Discover Uganda's Mountain Gorillas and Their Fascinating Families

Uganda, renowned for its lush landscapes and rich biodiversity, is a sanctuary for one of the world’s most captivating creatures: the mountain gorilla. 

Within the green depths of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, numerous gorilla families thrive, each with its unique dynamics and stories. 

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: Also in southwestern Uganda, Mgahinga is part of the Virunga Mountains and is home to the Nyakagezi gorilla family.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: This park which is also a world heritage site is located in southwestern Uganda, and is renowned for its rich biodiversity and dense forest. It is one of the most important habitats for mountain gorillas. The park is divided into four Gorilla trekking sectors namely: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Full details about these families below:

Buhoma Sector

The Mubare Family: The first Gorilla family.

The Mubare family, the first gorilla group to be habituated for tourism in Uganda in 1991 when it was discovered in Mubare hills which the family is named after, is a symbol of pioneering conservation efforts. Led by the resilient silverback, Ruhondeza, this family’s journey from the wild to the world’s gaze is a testament to the power of conservation. 

Unfortunately in June 2012, Ruhondeza passed on under a natural death, and the group leadership was taken on by Kanyonyi who later got into a fight with Maraya and Kanyonyi losing his death.

The group currently stands at 6 members (3 adult females,  2 infants and 1 dominant silverback) 

The Rushegura Family

In the heart of Bwindi, the Rushegura family stands out for their adaptability – it is one of the biggest families in Bwindi with over 20 members led by the silverback named Kabukojo. It is led by the charismatic silverback, Kabanda, this group has navigated the changing landscapes since 2002 of their forest home with remarkable flexibility.  The group gets it names from the Ebishegura – a tree species found in the Gorilla territories since 2002 when they were first discovered.

They are known for wandering and sometimes they visit the lodges and can be seen around lodges like Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Gorilla Forest camp, and Buhoma community rest camp among others. 

Muyambi Gorilla Family

The Muyambi gorilla trekking family originated when one of Mubare's silverbacks left to establish his own group. Muyambi family is among the newest Gorilla family opened for gorilla trekking and it initially had six members, though the number may fluctuate over time.

 Katwe Gorilla Family

The Katwe gorilla family got its name from the hills where researchers first began their efforts to habituate them in 2018. Today, the group consists of 9 members: 2 Silverback, 2 blackbacks, 2 mature females, and 2 sub-adults. This family has a fascinating backstory; many of its members originally belonged to the Mubare group, the oldest studied family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest’s Buhoma sector. Notably, two of Mubare's adult females, Kashundwe and Malaika, have joined the Katwe group, which is led by the Silverback Mahaane. 

Habinyanja Gorilla Family

The Habinyanja group, led by the silverback Makara, is usually found in the Nyamishamba area of the Buhoma sector. This group is known for its adventurous nature, frequently venturing far from their usual territory. Researchers started the habituation of this group in 1996. About six years later, the group split into two, creating the Rushegura group. Currently, the Habinyanja group includes 1 silverback, 4 blackbacks, 4 teenage males, 4 adult females, 2 juveniles, and 1 infant.

Binyindo Gorilla Family

Researchers spent three years closely studying the Binyido group before it was finally opened to tourism. This group consists of 6 members, including 1 dominant Silverback. Binyido was officially added to the roster of gorilla families in the Buhoma sector in 2019.

Ruhija Sector

The Ruhija Sector has 6 Gorilla families, namely:

Bitukura Gorilla Family

The Bitukura Group is one of the newest groups in the forest, residing and roaming in the lush Ruhija area. This family consists of 14 members, including 4 silverbacks, and was named after the river where they were first observed. Habituation began in July 2007 and progressed relatively smoothly, with tourists visiting the gorillas within just 15 months. The Bitukura family is known for its peaceful nature, featuring a close-knit group with playful juveniles and regular ‘group meetings’ or gatherings. Originally, the group had 24 members, but due to internal disputes, some gorillas left and likely joined other groups. For those looking to visit the Bitukura Group, staying in the Ruhija area is recommended.

 Oruzogo Gorilla Family

The Oruzongo Group consists of 16 members, including 1 silverback, and is located in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. As one of the more recent gorilla families to open for visitor access, it was made available for tourism in 2011. Led by the dominant silverback Bakwate, this group is situated between the Ruhija area and has become a popular choice for tourists due to its size and the lively, playful juveniles and toddlers. The group was named after the fact that Gorillas here enjoyed munching on the Alchornea hitela plant locally renown as Oruzogo which is unique as most of the Gorillas don’t like this plant.

