How many gorillas are in Uganda?
Uganda is home to approximately half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. The mountain gorillas are found in two national parks in Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is known for its population of habituated mountain gorilla groups available for gorilla trekking. The exact number of gorillas in Uganda can vary due to births, deaths, and other factors affecting the population. However, as of 2021, the estimated number of mountain gorillas in Uganda was around 459 individuals.
It’s important to note that these numbers are subject to change as ongoing conservation efforts and research provide more accurate data. For the most up-to-date information on the mountain gorilla population in Uganda, I recommend checking with relevant conservation organizations or wildlife authorities in Uganda.
How many gorilla families are in Uganda?
Uganda is home to several habituated mountain gorilla families that can be visited by tourists for gorilla trekking experiences. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is the primary destination for gorilla trekking. The exact number of gorilla families can vary over time due to births, deaths, and changes in group dynamics.
As of 2021, there were approximately 19 habituated gorilla families available for tourism in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These families are distributed across different sectors of the park, each with its own unique characteristics and dynamics.
In addition to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, also in Uganda, is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family, which is occasionally available for trekking, although this family has been known to cross the border into neighboring Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Please note that the number of habituated gorilla families and their availability for trekking can change over time due to various factors. To get the most accurate and up-to-date information about the current number of gorilla families available for trekking in Uganda, I recommend checking with the Uganda Wildlife Authority or other relevant authorities responsible for gorilla conservation and tourism in the country.
How to book a Gorilla Permit.
- Choose a Destination: Decide on the national park or wildlife reserve where you want to go gorilla trekking. The most popular destinations for gorilla trekking are usually in East Africa, such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, as well as Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
- Research Availability: Gorilla permits are limited to a certain number of people per day to minimize the impact on the gorilla population. Check the availability of permits for your desired date and group size. It’s recommended to book well in advance, as permits can sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons.
- Contact the Relevant Authority: Get in touch with the official wildlife or tourism authority of the country where your chosen national park is located. They usually handle the permit booking process. For example, for Uganda, you would contact the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and for Rwanda, you would contact the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
- Provide Necessary Information: When you contact the relevant authority, they will require certain information from you, such as the number of permits you need, the specific date you wish to trek, your personal information, and any other relevant details.
- Make a Payment: Once you’ve provided the required information, you’ll need to make the payment for the gorilla permits. Gorilla permits can be quite expensive, ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on the country and Specific Park. Payment is typically done through bank transfers or online payment platforms specified by the authority.
- Receive Confirmation: After making the payment, you will receive a confirmation of your booking, usually in the form of an email or official document. This confirmation will include details such as the trekking date, location, and other relevant information.
- Travel Planning: With your gorilla permit confirmed, you can start planning the rest of your trip, including accommodations, transportation, and any other logistics. Remember that gorilla trekking can involve challenging terrain, so ensure you’re physically prepared and have the necessary gear.
- Arrival and Check-In: On the day of your gorilla trekking adventure, you’ll need to present your permit at the designated park headquarters or visitor center. This is where you’ll receive a briefing about the rules and guidelines for gorilla trekking and be assigned to a gorilla group.
- Gorilla Trekking: Your assigned guide and trackers will lead you into the forest to search for the gorilla group. Once you locate them, you’ll have a designated amount of time to observe and photograph the gorillas in their natural habitat while maintaining a respectful distance.
Remember that gorilla trekking permits are subject to availability and can sell out quickly, so it’s best to plan and book well in advance to secure your spot. Additionally, rules and regulations may vary slightly between different parks and countries, so make sure to follow the guidance provided by the local authorities and guides to ensure a safe and respectful experience.
