List of Mountain Gorilla Families in Uganda
Only three African nations—Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—are home to mountain gorillas. According to historical records, Uganda is home to the greatest number of mountain gorillas, with at least 400 of them, up from 302 in the 2006 census. The impenetrable national park of Bwindi is home to these primates.
Half of the world’s surviving mountain gorillas are found in this rain forest in the southern western region of Uganda, making it the most thrilling place to see them on the continent. The primary activity of Bwindi is gorilla trekking, and there are 12 gorilla families known to exist in the park’s four sectors.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to about 80 mountain gorillas, all of which belong to the same gorilla group. These gorilla families are now accustomed to tracking. The two-year procedure known as “gorilla habituation” entails teaching mountain gorillas to become accustomed to people as they carry on with their daily activities in their untamed natural habitat. Each gorilla family may have up to eight visitors per day.
Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija, and Nkuringo are the four sectors that make up Bwindi. We have information on each gorilla family that is open for visits before you start your gorilla tracking journey. However, bear in mind that mountain gorillas are untamed creatures that are constantly on the move, and that a silverback may choose to split off from a group at any time to establish his own family. The total number of mountain gorilla families in each sector is listed below.
Family of Rushegura Gorillas
One of the 19 families, Rushegura Gorilla Group, is headed by a silverback named Mwirima, who is in his late 20s and the brother of a former Habinyanja silverback named Rwansigazi. The organization takes its name from a location where these two brothers split off to start their own distinct group.
It was formed in 2002 when a silverback from the Habinyanja group chose to split off and build his own family, which now consists of 12 people, including 5 women. The family, which grew from 12 to 19 members by 2010, is known for being the most peaceful in Bwindi Forest and is headed by a kind and quiet person. This clan, which is known for occasionally strolling through neighboring communities and lodges, is the calmest family in Buhoma and all of Bwindi. They could always cross to Congo but always returned.
Group of Habinyanja Gorillas
Although tourists first visited the Habinyanja Gorilla Family in 1999, the family had been there since 1997. The name Habinyanja is derived from the native word Nyanja, which means “water.” This family lived in a swamp in the forest.
The family, which has two silver backs and 17 members, was led by a powerful silver back named Munguris, which means “old man” in the local dialect, until his advanced age caused him to pass away. His two brothers, Mwirima and Rwansigazi, later acquired his position of authority and led the family, although they later disagreed on how to run it.
They had distinct personalities; Mwirima like to remain close to the family members, while Rwansigazi enjoyed traveling. As a result, they separated in 2002. As a result, the group that remained under Rwansigazi’s leadership was called Habinyanja, even though Rwansigazi relinquished his leadership abilities to Makara the Dominate Silverback, who is currently in charge. Buhoma is where this family is located.
The Mubare Gorilla Family
Eight members of the Mubare Gorilla Family, including one silverback, were discovered in the forest in the Mubare Hills, which means stone in the native tongue. Ruhondenza was the group’s head when it was founded in 1993 for tourism.
At the time of its formation, the group had eighteen members. During the period of habituation, the group has experienced a series of raids by mountain gorilla family kidnappers, which resulted in the death of family members in 2012.
The commander, Ruhondenza, attempted to battle them, but his advanced age rendered him too weak, which caused him to feel an indescribable sense of grief. According to history, he passed away in his sleep due to his indescribable grief, and travelers are permitted to visit his grave. The five members that Ruhondenza left behind have grown to eight, led by Alpha the Silverback, also known as Kanyonyi.
The Bitukura family of gorillas
The Bitukura gorilla family, which consists of 14 individuals, was initially observed in 2007 with 24 members near the river where the family was found. Compared to other habituation, which takes two years, this one was shorter. The Kyaguriro family and the family enjoy a strong relationship.
Despite having four silverbacks, the family is known for being calm and playful, which fosters camaraderie and unity amongst members. The second youngest silverback, Ndahura, inherited and assumed leadership from Karumazi, who is now too old to defend the family.
Even though the family has had many hardships, Bitukura is now closer and happier than they were before they welcomed additional family members in 2013. The Ruhija area of Bwindi is home to the Bitukura Gorilla Family.
The Oruzongo family
With two silverbacks among its twenty-five members, Oruzogo is the second habituated group in the Ruhija region and was founded by the Uganda Wildlife Authority in 2011. Tebirikwata, one of the family’s oldest gorillas, leads this group. Since 2011, the family has grown by adding more members as a result of the older females Ntumurungi and Musi giving birth to more children in the same year.
