2014 updates on Gorilla tracking permits,Uganda and Rwanda - Gorilla Safaris

In order for a visitor to enjoy a gorilla safari in Uganda,he/she must obtain a gorilla permit.These gorilla permits are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) at their offices.However,a visitor can also obtain a gorilla pemit online.This online gorilla permit purchase was introduced early 2014.A visitor is not allowed to track the gorillas unless if he/she has a gorilla permit.
Below are some of the relevant updates of 2014 gorilla permits in Uganda and Rwanda that a visitor should know;

2014 gorilla permit rates

•  2014-2015 gorilla permit rates have been confirmed by Uganda Wildlife Authority.Th rates have been increased from US$ 500 to US$ 600 per permit.
• During the months of April,May and November 2014,gorilla permits rates are discounted at US$350 per permit.The permit rates are discounted by US$250 per permit.
• Gorilla tracking permits in Rwanda cost US$750 per permit.

Allocation of permits according to the gorilla family in Bwindi National Park
In the past,gorilla permits of Bwindi were issued according  to the gorilla family to be visited.However,in 2014,things have changed in that,gorilla permit are issued according to the tracking area to be visited.This is the same system with Rwanda.
The 4 gorilla tracking areas in Bwindi National Park are;

• Ruhija area - has two gorilla groups
• Buhoma area - has three gorilla groups
• Rushaga - has five gorilla groups
• Nkuringo - has one gorilla group

List of gorilla families in Uganda

Gorilla Family	Location	Number  of individuals
Habinyanja Gorilla Family	Buhoma	17 individuals including 2 silverbacks
Rushengura Gorilla Family	Buhoma	19 individuals with 1 silverback
Bitkura Gorilla Family	Ruhija	14 individuals including 4 silverbacks
Mubare Gorilla family	Buhoma	8 individuals with 1 silverback
Oruzogo Gorilla Family	Ruhija	25 individuals including 2 silverbacks
Nkuringo Gorilla Family	Nkuringo	19 individuals including 2 silverbacks
Nshongi Gorilla Families	Rushaga	26 individuals including 4 silverbacks
Mishaya Gorilla Family	Rushaga	12 individuals including 1 silverback
Kahungye Gorilla Family	Rushaga	13 individuals including 3 silverbacks
Bweza gorilla Family	Rushaga	9 individuals including 1 silverback
Busingye Gorilla Family	Rushaga	9 individuals including 1 silverback
Nyakagezi Gorilla Family	Mgahinga National Park	10 individuals including 3 silverbacks
Kyanguriro Gorilla Family	Ruhija	15 individuals including 2 silver backs