List of Habituated Gorilla Families in Uganda
Uganda inhabits the largest number of endangered mountain gorillas in the world, with almost half of the total population, thus, rewarding its visitors with the best gorilla safari experience compared to Rwanda and DR Congo. Below is the current list habituated gorilla groups in Uganda.
- Mubare gorilla family
- Habinyanja gorilla family
- Rushegura gorilla family
- Rwingi gorilla family
- Kutu gorilla family
- Bushaho gorilla family
- Bikingi gorilla family
- Nshongi gorilla family
- Hirwa (although this migrated from Volcanoes National Park to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park)
- Nyakagezi gorilla family
- Christmas gorilla family
- Katwe gorilla family
- Nkuringo gorilla family
- Mishaya gorilla family
- Busingye gorilla family
- Kahungye gorilla family
- Bweza gorilla family
- Mucunguzi gorilla family
- Kyaguriro gorilla family
- Mukiza gorilla family
- Bitukura gorilla family
- Oruzongo gorilla family
Rushegura gorilla family
This family is trekked by visitors on Uganda gorilla safari in Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It was opened for gorilla trekking in 2002. This group broke away under the leadership of Mwirima from Habinyanja group with 7 more gorillas. He died and his leadership was taken over by Kabukojo with currently 19 individuals.
Habinyanja gorilla family
Also, popular as H-Group, Habinyanja is one unique group to explore on Uganda safari in Buhoma region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It was habituated in 1997 and derives its name from the Rukiga word-Nyanja. It is a 18 member family and Makara is a silverback gorilla. Trekking through this group may take you five hours however, it rewards trekkers with lifechanging experiences.
Mubare gorilla family
Mubare group (the M-Group) is the first family to undergo habituation and also open for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This family underwent habituation between 1992 and in 1993, it was ready for trekking in Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Initially, it was a 12-member group however, some of its members joined other families while others passed on because of fights including Ruhondeza. Due to these unavoidable factors, the group reduced to 5 members. However, around 2013, Mubare was joined by four more gorillas making it 9-member family.
Bitukura gorilla family
In Ruhija region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Bitukura group is one amazing group to visit on Uganda safari adventure. compared to other families, this group completed habituation circle within 18 months. It is a 14-member group including 4 silverbacks. The family is headed by Ndahura silverback.
Kyaguriro gorilla family
Though this is set for research, when the demand is high, it can be trekked by visitors in Ruhija area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It underwent habituation in 1999 and it was under the leadership of Zeus silverback gorilla who was replaced by Rukina and now headed by Rukara.
Oruzogo gorilla family
This family was habituated in 2009 and has 22 members including Tibirikwata silverback. To catch playful juveniles and toddlers, Oruzongo should be one must-visit family in Ruhija area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Mukiza gorilla group
For new experiences, don’t miss to visit Mukiza family in Ruhija region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This family derives its name from Mukiza silverback gorilla and it is currently, a 13-member group,
Rwigi gorilla family
In Rushaga area, Rwingi is that one newly habituated gorilla groups. This family is led by Rwigi silverback and it broke away from Kahungye group. It is a 6-member family.
Kutu gorilla group
For any plans to embark on gorilla habituation experience, Kutu should be a must-explore on gorilla safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It comprises of 8 members including one silverback.
Mucunguzi
This is another newly habituated gorilla family in the southern area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Mucunguzi group derives name from Mucunguzi silverback and a word Mucunguzi denotes ‘savior’. It has 8 mountain gorillas.
Nshongi gorilla family
This family has 25 members which makes it the largest family in Bwindi National Park. It underwent habituation in 2009 and it is named after River Nshongi that flows through this area. On a trek through Nshongi gorilla family, higher chances are you will also come across other primates, birds.
Busingye family
Visit Busingye gorilla family in the Southern Area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and you won’t be left in regrets. This family was habituated in 2012 and it consisted of 9 members. This family was originally from Kahungye family.
Mishaya gorilla family
This group broke away from Nshongi gorilla family in 2010 now consists of 12 mountain gorillas. It is an amazing group to explore on Uganda gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bikingi gorilla family
Originally, Bikingi group was undergoing habituation in Rushaga area but it opened for gorilla trekking. This is a 15-member group in the Southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Kahungye gorilla family
This group is named after the hill where it was spotted and it was ready for habituation by 2011. Currently, it features 27 mountain gorillas and headed by Gwigi silverback.
Bweza gorilla family
This broke off in 2012 from Nshongi. It now features 9 members and for visitors interested in the easy-trek families, it is one of a kind groups to consider.
Christmas gorilla family
This is a newly habituated family in southern area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offering trekkers with unique experiences. It is named after Christmas silverback.
Bushaho group
Bushaho gorilla family is a new group that is trekked in Bwindi National Park. Initially, it was set for gorilla habituation experience but it can now be trekked in Nkuringo region.
Nkuringo
This derives its name from Nkuringo region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It underwent through habituation and by 2004 it was ready for trekking under the leadership of Nkuringo silverback who passed on 2008. Today, the group features 19 members and it is an exceptional group to explore on Uganda gorilla trekking safari.
Nyakagezi gorilla family
This is the only group set of trekking in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Nyakagezi family is composed of 10 individuals and it is led by Mark silverback. In addition to trekking Nyakagezi, you can also track Hirwa gorilla family which migrated from Volcanoes National Park to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
In conclusion, gorilla trekking in Uganda is conducted in only Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park where 21 gorilla families have been habituated.
