillas under Habituation.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are two protected areas in Uganda known for their populations of mountain gorillas. These parks are home to several gorilla families that have been habituated to human presence, allowing limited and regulated gorilla trekking experiences for tourists. However, please note that the specific composition of gorilla families can change over time due to natural factors such as births, deaths, and group dynamics.
In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is located in southwestern Uganda, there are several gorilla families spread across different regions or “sectors” of the park., some of the gorilla families in Bwindi include:
Mubare Family: This was the first habituated gorilla family in Bwindi and is found in the Buhoma sector.
Habinyanja Family: Located in the Buhoma sector as well, this family is known for its large size and sometimes splits into subgroups.
Rushegura Family: Also found in the Buhoma sector, the Rushegura family is known for its calm and relaxed nature.
Bitukura Family: This family resides in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi and is known for having several silverbacks.
Nkuringo Family: Located in the Nkuringo sector, this family is known for its challenging trek, but it offers rewarding sightings.
Mishaya Family: Found in the Rushaga sector, the Mishaya family split from the Nshongi family and has its own distinct dynamics, Others include;
Kyaguliro Gorilla Group
Katwe Gorilla Group
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in southwestern Uganda on the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is another park where gorilla families can be encountered. However, the gorilla population in Mgahinga is smaller compared to Bwindi. The park is part of the larger Virunga Massif ecosystem shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nyakagezi is one Habituated gorilla group in Mgahinga gorilla national park. The gorillas used to cross to Rwanda and the DRC, but have currently settled in Uganda.
Popular Safaris
- 10 Days Kibale Forest Chimp Trek
- 15 Days Kibale Primates Safari
- 20 Days Unique Primates Of Kibale
- 8 Days Chimps & Red Tail Monkey
- 7 Days Kibale Birding In The Forest
- 25 Days Colobus Monkey Kibale
All About Kibale
- History Of The Park
- Things To Do
- Places To See
- Getting There