List of Habituated Gorilla Families to Trek in Uganda

Looking for gorilla trekking in Uganda and want to know gorilla families? Uganda has mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. You can trek different gorilla families in sectors like Nkuringo, Rushaga, Buhoma, and Ruhija.

Each gorilla family is led by a silverback and has different group sizes. Gorilla trekking in Uganda needs a permit and early booking to secure your place. Knowing the list of Uganda gorilla families helps you choose where to trek and plan your safari.

Book your gorilla trekking safari with trusted tour operators like Gorilla Hurly Burly Limited for a well-planned wildlife experience in Uganda.

Uganda is home to half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. You can trek these gorillas in two national parks in the southwestern part of the country: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Full List of Uganda Gorilla Families by Sector

Below is the current list of Uganda gorilla families:

Nkuringo Sector Gorilla Families in Bwindi

• Christmas Gorilla Family: This family can be trekked in the Nkuringo sector of Bwindi and is led by a silverback named Christmas. The group has 9 members, including 3 adult females, 3 blackbacks, 2 infants, and 1 silverback.
• Nkuringo Gorilla Family: Found in the Nkuringo sector, this family was first led by silverback Nkuringo before he passed away, after which silverback Safari took over. The family has 19 members and is one of the groups with twins.
• Bushaho Gorilla Family: Also in the Nkuringo sector, this family is led by Bahati, who left the Nkuringo family to form his own group. It has 8 members, some from the Nkuringo group and others that were previously unhabituated.

Rushaga Sector Gorilla Families in Bwindi

• Bikingi Gorilla Family: Habituated in 2012, this group was formed with members from the Mishaya family and unhabituated gorillas. It has 15 members and can be trekked in the Rushaga sector.
• Nshongi Gorilla Family: Originally with 32 members, this family later split to form the Mishaya and Bweza groups. After the death of the leading silverback, it now has 7 members and can be trekked in the Rushaga sector.
• Mishaya Gorilla Family: Formed when silverback Mishaya left the Nshongi family with 10 members to create his own group. Mishaya was known for fighting other groups to gain females, leading to many injuries and the death of an infant. He died in 2014, and the group is now led by Mwine.
• Kahungye Gorilla Family: Initially habituated with 29 members, this group later split, forming the Busingye family. It can be trekked in the Rushaga sector and is led by silverback Rumanzi.
• Bweza Gorilla Family: Formed when silverback Kakono left the Nshongi family with 12 members, this group can be trekked in the Rushaga sector.
• Busingye Gorilla Family: Formed when silverback Busingye left the Kahungye family, this group has 9 members, including 1 silverback, 4 infants, 1 juvenile, and 3 adult females. It can be trekked in the Rushaga sector.
• Rwigi Gorilla Family: Formed when silverback Rwigi left the Kahungye family, this group has 6 members, including 1 silverback, 3 adult females, 2 juveniles, and 1 infant.

Buhoma Sector Gorilla Families in Bwindi

• Katwe Gorilla Family: This group can be trekked in the Buhoma sector and has 7 members led by silverback Katwe. It was habituated along with the Christmas family.
• Mubare Gorilla Family: Located in Buhoma, this is the oldest habituated group in Bwindi. It is named after the Mubare hills where it was first seen. Initially led by Ruhondeza, it is now led by Kanyonyi and has 11 members.
• Habinyanja Gorilla Family: Once the largest family in Bwindi with over 25 members, this group was led by silverback Mugirisi. It has since split into smaller groups and now has 17 members.
• Rushegura Gorilla Family: Formed when silverback Mwirima split from the Habinyanja family, taking 7 individuals with him. The split happened after the dominant silverback died, leaving two sons with different leadership styles.

Ruhija Sector Gorilla Families in Bwindi

• Kyaguriro Gorilla Family: Located in the Ruhija sector, this group was originally set aside for research. It later split into two: Kyaguriro A, led by Makara, and Kyaguriro B, led by Mukiza, with one group still used for research and the other open for tourism.
• Oruzogo Gorilla Family: This family has 17 members led by silverback Bakwate and can be trekked in the Ruhija sector. The name comes from “Oruzogoto,” a local plant found in their foraging area.
• Bitukura Gorilla Family: This group, found in the Ruhija sector, has 13 members led by silverback Nduhura. It is known for allowing multiple males within the group, sometimes up to five.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Gorilla Family

• Nyakagezi Gorilla Family: The only habituated family in Mgahinga National Park, this group has 10 members led by silverback Mark and is known for its movements across borders.

Plan & Book Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Ready to choose your gorilla trekking experience in Uganda? Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park offer many gorilla families in Nkuringo, Rushaga, Buhoma, and Ruhija sectors, each led by a silverback.

Gorilla trekking in Uganda requires a permit and early booking to secure your place. Knowing different gorilla families helps you select the best trekking sector and plan your safari well.

Book your gorilla trekking safari with Gorilla Hurly Burly Limited, secure permits in advance, and enjoy a safe and well-organized wildlife experience with mountain gorillas in Uganda.