Sources count about 18 to 23 habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, spread across four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo. The exact number differs between websites and changes over time, because families split, new groups are habituated and some groups are kept for research. Rushaga, in the south, usually has the most. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, nearby, has one habituated group. Because the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) does not publish a single simple list that all sources agree on, check with UWA or your operator for the latest, and treat any number on a blog, including ours, as a guide.
This guide describes the four sectors, the families usually listed in each, and how the number affects your choice. We checked the details in October 2026. To plan your permit, read how to book a Uganda gorilla permit.
How Many Mountain Gorillas Live in Bwindi?
Bwindi holds roughly half of the world's mountain gorillas. A 2018 census reported 459 gorillas in Bwindi, and surveys since then suggest growth. Only some of those gorillas are habituated for visitors. The rest live in unhabituated groups or as lone males and are left alone. Learn more about how families work in mountain gorilla family facts.
Which Gorilla Families Are in Each Sector?
Names below are the groups most often listed. Some sources list extra groups, and groups can change, so confirm with UWA or your operator.
| Sector | Groups often listed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Buhoma (north) | Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura (some sources add Katwe) | The oldest and best known sector; the park headquarters |
| Ruhija (east) | Bitukura, Oruzogo, Kyaguriro | Higher, cooler and good for birds |
| Rushaga (south) | Nshongi, Mishaya, Kahungye, Bweza and others | The largest number of groups; also hosts the habituation experience |
| Nkuringo (south-west) | Nkuringo (some sources add Bushaho and others) | Steep ridges and views over the forest |
See the sector details in the best gorilla trekking sector in Bwindi.
How Does Mgahinga Compare?
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has one habituated group, Nyakagezi, tracked from the Ntebeko gate. The group moves across the border with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo at times, so sightings can vary. Read is Bwindi or Mgahinga better for gorilla trekking and Bwindi vs Mgahinga from Kigali.
How Many Permits Are Available Each Day?
Each habituated group is visited by one group of up to eight trekkers per day. With roughly twenty groups, Bwindi offers on the order of 150 permits a day, and Mgahinga adds eight more. One source puts the combined daily figure at around 160. The exact number changes as groups are added or rested, so confirm with UWA.
Why Does the Number of Families Matter for You?
- Availability. More groups mean more permits, so sectors with many groups, such as Rushaga, are easier to book for popular dates.
- Choice of difficulty. Different groups roam different terrain, so a sector with several groups gives more options for your fitness.
- Where you sleep. Each sector has its own lodges and drive times.
Compare this with Rwanda, where the Rwanda Development Board lists ten habituated families in Volcanoes National Park; see how many gorilla families are in Rwanda.
How Do You Choose a Sector?
Choose by route, fitness and priorities. Buhoma suits visitors coming from the north or Queen Elizabeth National Park. Ruhija suits birders. Rushaga suits travellers who want availability and lodging choice, and Nkuringo suits those who want a dramatic landscape and can handle steep ground. For the full trip, see the 5-day gorilla trek in Bwindi and Queen Elizabeth safari and the 7-day Bwindi gorilla trekking tour.
How Do the Four Sectors Feel Different on the Ground?
Buhoma is the northern gateway, with the park headquarters, a long tourism history and lodges on the ridges and the river. It suits visitors who also plan to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park. Ruhija sits higher in the east, with cooler air, tea fields and some of the best forest birding in the park, so it is popular with birders. Rushaga, in the south, has the largest cluster of groups and several lodges, and it is the sector used for the habituation experience. Nkuringo, in the south-west, is known for steep ridges and wide views; treks can be tiring, but the landscape is hard to forget. The sector you choose changes the lodges, the road, and the kind of trek more than the specific family.
How Long Do Treks Take in Bwindi?
Reports range from under an hour to six hours or more each way. The forest is steep, wet and dense, and some groups move a long way in a day. UWA rangers usually try to match groups to fitness, so tell your operator about your fitness and any health condition. Porters and walking sticks make a large difference. Read how difficult gorilla trekking is for the general picture; Bwindi's terrain is closer to a wet jungle than to Rwanda's farmland and bamboo, which changes the pace.
How Do You Choose a Sector for Your Trip?
| If you are | Consider |
|---|---|
| Starting from Entebbe or Kampala and visiting Queen Elizabeth | Buhoma or Ruhija |
| Starting from Kigali by road | Rushaga or Nkuringo, or Mgahinga |
| A birder | Ruhija |
| Looking for the most permit availability | Rushaga |
| A strong walker who wants a dramatic landscape | Nkuringo |
See the best gorilla trekking sector in Bwindi for a longer comparison, and Bwindi vs Mgahinga from Kigali if you are travelling from Rwanda.
Where Does the Gorilla Population Stand?
The mountain gorilla is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and it is one of the few great apes whose numbers are rising. A 2018 census counted 459 gorillas in Bwindi, and a newer census was reported as under way in 2025. Habituated groups, which are the ones you can visit, are a small share of the total. The income from permits pays for rangers, trackers and veterinary care, and a share supports the communities around the park. That is why the rules on distance, group size and illness matter so much.
What Should You Pack for Bwindi?
Bwindi is wet, steep and cool, so pack for rain in any month. Waterproof hiking boots with good grip, gaiters or long socks to tuck trousers into, a light rain jacket, gloves for gripping vines and stems, a hat, and a small daypack with water and snacks are the basics. A walking stick is usually provided at the start. Bring a long-sleeved shirt against nettles and insects, and a dry bag for your camera. The full list is in our gorilla trekking packing list.
How Do Permits and Lodging Fit Together?
Permits are sold for a specific sector, group and date, and lodges in each sector fill quickly when the permits do. The sensible order is to fix your dates, choose the sector, secure the permit and then book the lodge. If you book the lodge first and the permit is not available, you may have to change both. Your operator can check availability across sectors, which is the main practical benefit of using a licensed company. Read how to book a Uganda gorilla permit for the steps.
Best for
- Travellers comparing sectors and permit availability
- Visitors who want to match their fitness to the terrain
May not be ideal for
- Anyone who needs an exact, unchanging list; family names and numbers change
What Mistakes Do Travellers Make?
- Choosing a sector only on the family name. Terrain and drive time matter more.
- Booking a lodge before the permit. Match the sector first.
- Believing a fixed number. Counts differ among sources.
- Underestimating the drive. The sectors are far apart.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bwindi Gorilla Families
How many habituated gorilla families are there in Bwindi?
Sources count about 18 to 23. Confirm the latest with UWA.
Which sector has the most families?
Rushaga usually has the most.
Can I choose a family?
You can request, and UWA assigns on the day.
Are there gorillas outside Bwindi in Uganda?
Yes, in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Should I confirm the list of families with UWA before I book?
Yes. The list changes, and different sources disagree. Ask your operator to confirm which groups are open to visitors in your sector for your dates.
How many gorilla permits are there in Bwindi per day?
Each group is visited by one group of up to eight a day, so the daily total depends on the number of groups open. Check availability with your operator.
Planning Your Trip?
Tell us your fitness, dates and route, and we will propose a sector. Talk to Our Tour Specialist. Also read the Bwindi gorilla trekking guide.
Source: Uganda Wildlife Authority.
