Investigating the Profusion of Habituated Gorilla Groups in Bwindi Forest
Have you ever considered the number of habituated chimpanzee groups that reside in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? Bwindi Forest, a remarkable sanctuary in South-Western Uganda, is proud to have a total of 18 habituated mountain gorilla communities. The intimate and immersive experience with these majestic creatures is guaranteed by the fact that only eight visitors are permitted to track each group per day, which is what truly distinguishes these groups.
The Rich Heritage and Prime Location of Bwindi
Bwindi Forest, which is situated on the western border of the Great Rift Valley and borders the Democratic Republic of Congo, is strategically situated on an expansive area of approximately 327 km² at the extreme Rift Valley. It is one of the most sought-after destinations for gorilla trekking, as this lush expanse is not only a geographical marvel but also holds immense cultural significance.
Four sectors in Bwindi Forest are designated for gorilla trekking.
Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo are the four distinct gorilla trekking sectors in which Bwindi Forest National Park offers visitors the opportunity to explore its 18 habituated gorilla groups. The diverse landscapes of Bwindi are accessible to all, as each sector provides a distinctive experience.
Meet the Gorilla Families/Groups – A Look at the Gorilla Groups in Bwindi
Mubare Gorilla Family (Buhoma Sector): In 1991, Mubare was established and is the earliest habituated gorilla family in Uganda. The family consists of nine members, with one silverback serving as the head.
Habinyanja Gorilla Family (Buhoma Sector): Habinyanja was fully habituated in 1997 and currently numbers 18 members, including two silverbacks.
Rushegura Gorilla Family (Buhoma Sector): Established in 2002, Rushegura comprises 19 members, with Mwirima serving as the silverback.
Katwe Gorilla Family (Buhoma Sector): The newest family in Buhoma, Katwe, is comprised of seven members and is commanded by a dominant silverback.
Nkuringo Gorilla Family (Nkuringo Area): This family, which is lead by the late Silverback Nkuringo, is a testament to the resilience of gorillas, with 19 members, including two silverbacks.
Bushaho Gorilla Family (Nkuringo Area): The Bushaho gorilla family, who are commanded by the silverback Bahati, is located in the southern sector of Nkuringo. The family consists of eight members.
Bitukura Gorilla Family (Ruhija Area): In 2007, the habituation process of the Bitukura Gorilla Family, which consists of 14 members and four silverbacks, commenced.
Mishaya Gorilla Family (Rushaga Area): This family, which is located in the Rushaga sector, is comprised of seven members, including the silverback Mishaya.
Oruzogo Gorilla Family (Ruhija Sector): Established in 2011, Oruzogo comprises 23 members, with a silverback serving as the group’s leader.
Nshongi Gorilla Family (Rushaga Area): With 18 members, Nshongi was officially opened for trekking on September 26, 2009.
In 2011, the Kahungye Gorilla Family (Rushaga Area) was established to accommodate travelers. The family consists of 13 members, three of whom are silverbacks.
Bweza Gorilla Family (Rushaga Sector): Bweza, which consists of nine individuals and a silverback, separated from the Nshongi family.
Busingye Gorilla Family (Rushaga Area): Established in June 2012, Busingye is comprised of nine members and one silverback.
Kyaguriro Gorilla Family (Ruhija Area): Established in 1995, Kyaguriro is comprised of 20 individuals, which are categorized into groups A and B.
Bikyingi Gorilla Family (Rushaga Area): This family is comprised of 21 individuals and is led by the silverback Bikyingi.
The Christmas Gorilla Family (Nkuringo Area) is the most recent family in the Nkuringo region. It is comprised of nine members, with a dominant silverback.
Mukiza Gorilla Family (Ruhija Sector): Mukiza, which originated in Kyaguriro, currently comprises ten members in the Ruhija sector.
Mucunguzi Gorilla Family (Rushaga Sector): Mucunguzi, the patriarch of the family, divided from Bweza following a severe altercation. The family consists of eight members, with the majority of them being female.
Explore the captivating realm of the habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi Forest, each of which provides a distinctive perspective on the lives of these extraordinary creatures. An unforgettable gorilla trekking experience awaits you in this biodiverse sanctuary, regardless of whether you opt for the Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, or Nkuringo sector.
