How Many Gorilla Families Are in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

How Many Gorilla Families Are in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is home to around 24 habituated mountain gorilla families that you can visit for gorilla trekking. These families are spread across the park’s four main trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Additionally, nearby Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has one habituated family, making it a fantastic complementary destination for gorilla trekking.

Here’s a breakdown of the habituated gorilla families across the sectors in Bwindi:

Buhoma Sector:

• Mubare Gorilla Family

• Habinyanja Gorilla Family

• Rushegura Gorilla Family

• Katwe Gorilla Group

• Nshongi Gorilla Family

• Kahungye Gorilla Family (newly habituated)

Ruhija Sector:

• Bitukura Gorilla Family

• Oruzogo Gorilla Family

• Mukiza Gorilla Family

• Kyaruguriro Gorilla Family

• Kyagurilo Gorilla Family (recently habituated)

• Mubare Family (overlapping with Buhoma)

Rushaga Sector:

• Nshongi Gorilla Group

• Mishaya Gorilla Group

• Bweza Gorilla Group

• Bikyingi Gorilla Family

• Kahungye Gorilla Family

• Busingye Gorilla Family

• Mucunguzi Gorilla Family

• Nkuringo Gorilla Family (overlapping with Nkuringo sector)

Nkuringo Sector:

• Nkuringo Gorilla Family

• Bushaho Gorilla Family

• Christmas Gorilla Family

• Ruhoma Gorilla Family (new habituated)

Bwindi’s growing number of habituated gorilla families reflects the success of conservation efforts and the ongoing dedication of Uganda Wildlife Authority and partner organizations.

About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the most remarkable places in the world to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Located in southwestern Uganda, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bwindi shelters over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. The park is one of Africa’s oldest forests and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visitors can trek mountain gorillas in all four sectors — Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo — each offering equally unforgettable experiences. Trek Africa Expeditions guides will help you choose the best sector based on your preferences and gorilla permit availability.

Gorilla Trekking Experience in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi starts early in the morning, usually around 7:00 am, with a briefing at the park headquarters to cover important guidelines on how to behave around the gorillas and safety tips. Expert trackers and rangers then lead you into the forest to locate your assigned gorilla family. Once the gorillas are found, you have one hour to observe these incredible creatures in their natural environment.

Only eight visitors are allowed to visit each habituated gorilla family per day to minimize human impact on the gorillas. Visitors must be at least 15 years old to participate, as children can pose a health risk to these endangered animals.

Gorilla Trekking Permits and Pricing

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park issues approximately 152 gorilla trekking permits daily, spread among the various habituated families. Prices for permits are set by Uganda Wildlife Authority as follows:

• USD 800 for Non-Residents

• USD 700 for Foreign Residents

• UGX 300,000 for East African Citizens

Due to high demand, especially during peak seasons (January, February, July, August, September, and December), gorilla permits sell out quickly. Trek Africa Expeditions can assist you in securing permits early through the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s online system to ensure your gorilla trekking adventure is guaranteed.

Best Time to Trek Gorillas in Bwindi

While Bwindi is a tropical forest with rain throughout the year, the best time to visit for gorilla trekking is during the drier months: January, February, June, July, August, and early September. However, the gorillas can be trekked year-round, and some travelers prefer the rainy season when the forest is lush and gorillas feed on abundant vegetation.

Booking your gorilla trekking permits well in advance is highly recommended regardless of the season.

Getting to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi is accessible by road and air:

• By road: The drive from Kampala or Entebbe takes about 9–10 hours. The journey is scenic, with stops at the Equator line, Mbarara town, and other picturesque spots. Trek Africa Expeditions uses comfortable 4×4 vehicles and trained driver-guides to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

• By air: There are daily flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips near Bwindi. From the airstrip, it’s a short drive to your lodge.

You can also enter Uganda through Kigali International Airport in Rwanda and travel by road to Bwindi via Cyanika or Katuna border points, a drive of about 4–5 hours.

We recommend obtaining the East African Tourist Visa (USD 100), which allows multiple entries into Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya, offering convenience and cost savings.

Where to Stay During Your Gorilla Trekking Trip

Bwindi offers a wide range of accommodations suited for all budgets, from luxury lodges to cozy budget guesthouses. Staying close to your trekking sector is advisable for easy access to park headquarters:

• Buhoma Sector: Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Gorilla Forest Camp

• Ruhija Sector: Trekkers Tavern Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, lodges near Lake Bunyonyi or Kabale town

• Rushaga Sector: Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Four Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge

• Nkuringo Sector: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Booking early is essential, especially in peak seasons.

Why Choose Trek Africa Expeditions for Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure?

Trek Africa Expeditions is a trusted local tour operator based in Uganda with over 15 years of experience. Owned and operated by Ugandans, we specialize in delivering authentic, sustainable, and unforgettable wildlife experiences across East Africa.

We are registered members of the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) and the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO). Our close relationship with Uganda Wildlife Authority ensures smooth, transparent gorilla permit bookings and personalized safari planning.

Let Trek Africa Expeditions help you plan the gorilla trekking trip of a lifetime in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Contact us today to check permit availability and begin your adventure.