Uganda and Rwanda are home to a significant portion of the world’s mountain gorilla population, primarily located in the Virunga Mountains and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These gorillas live in family groups, each with a unique dynamic, history, and name. Tracking these habituated families is a major ecotourism activity, providing an intimate look into their lives.
Gorilla Families in Uganda
Uganda’s mountain gorillas are found in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is the most popular trekking destination, with over 20 habituated gorilla families spread across four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Mgahinga has one main habituated group. Each family is led by a dominant silverback, a mature male whose back hair has turned silvery-white.
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- Buhoma Sector: This area is home to some of the oldest habituated groups. The Mubare family is the oldest habituated group in Uganda, first opened to tourism in 1993. The Habinyanja and Rushegura families are also popular, with the Rushegura group having peacefully split from the larger Habinyanja family.
- Ruhija Sector: Notable families here include the Bitukura group, known for its quick and easy habituation process, and the Oruzogo family, which is known for its playful and energetic members.
- Rushaga Sector: This sector has the highest number of habituated families, including the Nshongi family, which was once the largest habituated group ever recorded. The Mishaya and Bweza groups are splinter groups from the Nshongi family.
- Nkuringo Sector: The Nkuringo family was one of the first groups to be habituated in the southern part of Bwindi. This area is known for its stunning views but can involve more strenuous hikes.
Gorilla Families in Rwanda
Rwanda’s mountain gorillas live in Volcanoes National Park, part of the greater Virunga conservation area. The park has around 12 habituated gorilla families, many of which are well-known due to their history and the famous primatologist Dian Fossey, who studied them extensively.
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- Susa Group (Susa A): This is one of the most famous families, studied by Dian Fossey. It was formerly the largest group, but after a split, a new group was formed. The Susa group is also known for having rare twins, Byishimo and Impano.
- Sabyinyo Group: This family is one of the easiest to track and is led by the massive silverback Guhonda, the largest in the park.
- Amahoro Group: The name means “peaceful” in Kinyarwanda, and the group is known for its calm demeanor. Trekking to this family can be more challenging as they reside on the steep slopes of Mount Visoke.
- Agashya Group (Group 13): This group was originally named for its 13 members and has since grown significantly under the leadership of a dominant silverback named Agashya.
- Kwitonda Group: This family migrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo and is known for its wide-ranging movements, making it a more difficult trek.
Planning to do a gorilla trekking tour in Uganda and Rwanda but still undecided which gorilla family or region to visit- we will be more than delighted to help you out crafting an itinerary that suits your travel budget and interests. Simply contact us now by sending an email to [email protected] or call us now on +256-700135510 to speak with the reservations team.