Kyaguliro Gorilla Family 

Habituation of the Kyaguliro gorilla family began in 1995, and the group has since been the subject of extensive research by the Max Planck Institute (MPI) for Evolutionary Anthropology. These primate researchers visit the family daily, aiming to understand their behaviors in depth.

Initially led by the dominant silverback Zeus, the group saw a significant shift in 2014 when Rukina overthrew Zeus. Tragically, Rukina was struck by lightning and killed in 2015. Following Rukina's death, the leadership passed to Mukiza, who was relatively inexperienced at the time.

In 2016, an encounter with the silverback Rukara from the Bitukura group led to the family splitting into two subgroups: Kyaguliro A, led by Rukara, and Kyaguliro B, led by Mukiza. Since this split, the Kyaguliro family has moved deeper into the denser parts of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, steering clear of the park's edges.

As you embark on your gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, you'll encounter the Kyaguliro family, which now includes 8 members: 1 silverback, 2 blackbacks, 2 adult females, 2 sub-adults, and 1 infant.

Mukiza Gorilla Family

In the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, you'll find the Mukiza group, also known as the Kyaguliro B family. This group, led by the silverback Mukiza, was established in May 2016 following the split from the larger Kyaguliro family. Like the Rukara family, the Mukiza group is closely monitored by the Max Planck Institute (MPI) for Evolutionary Anthropology. It conducts daily visits and ongoing research to understand their behaviors and movements. The Mukiza group comprises 6 adult females, 1 sub-adult male, 2 juvenile females, 3 infants, in addition to the dominant silverback.

Gorilla families in Rushaga sector – Bwindi National Park 

Rushaga sector has over 9 Gorilla habituated families.

 Nshongi Gorilla Family

The Nshongi Gorilla Group, the largest ever habituated in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, initially comprised about 36 members and was officially introduced to visitors in September 2009. Named after the Nshongi River where the group was first discovered, it is unique among gorilla families for having four silverbacks, as most families of around 25 members typically have just one or two. Remarkably, the group is led by Nshongi, who is not the oldest silverback, and the other three silverbacks and seven blackbacks coexist harmoniously without competing for leadership.

In July 2010, the group split into two, with one faction forming the Mishaya Gorilla Group, while the original group retained 26 members. By 2013, further splits reduced the group to 18 members, and the Bweza Gorilla Group was formed with 10 members. The Nshongi Gorilla Group resides in a large, forested area where visitors can also observe other primates, birds, and butterflies.

Bweza Gorilla Family

The Bweza family is the largest habituated group after Nshongi, however, the Mishaya silverback broke off to start its family and the other family led by Bweza went off on its own. Bweza group was originally part of the Shongi family and habituated in 2013, now roams Bwindi Impenetrable National Park under the leadership of silverback Kakono. Unlike many other gorilla groups, Bweza often forages near community farms rather than venturing deep into the forest, so you might spot them around your holiday accommodation or during village walks. Alongside Kakono, the group includes 2 additional silverbacks, 4 adult females, 1 juvenile, and 3 infant males. 

Mucunguzi Gorilla Family

The Mucunguzi gorilla family is named after its dominant silverback, Mucunguzi. Previously a young member of the Bweza group, Mucunguzi began leading a solitary life after being expelled from his original family. He later attacked the Bikingi group, fought its leader, and took several females to establish his own group. Today, the Mucunguzi family consists of 8 members, with the majority being females.

Kahungye Gorilla Family

The Kahungye family, led by the silverback Ruziika, is frequently seen roaming the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. When the habituation process for this group began in 2008, it comprised 29 members, including 3 silverbacks. However, in March 2012, the Busingye group separated from Kahungye. Currently, the Kahungye family includes Ruziika, 1 additional silverback, 3 blackbacks, 7 adult females, 2 sub-adult females, 2 juveniles, and 3 infants.

Bikingi Gorilla Family

Spending time with the Bikingi family offers a unique experience as the group is still in the midst of the habituation process that began in 2012. The identity of the current dominant silverback remains unknown following the deaths of the previous leaders, Mishaya and Bikingi, who once led a family of 24 members. After Bikingi’s death in June 2018, several members joined the Kahungye family, leading to the current mix of habituated and non-habituated individuals.

