Mountain Gorilla Families in Uganda

Mountain Gorilla Families in Uganda: A Complete Guide to Gorilla Groups in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Nestled in the misty highlands of southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park spans the districts of Kisoro, Kabale, and Rukungiri. Renowned for its ancient rainforest and extraordinary biodiversity, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most important ecological zones in East Africa. Its rugged terrain, thick undergrowth, and rich vegetation have earned it the name “impenetrable,” but it’s also one of the last safe havens for the endangered mountain gorillas.

Home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population, Bwindi offers four trekking sectors—Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo—each home to habituated gorilla families open to tourism. Gorilla trekking in Uganda officially began in April 1993, and permits must be booked in advance through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or a trusted tour operator like Trek Africa Expeditions.

Nkuringo Sector Gorilla Families

Nkuringo Family – 14 members

Named after the Rukiga word for “round hill,” the Nkuringo family was habituated in 2004 after frequently raiding community crops. Since then, tourism has helped protect the gorillas while also supporting local livelihoods. The group was initially led by the silverback Nkuringo until his death in 2008. Today, the group has 4 silverbacks, 2 blackbacks, 3 adult females, and 3 infants.

Rushaga Sector Gorilla Families

Nshongi Family – 8 members

Once the largest habituated group, Nshongi was named after a nearby river and opened for trekking in 2009. Following internal tensions, the group split in 2012, forming the Bweza group. Nshongi now has 1 silverback, 4 blackbacks, 2 adult females, and 1 infant.

Mishaya Family – 7 members

Formed in 2010 by silverback Mishaya, who broke away from Nshongi to start his own group. Known for his aggressive nature, Mishaya attracted females from other groups. The group includes 1 silverback, 3 adult females, 2 infants, and 1 sub-adult.

Kahungye Family – 18 members

Named after a local hill, Kahungye was opened for trekking in 2011. Led by silverback Gwigi, this dynamic group includes 2 silverbacks, 3 blackbacks, 4 adult females, 1 sub-adult, 3 juveniles, and 5 infants.

Busingye Family – 9 members

Busingye, a splinter group from Kahungye, was formed in 2012. It is composed of 1 silverback, 4 adult females, 1 sub-adult, and 3 infants.

Bweza Family – 13 members

A breakaway from Nshongi in 2012, Bweza was easy to habituate due to its origins in a familiar group. Today, it includes 1 silverback, 4 blackbacks, 4 adult females, 2 juveniles, and 2 infants.

Buhoma Sector Gorilla Families

Mubare Family – 11 members

The oldest habituated group in Bwindi, Mubare has seen many changes since its founding. Once led by silverback Ruhondeza, who passed away in 2012, the group has grown again under new leadership. After some losses, the group now has 11 individuals.

Habinyanja Family – 17 members

Named after a swamp where it was first seen (“Nyanja” meaning water body), Habinyanja is led by silverback Rwatsigazi and alpha female Kisho. The group includes 1 silverback, 4 adult females, 4 sub-adults, 2 juveniles, and 6 infants.

Rushegura Family – 15 members

Rushegura split from Habinyanja and is led by silverback Mwirima. The group is known for its strong reproductive record and includes 2 silverbacks, 3 adult females, 2 blackbacks, 3 juveniles, and 5 infants.

Ruhija Sector Gorilla Families

Bitukura Family – 11 members

Named after a local river, Bitukura was habituated unusually quickly—in just 15 months. Known for its harmony and multiple silverbacks, the group includes 4 silverbacks, 1 blackback, 1 sub-adult, 3 adult females, 2 juveniles, and 1 infant.

Oruzogo Family – 17 members

Opened to tourism more recently, this lively group is led by silverback Tibirikwata. With several infants and strong leadership, Oruzogo is a favorite among trackers. It includes 2 silverbacks and 15 other members.

Responsible Gorilla Trekking Guidelines

To protect the health and safety of mountain gorillas, strict rules are in place for all visitors:

1. Do not visit if you’re sick – Even a cold can be deadly to gorillas.
2. Group size is limited to 8 visitors per trek – To reduce stress and minimize human impact.
3. Visitors must be at least 15 years old – To avoid passing on childhood diseases.
4. Time with gorillas is limited to one hour – To avoid overexposure.
5. No flash photography allowed – It can startle or stress the gorillas.
6. Keep at least 7 meters away – If a gorilla approaches, slowly move back. If you can’t, follow the guide’s instructions.

Trek Africa Expeditions strongly encourages visitors to respect these rules to ensure the continued survival of these incredible creatures. By choosing ethical travel, you contribute to both conservation and community development in Uganda.

Plan Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Uganda

With over 20 habituated gorilla families across four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda offers some of the best mountain gorilla trekking experiences in Africa. To secure your permit and customize your adventure, contact Trek Africa Expeditions—your trusted Uganda safari specialist.