Which country has many gorillas

Many people want to know which country has many gorillas before booking their gorilla tour to visit the Mountain gorillas in Africa, Mountain gorillas are one of the unique primate species and most protected species on the planet, mountain gorillas can only be found in the natural habitat and these are only found in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park in DR Congo. These national parks are adjacent to one another and therefore managing the conservation and protection of these mountain gorillas is easy for the conservation partners in both countries which all fall under the Greater Virunga Trans-Boundary Collaboration.

Uganda is the country in Africa which has many gorilla individuals compared to Rwanda and Congo. Mountain gorillas in Uganda are found in two national parks Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Based on the recent census of mountain gorillas results show that the total number of gorillas is now about 459 individual mountain gorillas as per the last 2019 Gorilla Census. The population in the Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and the close Sarambwe Reserve in DR Congo the mountain gorilla population has increased from 400 gorilla individuals to 459 individuals.

Location of Mountain Gorillas in Uganda

Which country has many gorillas. In Uganda Mountain gorillas are disturbed into various groups which are found in the four sectors which include Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south, Ruhija and Buhoma and in the northern parts of Bwindi impenetrable Forest National Park. The 4 sections of Bwindi have 18 gorilla families as of 30^th June 2018. Mountain Gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park are only distributed into one gorilla families called Nyagezi. These groups are made of habituated mountain gorillas which are used to human presence and can be visited by tourists and their movements are monitored on a daily basis, with this it means both parks have more unknown mountain gorillas which are considered as wild. Due to the recent baby boom in 2020 in Bwindi which happened during the 2020 covid-19 lockdown where 5 baby gorillas where born in six weeks this gave much hope for conservationists for mountain gorillas to continue increasing in numbers.

Buhoma sector, is located in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, It is home to home to four gorilla families open for trekking and these include Rushengura, Katwe, Habinyanja and Mubale. Buhoma was the first place for gorilla trekking to happen in Bwindi in 1993 after the park was declared a UNESCO world heritage site. This sector can be accessed from Queen Elizabeth National Park and Lake Bunyonyi

Ruhija sector, is located in the Eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, It is home to Bitukura, Kyanguriro, Mukiza and Oruzogo gorilla families. Ruhija is one of the excellent trekking area for gorillas in Bwindi given most of its gorillas are closer compared to other sectors. It stands at  an elevation of 2350 meters above sea level making it the coldest area in Bwindi. Ruhija is also great for birding at Mubwindi swamp as well great for sighting other primates which include monkeys, and mammals like antelopes and elephants. It is the closest sector to Lake Bunyonyi with this you can stay at this lake and trek gorillas in Ruhija in one day.

Rushaga Sector, is located in the south park to Bwindi impenetrable National Park, Rushaga is a home for 8 Gorilla Families which by far is the most of any sector in Bwindi, Rushaga terrain is also easy for trekking gorillas compared to Nkuringo and Ruhija which stand at higher elevantions. Gorilla families in Rushaga include Busingye, Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya, Muchunguzi and Kahungye which are all available tracking and open to tourists. Rushaga regions is the only region in Bwindi which offers gorilla habituation experience making it great for those who are interested in both experiences of normal gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experience. Rushaga can be accessed from Kisoro and Rwanda

Nkuringo sector, is located in the southern part of Bwindi, it is home to Kuirngo and Christmas gorilla families available for gorilla trekking. This sector is located on higher elevations making it a very hard and strenuous region for gorilla trekking. It is recommended for adventurers and those interested in a challenging gorilla trekking. Nkuringo is the closest sector to Rwanda and you can trek here in 2 days with one night stay through Rwanda.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park only has one gorilla group open for gorilla trekking that is Nyakagezi gorilla group. For you to trek here you will need to book in advance like 3-4 months given they are only 8 permits available every day for trekking

What is the minimum age for gorilla trekking in Uganda?

In Uganda the minimum age limit for Gorilla Trekking is 15 years and the maximum age depends on your fitness levels. The children below 15 years are prohibited from gorilla trekking given the fact children behavior is unpredictable and uncontrollable which may results in disturbances during the trek, then as well children are prone to diseases which they can acquire from the gorillas.

What is the best time for trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda?

Gorilla trekking in Uganda is done and is possible throughout the year, the best time to do a gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the January, February, March, early April and June to early September, this is makes it easier to travel to the park and gives a clear view of gorillas given the vegetation cover is not too much high grown. During this time there are less rains compared to the months of Aprils, May and November. Which normally receive rains and it makes the trek uncomfortable.

What to pack and wear for gorilla trekking in Uganda

During gorilla trekking you will need a comfortable, hard wearing, pair of walking shoes or boots.  Conditions are generally very muddy in the forest when it is raining. There are uphill sections which may be quite steep and strenuous.  It is also advisable to wear a long sleeve cotton shirt and lightweight long trousers to protect yourself from the undergrowth, stinging nettles and biting ants.  Suggested Items to pack for Gorilla trekking in Uganda include; Insect Repellent, Torch/Flashlight – and Spare Batteries, Wet Wipes, Water Bottle, Camera, lenses, Gardening gloves for gorilla tracking, Sandals/strops/walking shoes, Hat and Sunscreen, Rain Jacket, Sweater/fleece, Comfortable walking/hiking boots & socks, Swimwear and Binoculars for bird watching among others

Where can I stay during gorilla trekking in Uganda?

There is a wide range of accommodation options ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury options. These provide services and facilities like comfortable accommodation, local and international food dishes, WI-FI, gorilla trekking among others. Options include Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Bakiga Lodge among others.

Why book with Eco Adventure Safaris your Gorilla trekking in Uganda

Eco Adventure Safaris will help you book your gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo contact us and we advice you on the booking process. We as well have different gorilla trekking safari packages ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury options that we can book for you including the gorilla permits. Feel free to checkout our trip advisor reviews and read from a community of happy satisfied clients. With us, you can be rest assured of a memorable Uganda safari holiday. We are devoted to providing excellent service and customer satisfaction. Our team of excellent tour consultants is always willing to help answer all your safari questions. Which country has many gorillas