As of recently (early 2012) there are 3 gorilla groups in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable national park.
Buhoma group located north of Bwindi made of 3 gorilla families (Habinyanja, Mubare and Rushegura),
Ruhija group in central Bwindi has (Oruzogo and Bitukura families) Nkuringo Gorilla family is on its
own and Rushaga group comprises of (Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye and Busingye gorilla families).One
nomadic family is in Mgahinga National park, this family spends a lot of time between Uganda and
Rwanda.
The family numbers varying between 5 and 31. Each trekking group is allowed a maximum of 8
visitors per day. Tracking commences from the Park office. Tracking is done usually with 1 park
guide and 3 armed escorts and porters (should you require the services of a porter there is 1 per
person to carry a single bag). The guide liaises with about 2-3 trackers who have gone ahead to
ascertain the gorilla group's location. Once the gorillas have been located your group will be
allowed a maximum of one hour with them (this time limit is carefully observed and protects the
gorillas from undue stress).
This trip is rated as Rigorous Touring/Trekking. The time taken to track the gorillas varies
enormously, from as little as half an hour to as much as 9 hours before returning to camp.
The terrain is extremely difficult, with steep slopes (often steeper than a flight of stairs)
covered in dense vegetation that gives the park its name. In addition, the altitude of 5,200
feet and more means participants do need to be physically fit to enjoy the track.
Tracking conditions differ greatly according to the location of the gorillas, so the exact level of
difficulty for a specific trek is impossible to define in advance. Because it is impossible to
predict the length and difficulty of any single tracking excursion, this program should not be
attempted by anyone who is not in very good physical condition. Because of the climbing and bending
required as you make your way through the thick foliage, gorilla tracking should not be attempted
by anyone who has any kind of heart or back problem. Only those who are absolutely 100% fit and are
capable of walking long distances at high altitudes over slippery, muddy terrain should attempt
gorilla tracking. Tracking is likely to involve scrambling through, over, and under dense
undergrowth with nettles, barbed vines, and bamboo thickets