Today, the Bikingi family comprises 14 members: 2 silverbacks, 4 females, 1 blackback, 3 juveniles, and 4 infants. Gorilla researchers in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are closely monitoring this evolving group to understand their dynamics and behavior.

Mishaya Gorilla Family

The Mishaya family was established in July 2010 after splitting from the Shongi group. Mishaya, the dominant silverback, led the group until February 2014 when he died due to an intestinal blockage. Following his death, the remaining members scattered and joined other families in the Rushaga region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park 

Kutu Gorilla Family

The Kutu gorilla family consists of 8 members, led by a dominant silverback male. After years of detailed observation and study, researchers have opened this family to tourists to showcase the habituation process. Now, the Kutu group is ready to welcome visitors who have signed up for a gorilla tracking adventure.

Busingye Gorilla Family

 In the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Busingye group roams under the leadership of the dominant silverback, Busingye. Originally part of the larger Kahungye group, the Busingye family was first habituated in 2008 but established their own group in 2012. Busingye favors the more secluded areas of the dense forest, keeping his family away from the park's edges.

Currently, the Busingye group includes 5 adult females, 1 sub-adult blackback male, 3 juveniles, and 2 infants.

Rwigi Gorilla Family 

Rwigi Gorilla Family broke away from the Kahugye family under the leadership of Rwigi. They had issues as silverbacks and there one decided to wander off and start his family.

Nkuringo Sector 

Nkuringo Family

Nkuringo, meaning "round hill" in Rukiga, refers to the hill where this gorilla group was first spotted. The Nkuringo Group was officially launched in 2004, following a two-year habituation process. Their habituation was prompted by their frequent foraging in local community gardens, where they fed on bananas, sweet potatoes, and other crops.

Originally led by the silverback Nkuringo, who passed away in April 2008, the group then came under the leadership of Safari and Rafiki, the remaining silverbacks. Later that year, in November, the birth of twin baby gorillas, Katungi and Muhozi, added to the group’s numbers. Sadly, Katungi died at just 18 months old due to illness.

Tracking the Nkuringo Group requires significant effort and stamina, often considered the most challenging trek in Uganda. However, many find the experience exhilarating rather than exhausting. The Nkuringo family, located in the scenic southern area of Nkuringo, is a large group with 19 members, including 2 silverbacks, offering a memorable wildlife experience.

 Posho Gorilla Family

The Posho Gorilla Family, currently in the habituation process, is located in the Nkuringo Sector of Bwindi. Led by the dominant silverback Magara, the group consists of 14 members. By June 30, 2023, the family had been fully habituated and now comprises 17 individuals. However, it has not yet been included in the gorilla booking and reservation system.

Bushaho Gorilla Family

The Bushaho group, currently led by the silverback Bahati, originally belonged to the Nkuringo group. They were named Bushaho after the area in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park where they frequently forage. During your gorilla trek, your guide will point out that the group now consists of 1 silverback, 1 blackback, 4 adult females, 2 sub-adult females, and 4 infants.

Christmas Gorilla Family 

The Christmas gorilla family roams the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and is now available for adventure tourists eager to embark on gorilla trekking expeditions in Uganda. Named after its dominant silverback, Christmas, the group is known for its elusive nature. Although the family consists of 9 members, researchers typically spot 6 of them regularly. During your trek, you are likely to see Christmas, along with 1 blackback, 3 females, and 1 baby.

5. The Nyakagezi Family: The Wanderers of Mgahinga

Unlike their counterparts in Bwindi, the Nyakagezi family of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is known for its nomadic lifestyle roaming across Uganda’s borders into Rwanda and the DRC. 

MGahinga Gorilla National Park hosts just one habituated gorilla family: the Nyakagezi group. Led by the dominant silverback Mark and a second silverback named Ndugutse, this group was first habituated by researchers in 1991 and completed the process in 1994, making them available for tourism. Today, the Nyakagezi family consists of 3 silverbacks, 2 adult females, 1 juvenile male, and 2 infants.

GORILLA FAMILY STRUCTURE IN BWINDI AND MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARKS IN UGANDA 

Just like human families have diverse members with various responsibilities, gorilla families also have a range of individuals. Each family is led by an Alpha Silverback, the dominant male. Other members include adult female gorillas, blackbacks (which are always male), sub-adults (who can be either male or female), and baby gorillas.