In 2013, Kankoba gave birth to twins, which was an additional source of happiness. The trio is well-known for their lively personalities and entertaining methods. Family members in this group have a variety of names that are derived from local names, such as Bwoba (coward), Kakanga (the large one), and Busungu (short-tempered).
Family group from Kyaguriro
Since becoming habituated in 1999, the Kyaguriro group has become one of the most cherished gorilla groups. This group was set aside by the “Max Planck Institute by Evolutional of Anthropology” for research and study purposes. In the Ruhija area, this group is also a member of the Gorilla family groups.
Group of Nkuringo Gorillas
The term “Nkuringo” comes from the word “round hills,” which are found in the regions of Kisoro and Bwindi. The Nkuringo sector was established in 2004, and it consists of just one family group: Nkuringo. Although this family is one of the most difficult gorilla trekking trailheads, it is also one of the most rewarding and worthwhile treks you will ever undertake.
One of the Silverback Alphas, named after the word “Nkuringo,” headed the family until his effective habituation led to his death in 2004. The two older sons that Nkuringo left behind were Rafiki (which means friend in Kiswahili) and Safari, the older brother who assumed leadership and has been able to support the family through both happy and difficult times.
During his rule, the family welcomed two baby twins, Muhoza and Katungi, though Katungi did not survive to reach his second birthday and died. There are two Silverbacks among the 19 members of the family.
Family of Mishaya Gorillas
Eight guests can visit the twelve members of the Mishaya Gorilla family each day. The reason this group is recognized as a fighter is due to its former leader, Mishaya the Silverback, who was renowned for his fighting skills and interactions with other Gorrila families. He split from the Nshogi family with ten members to form his own family.
Although he passed away in 2014, Mishaya was well-known for his fighting. In 2010, he instigated a fight that resulted in additional injuries and the loss of one of his infants. However, he was saved by the mountain gorilla veterinarian, Nary. Mwine the Silverback is currently in charge of the family, which is open for visits in the Rushaga area.
The family of Nshongi gorillas
Launched in 2009 with the largest habituation group, the Nshongi Gorilla Family is the largest group in the Rushaga sector to be visited by tourists. The name “Nshongi” was derived from a local word, “Omushongi Gwobuki,” which means honey and refers to the deep brownish color of the river’s water.
The 36-member family, headed by Nhsongi the Silverback, received daily visits until 2010 when Mishaya split off with 10 members to start his own. Two years later, in 2010, Bweza the Silverback also split off with some members to start his own, leaving the family with just 26 members.
Group of Kahugye Families
Kahungye is one of the newest mountain gorilla groups in the Rushaga area, with 13 members and three silverbacks. They live in the mountain’s highlands. Following a successful habituation, the group was founded in 2011 with 27 members and three Silverbacks.
However, a family member named Busingye broke off with some of the group, resulting in the family splitting off and the group now consisting of just 13. The silverback known locally as “Gwigi,” which means “door,” is currently in charge of the Kahungye family.
Group of Bweza Gorillas
After the Nshongi group, which was the largest habituated group, Bweza is the second largest. However, in 2010, Mishaya the Silverback decided to split off the family to form his own group, and rangers noted that Bweza also split off to form his own family in 2012. The rangers believed the group could reunite. This family lives in Bwindi’s Rushaga neighborhood.
The family of Busingye Gorillas
The Rushaga area, which has the highest concentration of mountain gorilla groups in Bwindi, is home to the Busingye Gorilla family. The silverback Busingye is the inspiration behind the group’s name. “Peace” is the meaning of the native word “busingye.” A member of the Kuhungye family, who split from the group in 2012 with seven other members, Busingye is a violent individual who starts arguments with other Gorilla family groupings.
One of the ways he displays his authority is by taking girls from other family groupings. As of right now, he has managed to expand his family to nine members by doing this.
Group of Nyakagezi Gorillas
In contrast to the other 11 gorilla families in Bwindi, the “Nyakagezi” are the only group in Mgahinga, consisting of 10 individuals; they typically migrate to neighboring Rwanda and Congo. But in 2012, the UWA noticed that the family was enjoying Uganda more, and things are now stable.
The silverback who served as the group’s leader, “Bugingo,” eventually died of old age. Later, his older son Mark took his position, along with two other silverbacks, Mafia and Mathew.
