Gorilla Families in Uganda – Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

1. Mubare Group: One of the oldest habituated gorilla families in Bwindi, named after the Mubare hills where they were first sighted.
2. Habinyanja Group: Found in the northern part of Bwindi, this group was habituated near the Bwindi park headquarters.
3. Rushegura Group: Known for its calm and peaceful demeanor, this family often roams near the Buhoma area of Bwindi.
4. Bitukura Group: One of the larger gorilla families, characterized by its playful juveniles and strong leadership under the silverback Bitukura.
5. Oruzogo Group: Located in the Ruhija area of Bwindi, this family is known for its large size and frequent interactions with visitors.
6. Nkuringo Group: Inhabiting the southern part of Bwindi, this family offers stunning views of the Virunga Volcanoes and Lake Mutanda.
7. Busingye Group: Led by the dominant silverback Busingye, this family is often found in the Buhoma area of Bwindi.
8. Kyaguliro Group: Formerly known as the “Rwigi” group, this family underwent a name change and is found in the Ruhija area.
9. Kahungye Group: Named after the Kahungye hills, this family is known for its large size and frequent movements across Bwindi.
10. Bikyingi Group: Located in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi, this family is relatively new to habituation.
11. Bishaho Group: Another recently habituated family in the Rushaga sector, named after the dominant silverback Bishaho.
12. Bushaho Group: Comprising of 10 members, this group was formerly part of the larger Mishaya family.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

1. Nyakagezi Group: The sole habituated gorilla family in Mgahinga, known for its large size and peaceful demeanor.

Gorilla Families in Bwindi  Forest Park 

Mubare Gorilla Family – Buhoma (Bwindi)

Ease of Tracking: Positioned advantageously, the Mubare family is the most accessible group to track in Bwindi. Its name originates from the pioneering gorilla trackers in the region.

Group Dynamics: With a current count of 8 members, led by Kanyonyi, the Mubare family holds the distinction of being Uganda’s oldest habituated gorilla group, established in 1993. Initially guided by Ruhondeza, the group’s numbers have dwindled over the years due to various factors such as infighting, migration, and death.

Historical Significance: Ruhondeza’s leadership came to an end in 2012 when another group attacked and took away his females. Despite this, Ruhondeza remained under the watchful eye of researchers until his passing, marking his grave for visitors to locate with the aid of a guide.

Habinyanja Gorilla Family – Buhoma (Bwindi)

Early Access to Tourists: Among the first groups opened to tourists, the Habinyanja family boasts 17 members, under the leadership of Makara, succeeding Habinyanja.

Naming and Evolution: Habituated in 1997, the group was initially led by the venerable silverback Mugurisi. The name “Habinyanja” stems from their initial sighting near a swamp in Bwindi. Mugurisi’s passing saw his brothers Rwansigazi and Mwirima taking over, each with distinct personality traits.

Separation and Succession: In 2002, the brothers amicably split the group, with Rwansigazi retaining the “Habinyanja” name, while Mwirima’s faction became known as the Rushegura family.

Rushegura Gorilla Family – Buhoma (Bwindi)

Origins and Composition: Formed in 2002 from the split of the Habinyanja group, the Rushegura family comprises 19 members, including one silverback.

Name and Stability: The name “Rushegura” is derived from the “Ebishegura” tree species prevalent in the family’s territory. Led by the formidable Mwirima, the group’s stability and calm demeanor make them unreserved around human presence.

Bitukura Gorilla Family – Ruhija (Bwindi)

Leadership Transition: With 14 members remaining from its original 24, the Bitukura family is helmed by Ndahura, succeeding the retired Karamuzi. This group, featuring three other silverbacks, earned its name from a nearby river.

Habituation and Access: Remarkably, the Bitukura family underwent a shortened habituation process, taking only 15 months before welcoming visitors in October 2008. Despite their relatively recent introduction to tourism, encounters with park rangers were frequent due to interactions with the Kyaguriro family.