Uganda Gorilla Groups - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
The most popular exciting and memorable activity is tracking the mountain gorilla in thick jungle. The park has 13 habituated gorilla group which is visited by tourists. This consists of 9 members; 22 silverbacks, 45 adult females, 29 juvenile, 22 blackback, 10 Sub adult and 37 infant. some of these group are mobile and sometimes crosses into Rwanda and DRC, so check for updates from Uganda Wildlife Authority Registration and briefing for gorilla tracking commences.. Tracking starts at 08.30 and can take three to eight hours.
Gorilla tracking is Uganda’s most sought after tourism activity. You should book well in advance to ensure that permits for your requested dates are available.
13 Gorilla Groups
-
Mubare Group – Buhoma/GFC side: (9 members)
Dominant Silverback, Black-back, 1 Adult Females, and 2 Juveniles.
-
Habinyanja Group – Buhoma/GFC side: (17 members)
Dominant Silverback, 5 Adult Females, 3 sub-Adults, 2 Juveniles, 6 Infants.
-
Rushegura Group—Buhoma/GFC side: (21 members)
Dominant Silverback, Black-back, 5 Adult Females, 2 sub-Adults, 6 Juveniles, 6 Infants.
-
Bitukura Group – Ruhijha: (13 members)
Dominant Silverback, 3 sub-Silverbacks, 2 Black-backs, 3 Adult Females, 1 Juveniles, 3 Infants.
-
Oruzogo Group—Ruhijha: (23 members)
Dominant Silverback, 1 sub-Silverback, 5 Black-backs, 7 Adult Females, 4 Juveniles, 5 Infants
-
Nshongi Group – Kisoro/Clouds side: (21 members)
Dominant Silverback, 2 sub-Silverback, 3 Black-backs, 6 Adult Females, 6 Juveniles, 3 Infants.
-
Mishaya Group – Kisoro/Clouds side: (7 members)
Dominant Silverback, 2 Adult Females, 1 sub-Adult, 3 Infants
-
Kyaguriro (Research group) (18 members)
Dominant Silverback, 0 sub-Silverbacks, 2 Black-backs, 7 Adult Females, 0 sub-Adults, 6 Juveniles, 6 Infants.
-
Kahungye Group – Kisoro/Clouds side: (24 members)
Dominant Silverback, 2 sub-Silverbacks, 3 Black-backs, 4 Adult Females, 3 sub-Adults, 7 Juveniles, 4 Infants.
-
Busingye Group) (9 members)
Dominant Silverback, 0 sub-Silverbacks, 0 Black-backs, 4 Adult Females, 1 sub-Adults, 1 Juveniles, 3 Infants.
-
Bweza Group (7 members)
Dominant Silverback, 0 sub-Silverbacks, 0 Black-backs, 3 Adult Females, 0 sub-Adults, 1 Juveniles, 2 Infants.
-
Nyakagezi Group (9 members)
4 Dominant Silverback, 0 sub-Silverbacks, 1 Black-backs, 2 Adult Females, 0 sub-Adults, 2 Juveniles, 0 Infants.
-
Nkuringo Group – Kisoro/Clouds side: (17 members)
Dominant Silverback, 3 sub-Silverbacks, 3 Black-backs, 3 Adult Females, 3 Juveniles, 4 Infants
.
Gorilla rules
To protect the gorillas and visitors, the following rules must be adhered to:
- no one with a communicable disease, such as flu or diarrhea, is allowed to visit the gorillas
- do not surround the gorillas but remain in a tight group
- leave a distance of at least 5m between you and the gorillas
- if they approach you, move back slowly
- flash photography is strictly forbidden
- do not eat or smoke within 200m of the gorillas
- if you need to sneeze or cough, turn away from the gorillas and cover your nose and mouth
- burry all human faeces in a hole dug at least 30cm (one foot) deep and ensure that it is properly filled in afterwards.
- All litters must be removed from the park for disposal
- Do not spit on vegetation or soil while in the park
- No person under 15 years is allowed to track gorillas
- When with the gorillas, avoid making loud noises or sudden movements
- Contact time with the gorillas is strictly limited to one hour
- Please observe all instructions from your guide.
What to take – a checklist
- Solid walking shoes or boots
- Rain gear and hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Drinks and snacks
- Camera
Porters are available at a modest cost