Each member of the family at his given level has distinct roles and responsibilities for instance:

The Silverback: The Leader and Protector

The silverback is the dominant male in the gorilla family and is easily recognizable by the silver hair on his back, which develops with age. He is the leader and primary protector of the group. His responsibilities include:

• Leadership: The silverback makes decisions for the group, including where to feed from and where to rest. His leadership ensures the group's safety and unity.
• Protection: He defends the group from predators and rival gorillas. His strength and size are crucial for deterring threats.
• Mating Rights: The silverback has exclusive mating rights with the females in the group, ensuring that his genes are passed on to future generations.

The Blackback: The Young Males

Blackbacks are younger males who have not yet reached the status of silverback. They are named for their dark fur, which lacks the silver sheen of an older silverback. Their roles include:

• Support and Assistance: Blackbacks help the silverback in protecting and managing the group. They may assist in keeping order among the younger members and help in defending the troop if needed.
• Transition Role: Blackbacks are in a transitional phase where they are learning the skills required to potentially become silverbacks themselves. They may challenge the current silverback if they believe they are strong enough to lead.

Sub-Adults: The Adolescents

Sub-adults are gorillas who are too young to be considered adults but are past the infant stage. They are typically between 4 and 8 years old. Their roles include:

• Learning and Growth: Sub-adults are learning essential skills for survival, such as hunting techniques and social interactions. They observe and mimic the behaviors of older gorillas to prepare for their future roles.
• Social Integration: They are becoming integrated into the social structure of the group, learning to navigate relationships and understand their place within the hierarchy.
• Play and Exploration: Sub-adults engage in play, which helps them develop physical skills and social bonds. Play is crucial for their development and helps prepare them for adult responsibilities.

4. A Female Gorilla.

When we think of gorillas, it's often the mighty silverbacks who come to mind. However, the female gorillas of Uganda play an equally crucial role in the survival and dynamics of their groups. These remarkable females, residing in the lush forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, exhibit strength, intelligence, and vital contributions to their families. This article highlights the unique characteristics and significance of female gorillas in Uganda.

1. Roles and Responsibilities

Female gorillas are central to the functioning of their family groups. They are primarily responsible for caring for the young, which includes nurturing and teaching them essential skills for survival. The bond between a mother and her infant is incredibly strong; the mother will carry her baby on her back and protect it until it's old enough to fend for itself.

In addition to child-rearing, females also participate in feeding and maintaining the group’s social structure. They help in finding food and ensuring that the group remains solid and secure. Their ability to communicate and cooperate with other females helps in resolving conflicts and maintaining harmony within the group.

2. Social Structure and Hierarchies

Within a gorilla family, females have a clear social structure. While the silverback male is the leader and protector of the group, the females have their social hierarchy. The highest-ranking female usually holds a position of influence, often guiding the group in the absence of the silverback. This hierarchy ensures that the family operates smoothly, with each female understanding her role and status.

3. Motherhood and Reproduction

Motherhood is a significant aspect of female gorilla life. Female gorillas typically give birth every 4 to 5 years, with a single infant born after a gestation period of about 8.5 months. The early years are crucial for the infant’s development, and the mother invests substantial time and energy into nurturing her young.

The reproductive health of female gorillas is vital for the continuity of their groups. Conservation efforts in Uganda closely monitor their health and well-being to ensure they can reproduce successfully and maintain healthy populations.

5. The Future

The future of female gorillas in Uganda hinges on continued conservation efforts and habitat protection. By supporting these initiatives, we help ensure that these remarkable animals can continue to thrive and contribute to the stability and vitality of their groups.

THE DAILY LIFE OF A GORILLA

Gorillas are among the most exciting and intelligent animals in the wild. Their daily lives are filled with routines and activities that ensure their survival and social well-being. Below is how a Gorilla could typically spend its day in the lush forests of their natural habitat.

The Gorillas are awake from their nests made out of leaves and branches at approximately 0600 to 0700hrs. Just like humans, Gorillas also enjoy the breakfast meal so when they awake they go ahead to search for food like leaves, fruits, flowers, and shoots since they are herbivores. They pluck and manipulate their food with their strong hands and dexterous fingers.

After they feel satisfied, they spend the next moments bonding, grooming, resting, and playing and some continue to feed - the biggest time of the day is spent on munching. You will witness this when you pay a visit.

