Detailed info on the number of habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is very helpful in gorilla safari bookings. You ought to know which gorilla groups in Bwindi Forest, their locations and differences before confirming a Uganda gorilla tour to this jungle Forest. According to the 2020 tourism statistics, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to the highest number of mountain gorillas in the world. Park rangers in Bwindi Forest have confirmed that the park is home to 17 gorilla families habituated for trekking. Its undeniable that over 60% of travelers visiting to see gorillas choose to visit Bwindi Forest. The availability of many gorilla families guarantee availability of gorilla permits which give chance to many travelers.
Gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park are split in four sectors, which are Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the East, Nkuringo and Rushaga in the southern sector of the jungle Forest. 136 gorilla permits are available each day issued on first come first serve basis. Besides Bwindi Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo shelter the other population of gorillas. African Apes Tours is your best guide on your Uganda gorilla safari. ll gorilla families in bwindi Forest are managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority. The list of gorilla families in Bwindi Forest include:
1. Mubare Gorilla Family: Located in Buhoma sector, north of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mubare is the oldest gorilla family in Uganda. The gorilla family was habituated in 1991 and was the first gorilla family to receive the first group of travelers in 1993. The gorilla family was named after a big stone in Buhoma where it was first sighted. Apparently, Mubare gorilla family comprise of 8 members headed by Kanyonyi as the silverback. The interesting history of Mubare family makes it a first choice for mots travelers to Buhoma sector. The best lodges to stay when trekking Mubare family are Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Lodge and Mahogany Springs Lodge.
2. Habinyanja gorilla family: Also, located in Buhoma sector of Bwindi, Habinyanja is yet another interesting gorilla family to visit in Bwindi Forest. The family was founded in 1997 headed by Mugurusi silverback (Mugurusi locally means old man). Habinyanja gorilla family is named after a swampy area full of water where the gorilla family was first sighted. Mugurusi was succeeded by Rwansigazi and Mwirima who later separated which led to the splitting of Habinyanja family.
3. Rushegura Gorilla Family: Rushegura split from Habinyanja gorilla family after the disagreement and splitting of Mwirima and Rwansigazi brothers. The family was founded in 2002 by Rwansigazi as the head. Rushegura and is named after a tree specie named Rushegura commonly seen in the territories of the gorilla family. Apparently, Rushegura family is comprised of 19 gorilla members including the silverback, adult females, black bucks and infants. Rushegura is one of the peaceful and calm gorilla families to visit in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
4. Katwe gorilla family: The group is also located in Buhoma sector and among the newest gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Katwe family was officially opened for trekking in 2018 . The family comprise of 7 members, which include a silverback, 2 infants, 4 adult females and 2 black bucks.
NOTE: GORILLA FAMILIES IN BUHOMA SECTOR ARE EASILY TREKKED FROM KABALE
5. Christmas Gorilla Family. This another new family in Bwindi Forest located in Nkuringo sector south of the park. Christmas is a dominant silverback that leads the other 8 members of the family. Christmas was opened for trekking in 2018.
6. Nkuringo Family: Nkuringo is the initial gorilla family in Nkuringo sector in the southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park. Nkuringo is famous for adventurous travelers who look out for something challenging. Nkuringo gorilla family is one of the hard to trek gorilla groups in Bwindi Forest but the magical feeling of meeting this amazing family is worth the effort.
7. Bitukura gorilla family: Comprised of 14 members, Bitukura is an interesting gorilla family to visit in Bwindi Forest. Bitukura is located in Ruhija sector in the eastern region of the park. Unlike other gorilla families, which have 1 silverback, Bitukura gorilla comprise of 4 silverbacks.
8. Kyaguliro gorilla group: Kyaguliro family is also located in Ruhija sector and it comprise of 20 individuals, which include a silverback, black bucks, infants and adult females. The gorilla family was habituated in 1995 and is currently led by Rukina silverback.
9. Mukiza Gorilla Family: This family split from Kyaguliro gorilla group after the separation of Mukiza from his former family. Mukiza group apparently has 10 members ands its worth visiting
10. Mishaya gorilla Family: This Mishaya family was initially part of Nshongi gorilla group before the breakup. Mishaya became aggressive and rebellious and he lest his former family (Nshongi) to form his own family (Mishaya). The group was formed in 2010 and it comprises of 12 members. Mishaya is located in Rushaga sector south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
11. Nshongi family: Found in Rushaga Sector, Nshongi is an amazing gorilla family was launched for trekking in 2009. The family has a history of being the largest gorilla group in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park. The family currently has 18 members.
12. Bweza gorilla group: Bweza was also a member of Nshongi gorilla family who later broke up to form his independent family. Bweza is a head silverback that leads the other 10 family members.
13. Busingye Gorilla Family: Like its name, Busingye is the most peaceful gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The family was formed in 2012 after the split of Kahungye gorilla family.
14. Kahungye Gorilla Group: Kahungye gorilla family as officially launched for trekking in 2011. The family comprise of 17 members, which include silverbacks, adult females, babies and black bucks.
15. Rwigi gorilla family: This is another new gorilla group in Rushaga sector south of Bwindi Forest National Park. Rwigi family was formed from Kahungye family and is led by Rwigi the former member of Kahungye group
16. Mucunguzi Gorilla Family: Mucunguzi is an interesting gorilla family you should visit on your Uganda gorilla tour to Bwindi forest in Rushaga sector. Mucunguzi is the lead silverback locally translated at “savior”
NOTE: Bushaho and Bikingi gorilla families are still undergoing habituation experience and will be opened for trekking soon.
Contact African Apes Tours & Travel today, book your desired gorilla tour to Bwindi forest ad trek of the many gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park.