Gorilla Families in Bwindi National Park
Uganda is home to over 20 habituated mountain gorilla families, spread across two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi hosts the highest number of gorilla families and is divided into four main tracking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each sector offers unique gorilla groups, landscapes, and experiences for travelers.
Gorilla Families in Buhoma Sector
Mubare Family
This is the oldest habituated gorilla family in Uganda, first opened for trekking in 1993. The name “Mubare” comes from the Mubare hills where the group was first sighted. It is located in the Buhoma region, the northern sector of Bwindi.
Habinyanja Family
Habituated in 1997, the Habinyanja group was first trekked in 1999. The name comes from the word “Nyanja,” meaning “a place with water,” as the family was first seen near a swamp. It later gave rise to the Rushegura family after a split.
Rushegura Family
Formed in 2002 after splitting from Habinyanja, this group is well-known for its peaceful nature and is commonly seen around the Buhoma area.
Gorilla Families in Ruhija Sector
Bitukura Family
The Bitukura family was habituated in 2007 and is named after a nearby river. It is known for its close-knit members and relatively peaceful behavior, making it a favorite among visitors in the Ruhija sector.
Oruzogo Family
One of the largest families in Bwindi, the Oruzogo group is also located in the Ruhija region. With over 20 individuals, it offers a fascinating dynamic of gorilla behavior and interactions.
Gorilla Families in Rushaga Sector
Nshongi Family
Once the largest gorilla family in Bwindi with 25 members, Nshongi was habituated in 2009. Due to internal group dynamics, it later split to form the Mishaya and Bweza families.
Mishaya Family
Formed in 2010 after breaking away from the Nshongi family, Mishaya group remained in the Rushaga sector and is known for its dominant silverback, Mishaya, who led the group until his passing.
Bweza Family
Another splinter group from Nshongi, the Bweza family became independent in 2012. The family is composed of several silverbacks and blackbacks and is still found in the Rushaga area.
Kahungye Family
Opened to tourists in 2011, Kahungye originally had 27 members, but after a split, a subgroup formed the Busingye family. Kahungye remains a strong group in the Rushaga region.
Busingye Family
This is a breakaway group from the Kahungye family. Busingye means “peace” in the local language, although the group formed after some intra-group conflict. It is now independently tracked in Rushaga.
Gorilla Families in Nkuringo Sector
Nkuringo Family
This group is located in the southern Nkuringo region, known for its challenging but rewarding treks. The family has around 19 members and was the first to be habituated in this sector.
Busingye Family (Note: This family is sometimes mistakenly placed in Nkuringo, but is primarily tracked in Rushaga)
Gorilla Family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Nyakagezi Family
Nyakagezi is the only habituated mountain gorilla family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The group is known for its mobility, occasionally crossing the border between Uganda and Rwanda, though in recent years it has settled more in the Ugandan territory. It consists of about 9 members, including several silverbacks, making it a fascinating group to observe.