They like bonding as it keeps the group strong, the grooming part – they help each other look for parasites in the fur, grooming is an important part of their social life and can last for several hours.

While others are grooming, some are resting under the tree leaves and branches and others are playing especially the young ones. Young gorillas often engage in play, which is crucial for their development. They might chase each other, climb trees, or engage in mock fights, which helps them build physical and social skills.

If it is the season, adult Gorillas will engage in mating and also female Gorillas are seen breastfeeding the babies.

Later in the afternoon, when they feel the need to look for fresh food then they may move to a new location within their territory. Gorillas are known to have large home ranges, and they can travel several kilometers a day in their quest for food and also investigate potential threats. They use their keen senses to stay alert to changes in their environment.

When the sun begins to set, then they begin their final round of foraging – they are lovers of early dinner. They consume a variety of vegetation and prepare for the night. Their diet helps them build the energy needed for their daily activities.

They normally build new nests each night from leaves and branches either up on the tree or on the ground and by nightfall the group settles into their nests and their day usually ends at 0700 – 0800pm. The safety and comfort of their nests allow them to rest and recuperate after a full day of activities.

During the night, the group remains relatively quiet. The Silverback, as the leader, ensures that the group is secure and often takes a position where he can easily monitor the surroundings.

In conclusion, a day in the life of a Gorilla is a mixture of feeding, social interaction, mating, breastfeeding, play, rest, and moving among others. Their daily activities are essential for their survival and social well-being. Efforts are made through the Uganda Wildlife Authority to conserve their natural habitat and the funds paid by guests for the Gorilla trekking permit play a big part in ensuring they are secure, habituated, treated, and protected among others.

You also take a part in the well-being of these creatures by booking a Gorilla visit or a habituation experience at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga National Park, and Volcanoes National Park.

GORILLA TREKKING AND GORILLA HABITUATION EXPERIENCE IN UGANDA 

The population of Gorillas is growing each day and the good news is that Uganda is home to about half of the world's remaining mountain gorillas. Conservation efforts have led to a positive trend in mountain gorilla populations. Regular monitoring and effective management have contributed to their recovery.

Both Bwindi and Mgahinga are protected under the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), which works to conserve gorilla populations and their habitats. UWA is the sole distributor of Gorilla permits in Uganda and permits are only sold to licensed tourism companies in Uganda in advance as no permits are allowed to be sold on ground on a first come first serve basis.

Uganda's gorilla population is divided into several groups or families, each led by a dominant silverback. Notable families include the Mubare, Rushegura, Hirwa, and Bweza families in Bwindi, and the Nyakagezi family in Mgahinga.

In the lush forests, Gorillas stay in families and each family has a territory governed by the Alpha Silverback, the family is not allowed to cross the other’s boundaries otherwise it leads to a fight – The Alpha Silverback is tasked to protect the family from external attacks from other families which usually leads to death of the babies and females conquered. He is also in charge of heading the food hunt and the mating sessions.

Several of these Gorilla family groups have been habituated to human presence, allowing for gorilla trekking tours. This process by which Gorillas are gradually accustomed to the presence of people is called the Gorilla habituation experience and it is usually done in the Rushaga sector – South side of Bwindi National Park and facilitates the Gorilla trekking observation without causing stress.

The regular Gorilla trek allows guests – one hour with the Gorillas while the habituation process permits a 4 hours experience. You spend time with the researchers and rangers as they customize the Gorillas to human presence. Researchers conduct studies on gorilla behavior, health, and genetics to enhance conservation strategies and understand their ecological needs, plus the habituation process provides valuable data on gorilla social structures, interactions, and responses to human presence.

To minimize the impact on the gorillas, trekking permits are limited, and visitors must adhere to strict guidelines, including maintaining a safe distance and limiting group sizes. For normal trekking, each Gorilla sector has a limit to the permits and the numbers vary for instance Buhoma is limited to 48 permits, 32 for Ruhija, 56 for Rushaga, 24 for Nkuringo, and only 8 for Nyakagezi in Mgahinga.

While the Gorilla Habituation is limited to only 4 permits per day there booking further in advance is very essential.

Before heading out for the Gorilla trek, guests are divided into groups of a maximum of 8 pax and you are led by your ranger to the forest in the hunt for the Gorillas.