The family has two blackbacks, Nduguntse and Rukundo, two females, Nyiramwezi and Nshuti, and two tiny children, Furaha and Nkanda. Due to the group’s unpredictable movements and travel, UWA has placed the permits in Kisoro, which is the only location where Gorrila permits may be bought. The group is well-known for its entertainment, and tourists adore its playful spirit and character.
When you travel to Uganda, you will get the opportunity to see the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and form family bonds while learning about their daily lives.
How many days are required for gorilla trekking in Uganda? Gorilla trekking is a unique and daring activity that draws a lot of tourists to Uganda. It entails walking through the tropical rainforest in search of habituated mountain gorillas and spending an hour with them in their natural habitat. In Uganda, gorilla trekking is conducted in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, both of which are situated in the southwest.
It takes at least three days for tourists who are planning a gorilla trekking safari in Uganda to see the mountain gorillas when traveling from Entebbe or Kampala. On the first day, you will drive from Kampala or Entebbe to either Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where you will go gorilla trekking on the second day and return to Kampala on the third day.
You will need at least two days to start and finish in Kigali, Rwanda. On the first day, you will drive to either Bwindi National Park or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where you will do gorilla trekking. On the second day, you will drive back to Kigali.
About the Ugandan gorilla trekking adventure
At Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, gorilla trekking begins early in the morning with a briefing on the guidelines to be followed. Following the briefing, a knowledgeable park guide and a habituated gorilla family will be assigned to you for the trip. Because mountain gorillas prefer to roam around in search of food, trekking with them in Uganda might take anywhere from two to seven hours, depending on their location.
You can see other primates and birds while trekking, and after you locate the gorillas, you can spend an hour with them in their natural environment. This allows you to learn about their habits and behaviors, observe how they feed, nurse, play, and groom their young, and take pictures and videos to share with people back home.
The ideal time to visit Uganda for a gorilla trekking expedition
The best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry season, which includes the months of June, July, August, September, December, January, and February. This is because there is less rainfall in the national parks during this time, making the trekking trails dry and passable, making gorilla trekking easier than during the rainy season, when they are muddy and slippery.
The price of Ugandan gorilla trekking permits
In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, gorilla trekking licenses are 800 USD per person for non-resident foreigners, 800 USD per person for locals, and 300,000 UGX per person for inhabitants of East Africa.
How to reserve permits for gorilla trekking in Uganda
You may reserve gorilla trekking permits in Uganda by contacting a reputable tour operator, such as Mwesigwa Adventure Safaris, and providing the date, month, year, and gorilla destination you want to visit. After getting in touch with us, we will verify whether permits are available for the dates you have selected.
If they are, you will be required to pay a deposit. We may buy the permits on your behalf as soon as the payment is received, and we’ll email you a scanned copy of the receipt as proof.
However, because gorilla trekking permits in Uganda are competitive and typically sell out quickly, especially during the peak seasons of June to September and December to February, it is best to reserve three to six months prior to the trekking date.
How to go to Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Both Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are in the southwest region of Uganda and are accessible by road. It takes roughly nine to ten hours to drive from Entebbe/Kampala to the park headquarters, passing through Masaka, Mbarara, and Kabale.
It takes roughly four to five hours to drive from Kigali, Rwanda, to the park headquarters via the Cyanika border in Kisoro or the Katuna border in Kabale. From Kigali, Rwanda, you may also reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Booking charter or regular domestic flights from Entebbe international airport to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips, and then connecting to the park headquarters via road, is another way to reach Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Accommodations for your gorilla trekking expedition
During your two or three-day gorilla trekking safari, you can stay at a variety of lodging options in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, ranging from affordable to luxurious. Mahogany Springs Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort, Bwindi Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Gahinga Lodge, Ichumbi Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Buhoma Haven Lodge, Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Lake Chahafi Resort, Kiho Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp, Bakiga Lodge, Broadbill Forest Camp, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Bweza Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Tracker Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Bwindi Forest Lodge, Wagtail Safari Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Bwindi Jungle View Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, and Engagi Lodge are just a few of the lodging options.
Things to bring on your Ugandan gorilla trekking expedition
Insect repellent, hiking shoes, long-sleeved shirts and trousers, garden gloves, waterproof rain jacket, camera and extra batteries, warm sweater, energy snacks and drinking water, long socks, face masks, walking stick, binoculars, and a backpack are some of the things you should bring on your gorilla trekking safari in Uganda.You can contact us at Mwesigwa Adventure Safaris for additional details about gorilla trekking in Uganda, or you can browse our website for reasonably priced gorilla trekking programs.