Allocation of Gorilla Tracking Permits

Regulatory bodies like Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rwanda Development Board allocate gorilla tracking permits in Uganda and Rwanda.Their aim is wildlife conservation and protection from harm. This ensures the primates can thrive in their natural habitat, free from poachers.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda occurs in the southern regions: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla Park. This area houses over 480 mountain gorillas, half of the world’s current population. Specifically, there are 400 in Bwindi and 80 in Mgahinga. In Rwanda, the adventure takes place in Volcanoes National Park, home to 10 habituated gorilla families, ready for travelers to enjoy.

Designated parks allocate gorilla permits by sectors. Mgahinga has the Nyakagezi group. In Bwindi, there are four secure sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. These sectors host over 2 habituated gorilla families for safe tracking. In contrast, Volcanoes and Mgahinga have only one group with multiple habituated families.

Gorilla tracking permits are allocated based on sectors, with Bwindi Impenetrable Park receiving the highest number of permits. The specific gorilla family you track is determined the day before the experience. However, the choice of sector is up to you, subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis.

This allows you to communicate any health or fitness concerns to the guides. They can then recommend a gorilla family that suits your capabilities, ensuring a wonderful encounter with the great apes in their natural habitat without exhaustion.

Gorilla Families in each sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Nkuringo habituated families include; Nkuringo and Chrismas in Nkuringo sector,

Buhoma in the northern sector include, Mubare, Habiyanja, Rushegura and Katwe

Ruhija sector in the Eastern part Kyaguliro, Oruzogo and Bitukura groups

Rushaga sector in the southern include Nshongi, Kahungye, Mishaya, Busingye and Bweza

Nyakagezi group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

The habituated Gorilla group in this sector is known as “Nyakagezi ‘consisting of 9 family members and 4 silverbacks. The gorilla family previously used to cross to Virunga slopes before finally settling in Mgahinga.

Gorilla Families in Rwanda (Volcanoes national park)

There 10 habituated gorilla families which include, Amahoro, Hirwa, Bwenge, Sabyinyo, Karisimbi, Muhoza, Kwitonda, Agasha, Titus, Susu A&B and Umubano families.

Book your gorilla tracking permits early enough to secure your availability for your tracking dates.

Safari vacations and travel services designs itineraries in Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC with over 10 years of experience and we are proud of our reputation for executing some of the most highly-rated vacation experiences. Our local consultants plan with you your preferred itinerary using expert ground knowledge. We take care of all the local logistics like permits, accommodation, and transport. And also, manage your entire trip, from start to finish with others services like car hire services.

For inquiries, advice on how to plan for this safari, booking the hiking permits; organizing transport and accommodation, get in touch with safari vacations and travel services, we help you to avoid inconveniences after landing for the safari.