Your day begins with an early breakfast before heading to the UWA headquarters, where the trek starts and you'll receive a briefing. Remember to pack a lunch, as the timing of your return from the forest is uncertain.

After registering and receiving a briefing from the ranger guides, you'll be assigned a gorilla family to trek and paired with a guide who will lead you into the dense forest. The gorillas, being wild animals, are constantly moving to find food and build nests, so their exact location in the forest can be difficult to predict.

The effort and exertion quickly fade away when you finally encounter the gorillas. The experience is unforgettable as you witness their vibrant interactions—babies hiding and swinging from tree to tree, mothers nursing their young, and males constructing nests. The majestic sight of these animals and their dynamic behavior creates lasting memories.

Following your one - hour visit for  a regular trek and four hours of experience for the habituation with the gorillas, return to the park headquarters to collect your certificate. 

Then, head back to your lodge for a relaxing overnight stay and dinner. 

Gorilla trekking is essential not only to the wildlife but also to the community. Gorilla trekking is a significant ecotourism activity in Uganda, drawing visitors from around the world to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The revenue from tourism supports conservation and benefits local communities for instance job opportunities for the locals like UWA rangers, trackers, and porters among others. Guests also buy local products from the community as souvenirs like t-shirts, crafts, and bags among others.

Gorillas also hold cultural significance for local communities, and traditional beliefs often regard them as sacred or important animals. Conservation programs often incorporate cultural perspectives to foster local support.

RULES OF GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA

Here are the key rules generally enforced during gorilla trekking:

1. Permits and Group Size

• Permits: A valid permit is required for gorilla trekking, and these should be booked well in advance as they are in high demand.
• Group Size: Each gorilla group visit is limited to a maximum of 8 visitors to minimize disturbance.

2. Health Precautions

• Health: Visitors must be in good health before trekking. Common illnesses like colds or flu can be transmitted to gorillas, so those feeling unwell should postpone their visit.
• Sanitization: Hands should be sanitized before and after interacting with the gorillas.

3. Behavior and Distance

• Distance: Maintain a distance of at least 7 meters (about 21 feet) from the gorillas to reduce stress and risk of disease transmission.
• Conduct: Speak softly and avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could startle the gorillas.

4. Duration of Visit

• Time Limit: The maximum time spent with the gorillas is typically one hour to minimize the impact on their natural behavior.

5. No Feeding or Touching

• Feeding: Do not attempt to feed the gorillas.
• Touching: Avoid any physical contact with the gorillas.

 

6. Photography Guidelines

• Flash Photography: Flash photography is strictly prohibited, as it can be startling and harmful to the gorillas.
• Camera Use: Use cameras discreetly and ensure they are used in a manner that does not disturb the gorillas.

7. Littering and Waste

• Waste: Do not leave any litter behind. All waste should be carried out of the park to preserve the environment.

8. Following Guides

• Instructions: Always follow the instructions of your guide or ranger. They are trained to handle interactions with gorillas and ensure safety for both visitors and the animals.

9. Behavior Near the Gorillas

• No Aggressive Behavior: Avoid any aggressive or dominant behavior. Gorillas can interpret aggressive actions as threats.
• No Flashing Bright Colors: Avoid wearing bright colors or patterns that may attract or startle the gorillas.

These guidelines are designed to ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience for both the visitors and the endangered mountain gorillas. Adhering to these rules helps to protect the gorillas' habitat and contributes to conservation efforts.

HOW TO GET TO BWINDI NATIONAL PARK AND MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK 

BWINDI:

1. By Air:

• From Entebbe International Airport (EBB): You can take a scheduled flight to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips, which are the closest to Bwindi. Regular flights are available from Entebbe to these airstrips, operated by companies like Aero Link Uganda. Most recommended routing.

2. By Road:

• From Kampala: The drive from Kampala to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park typically takes around 8-10 hours. You’ll travel southwest, passing through towns such as Kabale. The route involves some rough, winding roads, so a 4x4 vehicle is recommended.

MGAHINGA 

1. By Air:

• From Entebbe International Airport (EBB): Similar to Bwindi, you can fly to Kisoro airstrip, which is relatively close to Mgahinga. From Kisoro, it's a short drive to the park.

2. By Road:

• From Kampala: The drive from Kampala to Mgahinga National Park typically takes around 8-10 hours. You'll travel southwest, passing through Kabale and then towards Kisoro. The road conditions can be rough, so a 4x4 vehicle is recommended.