The 13 spectacular gorilla families of uganda

Gorilla Families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park and Mgahinga National Park

In Africa, mountain Gorillas are only located in 3 countries which are Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Uganda is recorded in history to have the biggest number of mountain gorillas in the world. These gorillas inhabited the rain forests in the southwestern part of Uganda. There are 13 gorilla families all together in Uganda, 12 in Bwindi impenetrable national park and one gorilla family in Mgahinga national park. Bwindi has four sectors and these include Rushaga, Buhoma, Ruhija and Nkuringo.

In Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, you have the unique opportunity to encounter magnificent gorilla families. These gentle giants, as well as their intriguing stories, are waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers. Let’s delve into the lives of these remarkable primates and their vibrant communities.

Gorilla Families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park:

1. Mubare Gorilla Family – Buhoma (Bwindi): Situated in Buhoma, Bwindi, the Mubare Gorilla Family is the easiest to track. It was named after the first gorilla trackers in the area. Led by Kanyonyi now, this is Uganda’s oldest gorilla group, established in 1993 with 18 members and Ruhondeza was the leader of the family. Over the years, its size has dwindled due to infighting, migration, and natural deaths, reducing to just five members by 2012. Ruhondeza, the original leader, passed away in 2012, history has it that he died in his sleep because of his unbearable sadness. His marked grave is still visited by tourists.
2. Habinyanja Gorilla Family – Buhoma (Bwindi): This family, comprising 17 members, was one of the first to open for tourism. It was habituated in 1997 and initially led by the silverback Mugurisi. The name “Habinyanja” comes from the Rukiga language, signifying “place with water,” where they were first sighted near a swamp. After Mugurisi’s death, his brothers, Rwansigazi and Mwirima, assumed leadership and, in 2002, peacefully split into two groups: Habinyanja and Rushegura.
3. Rushegura Gorilla Family – Buhoma (Bwindi): Comprising 19 members, the Rushegura group was formed when Rwansigazi and Mwirima separated from the larger Habinyanja group in 2002. The name “Rushegura” is derived from the “Ebishegura” tree species in their territory. Mwirima’s leadership brought stability and growth to the group, which is known for its calm demeanor, making them approachable to visitors.
4. Bitukura Gorilla Family – Ruhija (Bwindi): Bitukura, located in Ruhija, consists of 14 members the group was sighted in 2007 with its original number of 24 members. Ndahura, the silverback, took over from the retired Karamuzi. This family was named after a nearby river. Surprisingly, it was habituated in just 15 months, compared to the usual two or more years for mountain gorillas. Bitukura began receiving visitors in October 2008, often interacting with the already habituated Kyaguriro family, they shared a close bond.

It is a family known to be peaceful and playful, which makes it easier to be closer and build togetherness with other members although it has 4 silver backs but the family is led by the second youngest silverback ‘Ndahura’. Although the family has faced a lot of trials Bitukura is happier than before and close since in they received new members in the family in 2013.

1. Oruzogo Gorilla Family – Ruhija (Bwindi): With a large group of 25 members, the Oruzogo Family is the second family in the Ruhija area to have been habituated by Uganda wildlife authority and has two silverbacks. Tibirikwata leads this group that first welcomed tourists in 2011. Known for its playful youngsters, several births have added to the family’s charm. The group welcomed a bundle of joy in 2013 when kankoba gave birth to twins. The group consists of family members with different names derived from local names including Busungu which means ‘short tempered’ Bwoba (coward), kakanga (the giant one)
2. Nkuringo Gorilla Family – Nkuringo (Bwindi):  The Nkuringo sector was launched in 2004 and this group is the only one in this sector. Initially led by the great silverback Nkuringo, this group, now numbering 19 including 2 silverbacks, faced challenges due to its proximity to human settlements. After Nkuringo’s passing in 2008, his son Safari took over. This family is also blessed with a twin birth of Muhoza and katungi but unfortunately katungi could not live to see his second birthday and he passed on.  The name “Nkuringo” derives from the round hill where they were first spotted. Habituation in 2008 aimed to benefit the local community by turning gorilla conservation into an economic opportunity.
3. Nshongi Gorilla Family – Rushaga (Bwindi): Initially a massive group of 37 individuals, the Nshongi Family currently has 26 members and 4 silverbacks. Their name, “Nshongi,” references the deep honey-like color of the river near their habitat. Despite its large size, this family lived harmoniously until they split in 2010, with Nshongi remaining dominant.  Nshongi is the largest group in Rushaga sector to be visited by tourists, it was launched in 2009 with the biggest habituation group. In 2010 Mishaya broke off to form his own group and later also Bweza the silverback also broke off to form his own family, the family was left with only 26 members.

1. Mishaya Gorilla Family – Rushaga (Bwindi): Led by the dominant silverback Mishaya, this group is known for its boldness in confronting other gorilla families, often to protect their own or steal females from neighbors. Mishaya was injured during a fight with a wild gorilla family but received medical care from gorilla conservation experts. This family now comprises 12 members, with Mishaya as the sole dominant silverback.
2. Kahungye Gorilla Family – Rushaga (Bwindi): Led by Rumansi and consisting of 13 members, the Kahungye Family opened for visitors in 2011. Initially, the group had 27 members, but it split shortly after, forming another group known as Busingye. The name “Kahungye” means “door” in the local dialect.
3. Bweza Gorilla Family – Rushaga (Bwindi): Established in 2012, the Bweza Family evolved from the Nshongi gorilla family, once the largest habituated family in Bwindi. After Silverback Mishaya’s separation from Nshongi in 2010, Bweza formed with six members. It currently has nine individuals under Bweza’s leadership.
4. Busingye Gorilla Family – Rushaga (Bwindi): Opened for visitors in 2013, the Busingye Family, led by Busingye himself, comprises nine members. Despite his name, meaning “peace,” Busingye is known for his ambition, dominance, frequent fights, and tendency to steal females from neighboring gorilla groups. He was a member of Kahungye family who separated from the group with 7 members. He is known for snatching females from other family groups, he has been able to grow his family to 9 members.
5. Kyaguriro Gorilla Family – (Ruhija): Comprising 15 members, the Kyaguriro group is led by Rukina, who succeeded the old leader, Zeus. This family has been earmarked for research by conservationists, with limited access granted to visitors. Research on this group has revealed fascinating behavioral differences between Uganda’s, Rwanda’s, and Congo’s gorilla families.

Gorilla Families in Mgahinga National Park:

1. Nyakagezi Gorilla Family – (Mgahinga): In Mgahinga National Park, there is a single habituated gorilla group. Led by the dominant Silverback Mark, it comprises ten members, including two other silverbacks. The Nyakagezi Family is known for its unpredictable movements, sometimes crossing into Rwanda and Congo. Contacting the park authorities through your tour operator is recommended to track this elusive family. The group is known for its entertainment and tourists love its playful nature and character, due to its unpredictable movements , UWA has placed the permits in Kisoro and this is the only place gorilla permits can be purchased

The diverse gorilla families of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park and the solitary Nyakagezi group in Mgahinga National Park each offer a unique window into the lives of these captivating creatures. As you explore these enchanting landscapes, you’ll not only witness the beauty of Uganda’s wilderness but also contribute to gorilla conservation efforts and local communities. Enjoy your adventure in the heart of gorilla territory with ripple safaris! here is what you need to know about GORILLAS IN THE MIST Rwandan gorilla families.