Located in the southwestern corner of Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to over 500 majestic mountain gorillas. As the largest gorilla host in the world, Bwindi offers a breathtaking gorilla trekking experience that attracts tourists from all over the globe. It should be noted that almost half of the mountain gorillas remaining in the wild find home in Bwindi.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park covers an area of approximately 331 square kilometers and is situated in the Kigezi Highlands. The park’s unique name “Bwindi” is derived from the local Runyakitara language, meaning “impenetrable.” This refers to the dense, misty forests that cover the park, making it a challenging yet exhilarating destination for gorilla trekking. Bwindi impenetrable national park is located in the South Western part of Uganda, Kisoro District.
Bwindi being the major host of the mountain gorillas in the pearl of Africa, Mgahinga national park is yet another host of these primates and can also serve as second choice while on gorilla tours in Uganda Regardless of its small size.
Gorilla families in the Four Gorilla Sectors of Bwindi National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four gorilla tracking sectors, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience:
Gorilla Families in Buhoma Sector.
Located in the north of Bwindi, Buhoma is the most accessible sector and home to several habituated gorilla families, including Mubare, Katwe, Habinyanja, Rushegura group etc.
Buhoma Gorilla Sector was established in 1993, with the habituation of the Mubare gorilla family. The sector is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in collaboration with local communities and other conservation organizations.
Buhoma gorilla tracking region is one of the most popular and visited sectors in Bwindi and gorilla trekking in this sector is a unique and exciting experience. The sector offers such breathtaking gorilla experience. Buhoma’s dense forest and steep hills make the trek challenging, but the scenery and views are breathtaking.
The expert gorilla guides and rangers will lead you through the forest, providing insights into the gorillas’ behavior, habitat, and conservation status. Once you reach the gorilla family, you’ll have the opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures up close, taking note of their unique personalities and behaviors.
Buhoma Gorilla Sector is home to 5 habituated gorilla families, these include Mubare, Rushegura, Habinyanja, Muyambi and Katwe.
- Habinyanja gorilla family.
Deriving its name “nyanja” meaning a place with water, Habinyanja gorilla family was first habituated in 1996. Initially, especially at the time of habituation there were over 25 gorilla individuals in this particular gorilla family. However, after the death of their leader “Mugurusi” as a result of deteriorating age, the number has since reduced as there has been family chaos on who is supposed to lead who.
After the death of Mugurisi, Rwansigazi took over but faced rivalry from both Makara and Mwirima whom later shared power with the latter until in 2002. Due to continued disputes on whom should lead as the dominant silverback, later on both Rwansigazi and Mwirima split up each forming his own gorilla family.
Those who sided with Mwirima were labeled as Rushegura gorilla family, and those who sided with Rwansigazi preserved the Habinyanja name.
Those who sided with Mwirima were labeled as Rushegura gorilla family, and those who sided with Rwansigazi preserved the Habinyanja name. Habinyanja now harbors 12 gorilla individuals including 2 silverbacks, 2 blackbucks, 3 sub adults, 2 juveniles and 3 adult females. Habinyanja Gorilla Family is also Known for their playful and curious nature, Habinyanja is one of the most popular gorilla families in Bwindi.
- Mubare Gorilla Family.
This is undoubtedly the oldest habituated gorilla family in Bwindi, Mubare was initially led by the dominant silverback, Ruhondeza who died in the mid 2022. The family was first visited in 1993 by the first gorilla trekkers in Uganda.
There were about 12 gorilla individuals in this group at the reign of Ruhondeza. Numbers slightly reduced after the leader’s death who was later succeeded by Kanyonyi, another dominant silverback. Kanyonyi also was later succeeded by Malaya after he sustained injuries that left him completely weak.
To date, the numbers have hence reduced to 9 members under Mubare family. Some of the members that remained in this family may include 1 silverback, 4 female adults and 4 gorilla babies.
- Rushegura Gorilla Family.
Led by the dominant silverback, Mwirima, Rushegura is known for their calm and gentle nature. Rushegura gorilla family is the one that split up with Habinyanja in 2002 to make their own group.
The group had fewer number of gorilla individuals who later increased to about 19 gorilla individuals. Rushegura is one of the most popular gorilla families in Bwindi. Some of the gorilla members in this group may include 2 silver backs, 6 adult females, 3 black bucks, 4 infants, 3 juveniles and 1 sub adult.
- Muyambi gorilla family.
Muyambi also split up with its initial family of Mubare to form its own family. Opened to gorilla trekking in 2019, Muyambi homes about 6 gorilla families.
- Katwe gorilla group.
There are about 6 gorilla members in this family including 1 silverback, 2 adult females, 2 black bucks and 2 infants.
Gorilla Families in Nkuringo Sector.
- Nkuringo Gorilla Family:
One of the most challenging gorilla families to track, known for their stunning views and unique terrain. There are 4 gorilla groups in Nkuringo sector with the original Nkuringo family which has 12 gorilla individuals. Other families in this sector include Posho, Christmas & Bushaho.
Gorilla Families in Rushaga gorilla Sector.
Rushaga gorilla sector is the biggest of all, hosting up to 10 habituated gorilla families as listed below. It is also the only gorilla sector in Bwindi NP where gorilla habituation tour can be done.
- Busingye Gorilla Family: Led by the dominant silverback, Busingye.
- Bweza Gorilla Family: Known for their calm and gentle nature.
- Nshongi Gorilla Family: One of the largest gorilla families in Bwindi.
- Kahungye Gorilla Family: Led by the dominant silverback, Gwigi.
- Mishaya Gorilla Family: Known for their playful and energetic nature.
- Tindatiine Gorilla Family
- Mucunguzi Gorilla family
- Bikingi Gorilla family
- Kutu Gorilla family
- Rwigi Gorilla family
Gorilla Families in Ruhija Gorilla Sector.
Located on the Eastern part of Bwindi, Ruhija sector is one of the coldest gorilla tracking regions in all, and easily accessible to those planning to visit the magnificent Queen Elizabeth National Park via the Ishasha sector and also more convenient for visitors coming from Kigali via Katuna border.