Following the recent demand of gorilla permits and increase in number of visitors to track mountain gorillas in Bwindi forest national park, the respective body Uganda wild life authority introduced more two gorilla families to meet the demand. This puts the total number of habituated mountain gorillas families at 17 from 15 meaning the total number of available permits have also increased to 136 and can be reserved any time in Nkuringo, Buhoma, Rushaga and Ruhija respectively. The newly introduced gorilla families are;
Christmas gorilla family –Nkuringo
This is a new introduces gorilla family in the Nkuringo sector, the family has 9 members according to the Uganda wild life rangers but only 6 are usually seen. The family is led by silverback Christmas, One black back, three females and one baby.
The total number of gorilla families in Nkuringo increased to 2 which now include Nkuringo group and Christmas, visitors can now book availability of these two gorilla families so far 24 permits are available per day per gorilla family.
Katwe group -Buhoma
Katwe is introduced in the northern sector of Bwindi forest, Buhoma which was the first introduced sector since the gorilla tourism began in 1993 with Mubare as the first habituated sector. Buhoma is the pioneer of all the sectors. The sector formerly had 2 gorilla families and with the newly introduced family they are now three habituated gorilla families including Rushegura group, Habinyaja and katwe. The number of gorilla permits available to be reserved per day has increased from 24 to 32 permits. The new gorilla family has 7 members one dominant silverback, two babies and four adult females.
While planning a gorilla safari and would love to trek the new gorilla families, you are advised to choose Nkuringo sector or Buhoma. The two sectors are an experience of their own due to difference in terrain. On the day of trekking let the warden know your interest if there is any chance to track the new habituated group as each individual Is allocated a gorilla family due to their wish and physical fitness.
