Gorilla Families

In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, gorillas are organized into families, each assigned to a specific sector of the park to thrive in. The gorilla families typically feature a silverback as the dominant male, leading the group with strength and authority. Gorillas are explored based on the families and their locations within the Gorilla Sector. Discover the full roster of gorilla families residing in the enchanting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Exciting sites in Bwindi impenetrable national park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park stands out as a premier tourist destination globally, thanks to its array of captivating attractions that beckon adventurers from all corners of the earth.

Explore the captivating sites in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, including;

Majestic mountain gorillas

The mountain gorilla stands as the main highlight in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which serves as a significant habitat for around 400 of these magnificent creatures, residing in various sectors throughout the park. These areas located throughout the park are home to mountain gorillas, and within these regions, you can discover a variety of thrilling gorilla families, including.

BUHOMA SECTOR

Buhoma sector is situated in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It stands out as the most thrilling and frequently visited area in the park. This sector was the first to welcome trekkers, featuring the Mubare gorilla family, making it a popular choice for adventure seekers. The Mubare gorilla family holds the distinction of being the first group to be habituated in both the Buhoma sector and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a remarkable achievement that began in 1992.

The Buhoma sector is home to three captivating gorilla families.

The Mubare gorilla family

The Mubare gorilla family holds the distinction of being the first group available for gorilla trekking, having been habituated in 1992. Currently, this family comprises five individuals and is named after the Mubare Hills, the location where they were first observed. The Mubare gorilla family is led by Kanyonyi, a powerful silverback, accompanied by one adult female, two sub-adult females, and a lively infant.

The Habinyanja gorilla family

The Habinyanja gorilla family, named after the Rukinga word Nyaja which means a place with water, was habituated in 1997 and first trekked in 1999. This remarkable family was initially spotted near the swamp ponds of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The Habinyanja gorilla family is made up of 13 remarkable members: Makara, Rwansigazi, Maraya, Kisho, Nabukye, Binyonko, Rugyendi, Nyamuhango, Elsa, Hamusini, Hakato, Gacyaro, and Bangenyi. This family is guided by Makara, a commanding silverback.

The Rushegura gorilla family

The Rushegura gorilla family was habituated in 2000 and opened for trekking in that same year, having split from the Habinyanja gorilla family. This family is made up of 19 gorilla individuals, and when you embark on a trek with them, you have the chance to encounter Mwirima, the dominant silverback and leader of the group, along with Kabukojo, the blackback. 5 adult females: Kyirinvi, Kibande, Buzinza, Nyamunwa, and Karungyi; 2 sub-adult females: Kalembezi and Ruterana; 5 juveniles: Nyampazi, Kafuruka, Kibande, Karungyi, and Kanywanyi; and 5 infant gorillas: Kyirinvi, Buzinza, Nyamunwa, Kibade, and Katabazi.

Buhoma sector offers easy access via routes from Kabala, the Kihihi airstrip, and from Queen Elizabeth National Park, as it is conveniently located near the Ishasha sector in the southern part of the park.

NKURINGO SECTOR

The Nkuringo gorilla sector lies in the southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, within Kisoro District. This area is home to just three gorilla families, each offering a unique glimpse into the wild.

The Nkuringo gorilla family

The Nkuringo gorilla family stands as the pioneering group of gorillas that became accustomed to human presence in the southwestern area of Bwindi, a remarkable achievement that took place in 1997. The Nkuringo gorilla family consists of 12 remarkable individuals, featuring 1 silverback, 2 adult females, 2 adult males, 2 sub-adults, 3 juveniles, and 2 infants. The Nkuringo gorilla family holds a significant place in history as the first group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to witness the birth of twins. Originally consisting of 17 members, this family has seen some individuals depart from the park, leaving 12 remaining in the group.

Biking with a gorilla family

The Bikingi gorilla family offers an incredible opportunity for an immersive gorilla habituation experience, having been habituated since 2012. This family is made up of 15 remarkable members, including 1 silverback, 5 adult females, 2 sub-adults, 2 juveniles, and 5 lively infants. The Bikigi gorilla family is still in the midst of its habituation process, so it has yet to establish a leader.

