MOUNTAIN GORILLA TRACKING IN UGANDA
Gorilla tracking is a captivating and unforgettable experience which more than repays the effort needed to reach Bwindi and to trek through the forest. Bwindi has four habituated gorilla groups that are tracked by tourists. Three of the these are in the vicinity of Buhoma and one at Nkuringo.
GORILLA TRACKING IN BWINDI GORILLA PARK
- The Mubare group ('M' group) was opened for tourism in 1993 and consists of 10 gorillas with 1 silverback.
- The Habinyanja group ('H' group) was opened for tourism in 1998 and is composed of 21 individuals with 2 silverbacks.
- The Rushegura group ('R' group) is composed of 10 gorillas and 1 silverback. It was opened for tourism in 2002.
- The Nkuringo group ('N' group) was opened for tourism in 2004 and is composed of 19 gorillas and 1 silverback.
Gorilla tracking is Uganda's most sought after tourism activity. You should book well in advance to ensure that permits for your requested dates are available.
GORILLA TRACKING IN MGAHINGA GORILLA PARK
Mgahinga's most exciting and memorable activity is tracking the mountain gorilla in thick jungle. The park has one habituated gorilla group (Nyakagyezi) which is visited by tourists. This consists of 11 members; 2 silverbacks, 3 adult females, 4 juveniles and 2 infants. 
This group is mobile and sometimes crosses into Rwanda and DRC, so check for updates from Uganda Wildlife Authority (see contacts). Registration and briefing for gorilla tracking commences at Ntebeko at 07.45.
Tracking starts at 08.30 and can take three to eight hours.
Gorilla tracking is Uganda's most sought after tourism activity. You should book well in advance to ensure that permits for your requested dates are available.
MOUNTAIN GORILLA TRACKING RULES
To protect the endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda, the following rules and regulations must be observed:
- No one with a communicable disease, such as flu or diarrhoea, is allowed to visit the gorillas.
- Do not surround the gorillas but remain in a tight group.
- Leave a distance of at least 5m between you and the gorillas.
- If they approach you, move back slowly.
- Flash photography is strictly forbidden.
- Do not eat or smoke within 200m of the gorillas.
- If you need to sneeze or cough, turn away from the gorillas and cover your nose and mouth.
- Bury all human faeces in a hole dug at least 30cm (one foot) deep and ensure that it is properly filled in afterwards.
- All litter must be removed from the park for disposal.
- Do not spit on vegetation or soil while in the park.
- No person under 15 years is allowed to track gorillas.
- When with the gorillas, avoid making loud noises or sudden movements.
- Contact time with the gorillas is strictly limited to one hour.
- Please observe all instructions from your guide.