Gorilla Groups in Uganda – A Complete Guide

Gorilla Groups in Uganda – A Complete Guide

Gorilla Groups in Uganda – A Complete Guide. Are you interested in learning about all the gorilla groups in Uganda or wondering which gorilla family is best to trek? Abunda Discoveries brings you a detailed guide to Uganda’s habituated mountain gorilla families to help you plan an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.

Uganda is home to 14 habituated mountain gorilla families, each consisting of approximately 10 to 40 individuals of different ages and led by a dominant silverback, the oldest and strongest male in the group. These gorilla families live mainly in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Only eight gorilla trekking permits are issued per group per day, ensuring a low-impact and conservation-focused experience. Gorilla families are named based on their formation history, territory, or dominant silverback.

Where to Find Gorilla Families in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi hosts 12 habituated gorilla families and 2 additional groups dedicated to gorilla habituation experiences.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga hosts one habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi group, making it a more exclusive trekking destination.

List of Gorilla Families in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

1. Mubare Gorilla Family – Buhoma
2. Habinyanja Gorilla Family – Buhoma
3. Rushegura Gorilla Family – Buhoma
4. Bitukura Gorilla Family – Ruhija
5. Oruzogo Gorilla Family – Ruhija
6. Nkuringo Gorilla Family – Nkuringo
7. Nshongi Gorilla Family – Rushaga
8. Mishaya Gorilla Family – Rushaga
9. Kahungye Gorilla Family – Rushaga
10. Bweza Gorilla Family – Rushaga
11. Busingye Gorilla Family – Rushaga
12. Kyaguriro Gorilla Family – Ruhija

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Nyakagezi Gorilla Family – Mgahinga

Gorilla Families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Mubare Gorilla Family – Buhoma Sector

The Mubare family is the oldest habituated gorilla group in Uganda, first opened to tourism in 1993. Due to its location, it remains one of the easiest groups to track. The family currently consists of eight members, led by silverback Kanyonyi.

Originally led by the legendary silverback Ruhondeza, the group once had 18 members. Over time, natural deaths, internal conflicts, and migrations reduced its size. Ruhondeza lived for over 50 years, and visitors can still see his marked grave during guided treks.

Habinyanja Gorilla Family – Buhoma Sector

This group was among the first opened for tourism in 1997. The family now consists of 17 members, led by silverback Makara. The name Habinyanja means “place with water,” referring to the swamp where trackers first sighted the group.

After the death of the original leader, Mugurisi, leadership passed to his brothers Rwansigazi and Mwirima. In 2002, the brothers split peacefully, forming the Habinyanja and Rushegura families.

Rushegura Gorilla Family – Buhoma Sector

Formed in 2002 after separating from Habinyanja, the Rushegura family has grown to 19 members, led by silverback Mwirima. The name comes from Ebishegura, a tree species common in their territory.

This group is known for its calm behavior and tolerance of human presence. Visitors often spot them near lodge gardens, making them one of the most relaxed groups to trek.

Bitukura Gorilla Family – Ruhija Sector

The Bitukura family currently has 14 members and is led by silverback Ndahura. The group takes its name from a nearby river. Despite gorilla habituation usually taking several years, this group completed the process in just 15 months, opening to visitors in 2008.

Oruzogo Gorilla Family – Ruhija Sector

Oruzogo is one of the largest groups in Ruhija, with 25 members and two silverbacks. Led by Tibirikwata, the family opened to tourism in 2011 and is popular for its playful juveniles and frequent births, making it a favorite among visitors.

Nkuringo Gorilla Family – Nkuringo Sector

The Nkuringo family consists of 19 members and was originally led by the famous silverback Nkuringo. After his death in 2008, his son Safari took over leadership. The group’s proximity to local communities led to frequent human encounters, which encouraged authorities to habituate the group to promote conservation through tourism.

Nshongi Gorilla Family – Rushaga Sector

When first opened in 2009, the Nshongi family had 37 members, making it the largest group ever habituated. Today, the group has 26 members and four silverbacks. The family gets its name from the nearby Nshongi River.

In 2010, silverback Mishaya split from the group, forming his own family.

Mishaya Gorilla Family – Rushaga Sector

Led by the aggressive and ambitious silverback Mishaya, this group has 12 members. Mishaya is known for frequent confrontations with neighboring groups and stealing females. Despite injuries sustained in fights, conservation doctors successfully treated him, allowing the group to stabilize.

Kahungye Gorilla Family – Rushaga Sector

Opened to tourism in 2011, the Kahungye family currently has 13 members, including three silverbacks led by Rumansi. The group originally had 27 members before splitting to form the Busingye family.

Bweza Gorilla Family – Rushaga Sector

The Bweza family opened in 2012 after breaking away from the Nshongi group. Led by silverback Bweza, the family currently has nine members and continues to grow steadily.

Busingye Gorilla Family – Rushaga Sector

Opened in 2013, the Busingye family has nine members and is led by silverback Busingye. Despite his name meaning “peace,” Busingye is known for his dominant nature and frequent conflicts with other groups.

Kyaguriro Gorilla Family – Ruhija Sector

Gorilla Groups in Uganda – A Complete Guide. The Kyaguriro family consists of 15 members, led by silverback Rukina. This group is primarily reserved for research, with limited visitor access. Studies from this family have contributed valuable insights into behavioral differences among gorilla populations in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Gorilla Family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Nyakagezi Gorilla Family – Mgahinga

Mgahinga National Park hosts only one habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi group, led by dominant silverback Mark. The family includes 10 members, with three silverbacks. This group frequently moves between Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, making tracking unpredictable. Visitors should always confirm the group’s location through Abunda Discoveries before booking a trek.

Plan Your Gorilla Trek with Abunda Discoveries

Choosing the right gorilla group depends on trekking difficulty, location, group size, and personal preference. Abunda Discoveries helps you secure permits, select the best trekking sector, and plan a seamless gorilla safari in Uganda.

Contact Abunda Discoveries today for expert advice and customized gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda.