Gorillas in Uganda; Where to See them, Population, Type & Images

Learn everything about Gorillas in Uganda from knowing the best time to trek Gorillas in Uganda to the types of gorillas found in the region. The species of gorillas in Uganda are only the Mountain gorillas (scientifically known as Gorilla beringei beringei), and are one of the two sub-species of Eastern Gorillas found in East and Central Africa.

Mountain gorillas in Uganda were categorized as endangered under the IUCN Red List with estimated total popularity of 1,063 individuals, and Uganda shelters about half of this entire population.

Types of Gorillas Found in Uganda:

Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei):
- Habitat: Found in the dense forests of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda.
- Population: Uganda is home to about half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, making it a crucial conservation area.
- Characteristics: Recognized for their thick fur, these gorillas have adapted to the colder mountain climates.

Unlike other gorilla sub-species that can live in captivity, the mountain gorillas can’t survive in captivity hence the reason why protection of their fragile natural habitats is important for their thriving.

Facts About Gorillas in Uganda:

As mentioned earlier, the gorilla specie found in Uganda is the Mountain gorillas. They are known for their darker, longer and thicker fur than other gorilla subspecies, owing to their unique natural habitat (characterized by dense forest and high altitudes).

They boast of a standing height of 63 to 67 inches and an arm span of 2 to 2.7 meters. Their body weight ranges between 120 and over 200 kilometers for males while 70 to 100 kilograms for females. These gorillas are primarily herbivores that feed on fruits, shoots, barks, roots, stems, flowers, and leaves of over 142 plant species.

The Gorillas in Uganda live in close-knit families led by silverbacks (mature males) alongside adult females, blackbacks, juveniles, and infants. The silverback is responsible for making key family decisions (choosing places of foraging and when to sleep) in addition to enjoying privileges such as eating first and mating the females of the family. He is also in charge of protecting the family at the expense of his own life.

Where are Gorillas Found in Uganda?

Gorillas in Uganda are found in the dense rainforests, high in the mountains of two magnificent National Parks-Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks in the south-western part of the country.

In the former, gorilla treks take place in four trekking regions (Nkuringo, Buhoma, Rushaga, and Ruhija) which when combined with Mgahinga bring the total number of habituated gorilla families to over 21.

Gorilla permits for these places are limited because a maximum of 8 visitors is given the chance to spend a maximum of one hour with a particular habituated gorilla group each day.

Buhoma sector/region in the northern part of Bwindi is home to four gorilla families-Rushegura, Habinyanja, Mubare and Katwe.
Ruhija sector within the eastern part of the Park shelters Kyaguliro, Mukiza, Bitukura, and Oruzogo.
Rushaga sector in the south has the largest number of habituated groups that include Mucunguzi, Kutu, Mishaya, Nshongi, Rwigi, Busingye, Bikingi, Kahungye, Bweza, and Nshongi.
Nkuringo sector is also in the southern part of Bwindi and shelters Bushaho, Christmas, and Nkuringo groups.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park shelters only one habituated gorilla group known as Nyakagezi.

What it takes to see the Gorillas in Uganda?

Before you even travel to Uganda for gorilla safaris, a valid gorilla permit is a must-have and has to be obtained at least 6 months prior to the intended trekking date. A guided trek to see the gorillas in Uganda also requires participants to be physically fit and participants have to be at least 15 years old.

Reasons to Trek Mountain Gorillas:

Some of the interesting reasons to visit gorillas in Uganda include;

Half the World’s population of Mountain gorillas lives in Uganda.
Gorilla Trekking permits are more affordable in Uganda and cost about $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents, and only UGX 250,000 for East African Community visitors.
Visitors who are thrilled by the idea of challenging terrains can take on gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Just getting to the south-western part of the country you will be welcomed by verdant terraced hills and rolling volcanic slopes, a clear picture that it is not for the faint-hearted.
Expect many other primates to cross your path especially golden monkeys in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, chimpanzees (in Bwindi), Blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, L’Hoests monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and many others.

Best time to Visit Uganda Gorillas:

Gorillas in Uganda can be visited any time of the year although the wet season-March to May as well as October is considered the low season because most visitors are not comfortable with the wet forest floor and muddy paths. The dry season is however considered the best time to visit these unique primates when the forest floor is drier.

How to get to the Gorilla Parks?

While road trips serve as the primary mode of transportation to Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, an alternative option is to arrange flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kisoro and Kihihi Airstrips.

Subsequently, visitors can seamlessly proceed to their designated trekking regions via road.

Best Gorilla Safari Packages in Uganda:

3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking Tour;

It is the best budget and Short Uganda Safaris Tour package designed for you to get up close with a group of mountain gorillas while in their natural habitat. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is in southwestern Uganda, 530 kilometers that is… View Tour Details

4 Days Gorilla and Wildlife Safari;

Enjoy the best of 4 Days Lake Mburo and Bwindi gorillas tour, a special short trip package designed to let you explore both savanna wildlife and mountain gorillas in their natural habitats. At Lake Mburo National Park, search for variety of savanna…View Tour Details

5 Days Uganda Safari Adventure;

This is an interesting package taking tourists to the remarkable Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla trekking and cultural walks as well as the beautiful Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife viewing and the refreshing boat cruise along the… View Tour Details

10 Days Uganda Safari Tour;

This Budget Safari Tour gives you a chance to enjoy gorilla & Chimp tracking, wildlife views, nature & cultural walks, and many more. 10 Days Uganda Safari trip starts and ends in Kampala the capital city of Uganda… View Tour Details

21 Days Uganda Safari – Long Tour;

takes you to the best tourism destinations in Uganda for exciting activities like gorilla/chimp trekking, birding & wildlife viewing. 21 Days Uganda Safari tour takes you to most of the country’s national parks like Murchison falls NP, Bwindi Impenetrable… View Tour Details