The Bushaho gorilla family

The Bushaho gorilla family consists of 8 remarkable individuals: a dominant silverback, a spirited blackback, three nurturing adult females, a curious sub-adult, an energetic juvenile, and an adorable infant. The Bushaho gorilla family came together from several members who separated from the Nkuringo gorilla family, and it is led by the formidable silverback, Bahati.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Virunga National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Virunga National Park
RUSHAGA SECTOR

Rushaga sector attracts the highest number of visitors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, particularly those traveling from Kigali via the Cyanika border in Kisoro district. This area is located in the southern part of the park. The Rushaga sector is home to the largest number of mountain gorilla families in the park, and they include

The Nshongi gorilla family

The Nshongi gorilla family is a thrilling group residing in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This family is made up of seven members, all led by the formidable silverback, Bweza. In the group, there is 1 silverback, 1 juvenile, 1 infant, 3 adult females, and 1 sub-adult.

The Kahungye gorilla family

The Kahungye gorilla family consists of 17 members, named after the Kahungye hill where they were first spotted in this area. This remarkable family is led by a dominant silverback named Rumaz, accompanied by 3 adult females, 3 silverbacks, 2 infants, 3 juveniles, and 3 sub-adults.

The Busingye gorilla family

The Busingye gorilla family consists of 9 members who separated from the Kahungye gorilla family. This group is led by the formidable silverback Busingye. This group takes its name from a local term that signifies tranquility.

The Mishaya gorilla family

The Mishaya gorilla family consists of 12 members, led by the formidable silverback, Mishaya. This group was established in 2010 when Mishaya ventured away from the Nshongi gorilla group.

The Bweza gorilla family

The Bweza gorilla family is a vibrant group of 23 mountain gorillas led by a formidable silverback named Kakono. This dynamic family includes 2 silverbacks, 4 blackbacks, 1 sub-adult, 3 adult females, and 2 playful infants.

RUHIJA SECTOR

The Ruhija sector, nestled in the eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is a remarkable area that boasts three gorilla families, offering an exhilarating experience for mountain gorilla trekking enthusiasts. These families encompass

The Bitukura gorilla family

The Bitukura gorilla family consists of 14 remarkable members, including 4 silverbacks, 4 adult females, 2 juveniles, 3 infants, and 1 tiny baby. This family was established in 2007, starting with 24 members. Recently, the group encountered ongoing conflicts, leading many members to leave the fold.

The Oruzogo gorilla family

The Oruzogo gorilla family consists of 17 remarkable individuals, led by a silverback. Since opening for tourism in 2007, this group has captured the hearts of many. Notable members include Bakwate, the wise old silverback, and Kaganga, another strong silverback. Among the six adult females are Nyangaro, Katoto, Ruchura, Mutesi, Nyakina, and Mukwano. The family also features a black back named Bwengye, three spirited sub-adult males—Nyakashunja, Musenene, and Nyabirano—and Muhumuza, along with two lively infant males, Mufuruki and Paska, and a charming infant female, Musana.

The Kyaguliro gorilla family

The Kyaguliro gorilla family is quite a large group, consisting of 20 members. This family has been set aside for research purposes, which is why it is not frequently visited. Following the tragic demise of the group’s leader, who was unexpectedly struck down by lightning, the members divided into two factions: Kyaguliro A and Kyaguliro B.

Kyaguliro A is a lively group of 10 family members, including 1 silverback, 2 black backs, 3 adult females, 2 juveniles, and 2 infants, all under the guidance of Rukara, the dominant silverback.

Kyaguliro B is a lively group of 10 family members, featuring 1 silverback, 4 adult females, 1 adult, and 4 playful infants, all under the guidance of the dominant silverback, Mukiza.

Creatures of the land and their close relatives

While Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is famous for its mountain gorillas, it also hosts a remarkable array of mammals that thrive in the park’s dense forests. Among these fascinating creatures are forest elephants, giant forest hogs, antelopes, side-striped jackals, African civets, and many others.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to a variety of fascinating primates, including chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, L’hoests monkeys, De Brazza monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, and the nocturnal potto and galago species.

Timeless jungle

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an incredible ecological system teeming with diverse vegetation. Notably, it stands out as one of the rare locations in Africa where tropical forests thrive, serving as a unique intersection of lowland and montane vegetation zones. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is traversed by numerous small rivers, including Ivi, Munyaga, Ihihizo, Ishasha, and Ntengyrere, which flow into Lake Edward, establishing it as a celebrated water catchment area. The park boasts a vibrant canopy filled with a variety of plant species, including Red stinkwood, Newtonia, Symphonia globulifera, East African yellow wood, and Strombosia scheffleri. Deep within the heart of the forest, one can discover fascinating species such as Xymalos, Neoboutonia Macrocalyx, Monospora, Myrianthus holstii, Teclea nobilis, and Allophylus abyssinicus.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a captivating expanse of Afro-montane forests, showcasing a unique variety of vegetation found only in Africa, boasting an impressive count of 220 tree species and 100 fern species.