MOUNTAIN GORILLAS ARE ONES OF THE WORLD'S MOST ENDANGERED APES, FOUND ONLY IN SMALL PORTIONS OF PROTECTED AFRO-MONTANE FOREST IN SOUTHWEST UGANDA, NORTHWEST RWANDA & EASTERN D.R. CONGO.
Where does gorilla trekking take place in Uganda?Most gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which has four gorilla trekking trailheads; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga & Nkuringo. Bwindi is home to an estimated 480 gorillas of which fifteen families have been habituated. Fourteen of these families are tracked for tourism, and the remaining Kyaguriro family is for research purposes. Uganda second gorilla trekking location is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, this protects Uganda’s portion of the Virunga volcanoes chain which links gorilla populations in Uganda, Rwanda & D.R. Congo.
Where do we fly-in for Uganda gorilla trekking safaris?There are two airstrips for flying safaris to access Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by plane. Our scheduled fly-in safari packages fly to Kihihi airstrip, to the north of the park & is closest to the Buhoma & Ruhija gorilla trekking trailheads. In addition to this airstrip our chartered Bwindi fly-in safaris also fly to Kisoro airstrip which lies to the south of the park, this airstrip is closest to the Nkruingo & Rushaga gorilla trekking trailheads. Kisoro airstrip is also the closest airstrip for our chartered Mgahinga fly-in safaris. For helicopter flying safaris there are an array of landing locations at lodges & other sites, your safari consultant will advise on this based on your itinerary.
Which gorilla families can be tracked in Uganda?The gorilla families habituated for gorilla trekking in Buhoma in the northwest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are the Mubare, Rushegura, Habinyanja & Katwe families. Ruhija in the northeast is home to the Bitukura, Oruzogo & Kyaguriro families. Rushaga in the southeast is home to the Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye, Busingye & Bweza families. Nkuringo in the southwest is the home of the Nkuringo & Christmas families. Finally the Nyakagezi family is located at the fifth location, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
What about the gorilla habituation exercise?The gorilla habituation exercise only takes place in Uganda and at Rushaga, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park currently with the Bushaho and Bikingi families. Mountain gorilla groups undergo a long habitation process before they are regularly tracked by tourists. The process gradually aids them to become accustomed to human presence, a positive for conservation efforts.
How are gorilla trekking permits secured?We secure your gorilla trekking permits as part of our services when you book your flying safari with us. Please note that gorilla trekking permits can book up far in advance, especially in high season. Your safari consultant will advise on availability based on your proposed travel dates. To start the planning for your flying safari you can browse our flying safari packages, or learn more about our flying safaris to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park on the links below.
Learn about our Uganda gorilla trekking destinations
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