What are the different habituated mountain gorilla families found in Bwindi Forest – Uganda?

There are just over 1,006 mountain gorillas left in the world, with most residing in Uganda. In Uganda, habituated mountain gorilla families can be found mainly in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the southwest. These gorillas are also found in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda is home to 14 groups of gorillas that are used to humans. Twelve of these groups are available for tourists to visit, while the other two are still being habituated.

To visit these gorillas, tourists must obtain a permit, with a maximum of eight permits available per group each day, ensuring a small number of visitors. Trekking to see the gorillas can be a challenge, as they change location daily. The trek can take anywhere from two to four hours through dense forest, requiring determination to find them. However, once the gorillas are located, the experience is unforgettable, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Rushaga Area

In the Rushaga region of Bwindi Forest, several habituated mountain gorilla families reside. These families include the Nshongi Group, Kahungye, Bweza, Busingye, and the Mishaya Gorilla Family.

Nshongi Gorilla Family

The Nshongi Gorilla Family is one of the largest in Uganda, with twenty-six individuals, including four silverbacks. Initially spotted near River Nshongi, the group was opened for tourism in September 2009, boasting thirty-six members. However, in July 2010, the group split into two factions, with ten members led by silverback Mishaya leaving. The remaining twenty-six individuals, including four silverbacks, formed the current Nshongi Gorilla Family.

Mishaya Gorilla Family

The Mishaya Gorilla Family consists of twelve individuals, led by one silverback. This group separated from the larger Nshongi group in July 2010, led by silverback Mishaya. Mishaya’s confrontational nature led to encounters with other gorilla families over the years, resulting in injuries. Fortunately, with the help of veterinarians, Mishaya and his group recovered from injuries sustained during an encounter with a wild gorilla family in April 2011.

Kahungye Gorilla Family

The Kahungye Gorilla Family, comprising thirteen individuals with three silverbacks, is one of the more recent habituated families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Opened for tourism in October 2011, this family split a year later to form the Busingye Gorilla Family. Currently, dominant silverback Gwigi leads the active Kahungye Gorilla Family.

Bweza Gorilla Family

With nine individuals, including one silverback, the Bweza Gorilla Family formed in December 2012. This family originated from the larger Nshongi group, with silverback Bweza deciding to leave and establish his own group two years after Mishaya’s departure.

Busingye Gorilla Family

The Busingye Gorilla Family, consisting of nine individuals led by one silverback, split from the Kahungye Gorilla Family in June 2012. Despite the name meaning ‘peace’, dominant silverback Busingye has shown a propensity for fighting, defending his group from attacks by wild gorilla groups.

Buhoma Area

The Buhoma Area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to several habituated mountain gorilla families, including the Mubare Gorilla Family, Habinyanja Gorilla Family, and the Rushegura Gorilla Family.

Mubare Gorilla Family

Established in 1993, the Mubare Gorilla Family is the oldest habituated mountain gorilla family in Uganda. Initially consisting of eighteen members, led by silverback Ruhondeza, the group has dwindled over the years due to various factors, including violent encounters and natural deaths. Following Ruhondeza’s death in 2020, the group now comprises nine individuals and is led by a new dominant silverback.

Habinyanja Gorilla Family

The Habinyanja Gorilla Family, with seventeen members including two silverbacks, was first opened for tourism in 1999. Named after a swamp in Bwindi National Park, this group saw a peaceful separation between the two dominant silverbacks, Mwirima and Rwansigazi, due to their differing personalities. Currently, silverback Makara leads the Habinyanja Gorilla Family.

Rushegura Gorilla Family

Formed in 2002, the Rushegura Gorilla Family separated from the larger Habinyanja Family. Led by silverback Mwirima, the group has grown to nineteen individuals, living harmoniously with nearby villagers and occasionally visiting gorilla Forest camp.

Nkuringo Area

In the Nkuringo Region of Bwindi Forest, the Nkuringo Gorilla Family resides. Known for their tendency to roam into nearby villages, this family was habituated to protect them and alleviate conflicts with locals.

Nkuringo Gorilla Family

The Nkuringo Gorilla Family, consisting of nineteen members with two silverbacks, was habituated due to their frequent interactions with nearby communities. Following the passing of silverback Nkuringo in 2008, leadership shifted to his son Safari. Despite challenges such as crop damage, this family continues to be a favorite among tourists.

Ruhija Area

The Ruhija Region of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to the Bitukura Gorilla Family and the Oruzogo Gorilla Family.

Bitukura Gorilla Family

Named after the Bitukura River, this family was opened for tourism in October 2008. Known for their rapid habituation process, this family comprises fourteen individuals with four silverbacks. Dominant silverback Ndahura leads the group, which experienced a joyous event with the birth of a newborn member in 2013.

Oruzogo Gorilla Family

Led by silverback Tibirikwata, the Oruzogo Gorilla Family was opened for tourism in 2011. With twenty-five individuals, including two silverbacks, this family has seen multiple births, bringing joy and growth to their community.