Gorilla Families In Uganda

Uganda has amazing mountain gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a rainforest, is the most visited park in Uganda for gorilla trekking. It has over 600 gorillas, almost half of the world’s population. Southwestern Uganda is one of the few places on the African continent where these exciting creatures can be met.

Embark on an adventure in Bwindi National Park, where you can find some of the 22 gorilla families waiting to be discovered. The thrill of gorilla trekking in Uganda is unparalleled, with each family offering a unique experience. Below is a detailed list of the gorilla families in Uganda and the regions where you can spot them.

GORILLA FAMILIES IN RUSHAGA SECTOR

Nshongi family

Created in 2009, this is the largest gorilla group within the Rushaga Sector. It initially had 36 members led by Nshongi but was later reduced to 10 members who broke off with Mishaya to form their own family. Shortly after, Bweza, a silverback, also broke off.

The family currently has 26 members. Its name originated from the River Nshongi, where the family was first seen. The saying “Omushongi Gwobwoki” means honey that resembles the brownish color of the river.

Busingye family.

Busingye means “peace.” The family derived its name from its silverback, Busingye. However, he doesn’t depict his name as he likes starting fights with other gorilla families and snatching away females whom he includes to build his own family. He has so far grown the family to 9 members.

Being able to win fights is a sign of being powerful among gorillas. He initially broke away from the Kahungye family in 2012 with seven members.

Bweza gorilla family.

Don’t miss the chance to trek with the Bweza family, the second largest in Rushaga. Book your safari now and start creating your signature memories.

Kutu family

Headed by a dominant silverback, Kutu has eight family members. It is one of the groups still undergoing habituation and, therefore, available for visits under the gorilla habituation experience. Tourists interested in this activity can meet the Kutu gorilla family.

Rwigi gorilla family

This new gorilla family came following Rwigi, a silverback who had a misunderstanding with Kahungye, which led him to leave the family and form his own. The family comprises 10 members: 1 silverback, five adult females, two adolescents, and two infants.

Bikingi gorilla group

This group underwent habituation for over five years. It started the habituation process in mid-2012 and ended in 2016. When members of the Mishaya family broke off, they were scattered, and therefore, as an initiative to bring them together, the Bikini group was formed. However, some members of the Mishaya group were not habituated, so habituating the whole group was necessary. It currently has 15 members, led by the dominant silverback Bikini.

Mucunguzi group

This group recently completed its habituation process; it is now one of the newly added groups in Bwindi that can be trekked. Mucunguzi means “savior” in the local language; with eight members, dominated by females.

Mucunguzi was the third youngest son in Bweza, from whom he was chased. Hence, he formed his own family after living in solitude for quite a while. The family currently has 12 members, with a new addition of a newborn baby produced by Ndinkahe.

Mishaya gorilla group

Composed of 12 members and currently led by Mwine, it was formed by Mishaya, who broke away from his family, Nshongi, with 10 members. It was an aggressive gorilla that occasionally started fights in 2010, which nearly led to the death of one of its infants that was rescued by rangers but unfortunately died in 2014.

GORILLA FAMILIES IN BUHOMA SECTOR

Rushegura gorilla family

It comprises 19 members led by Mwirima, who is approaching 30 years old and a brother to Rwansigazi, the former leader of the Habinyanja family. It was created in 2002 after one of the members of the Habinyanja group decided to depart and start his own family.

The group started with only 12 members and increased to 19 by 2010. It usually crossed to Congo and returned, visiting neighboring villages and even lodges around the Buhoma sector. The group is calm and friendly, hence it doesn’t cause much havoc whenever it wanders. Its relaxed nature is derived from the quiet and peaceful silverback Mwirima.

Habinyanja gorilla family

Established in 1997, the group met its first visitor in 1999. With around 17 members, it was once led by an old silverback, “Munguri,” who passed away due to old age. He was succeeded by his two brothers, Mwirima and Rwansigazi, who later couldn’t work together because of their differences, which made them separate in 2002. Mwirima broke away, leaving Rwansigazi in charge, who was succeeded by Makara, its current leader.

Katwe gorilla group

This group completed their habituation process after three years, which is always the maximum period. It is a new family with seven members: a silverback, four females, and two infants.

Mubare gorilla family

First visited in 1993, it has 18 members under the leadership of Ruhondeza. Ever since its inception, the group has faced various attacks from kidnappers. Their leader tried to protect them, but couldn’t since he was ancient. He is said to have died in his sleep.

The group has eight members and is led by Kanyonyi. While visiting this group, you can visit Ruhondeza’s grave.

Muyambi family

The family, led by Muyambi, consisted of seven members and was added to the park in 2020. It was formed in 2019 after breaking away from the Mubare family.

GORILLA GROUPS IN RUHIJA GORILLA SECTOR.

Kyaguriro family

It consists of 15 members and was once led by Zeus and the Rukina, who chased away Zeus. Zeus later died in 2015. Rukina was 31 years old when he died and was succeeded by Rukara, the current leader. This group has been part of various research.

Mukiza gorilla group

It is another newly added group in the Ruhija sector; this group broke away from the Kyaguriro family after the death of Rukina, when he was still alive. Mukina was a silverback within his family, but he always opposed him. When he died, Mukina thought he could take over. Still, it wasn’t the case, as he was attacked by a silverback from the outside, Rukara, who took over, forcing him to break away and form his own family.

Oruzogo gorilla group

It was created in 2011 and has 25 members. It has since been led by Tibirikwata, an old gorilla in Bwindi’s impenetrable national park. The family has grown constantly since 2011, and in 2013, it welcomed twins, which is a rare case among these primates.

Bitukura gorilla family

This family completed the habituation process in the shortest time. It is a peaceful family with a special bond with the Kaguriro family.

It has four silverbacks and is surprisingly led by the second youngest one, Ndahura, who succeeded Karumanzi, an old silverback who could no longer lead the group.

GORILLA FAMILIES IN NKURINGO SECTOR

Nkuringo gorilla family

Nkuringo refers to round hills; it is the most challenging to find within the park. The family consists of 19 members. It derived its name from Nkuringo, its former leader, who died in 2004.

Christmas gorilla group

It has 19 members, led by a silverback named Christmas. This is one of the new additions made in the Nkuringo sector.

Bushaho family

The group, which has nine members, is led by Bahati Silverback. Some members who broke away from the Nkuringo sector were later found to have joined this group.

Posho family

This group is still undergoing the habituation process; it has 14 members led by the dominant silverback Magara.

GORILLA FAMILIES IN MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK.

Nyakagezi Gorilla Family.

This is the only group located in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. It has 10 members who used to cross over to neighboring countries like the D.R. Congo and Rwanda. However, they settled in Uganda for several years, with less movement to these countries. Once led by Bugingo, who died due to old age, and was succeeded by his elder son, Mark. It is a playful and calm group to visit. You should look up the gorilla families in Uganda on your safari. A trip to see gorilla families in Uganda can start from Kigali, Rwanda, or Kampala, Uganda.