The Rugendo Family

Family Origins
The Rugendo family, along with the Rugabo and Zunguruka families, was among the first to be habituated in the Jomba area in 1984. Initially starting with ten members, the family grew to 18 by March 1998. However, in December 1998, a split occurred between Rugendo and his son Humba, leading to the family dividing in half. In 2001, Rugendo was tragically killed by a rebel group in the Bukima area, and his son Senkwekwe succeeded him as the dominant silverback.

Senkwekwe Massacre
Senkwekwe led the troop until 2007, when he and five other members were brutally murdered. This tragic event was believed to be a result of ranger intimidation.

Hope Amidst Tragedy
Following Senkwekwe’s death, the remaining five gorillas struggled without a leader. In 2009, the Senkwekwe Centre was established by Virunga National Park as the world’s only sanctuary for mountain gorillas orphaned by poaching or conflict, offering hope and support for these endangered creatures.

A New Leader
With tracking resuming in 2008 after prolonged regional conflict, Bukima, a previously solitary silverback, was discovered leading the now leaderless troop.

Current Status
From 2010 to 2020, the Rugendo family grew from 5 to 15 members. During this period, there were 12 births, 4 new arrivals, and 5 deaths. Bukima continues to lead the troop, guiding it through its recovery and growth.

The Lulengo Family

Family Origins
The Lulengo family was originally led by the silverback Rugabo, also known as Marcel by the habituation team. In 1994, Rugabo and two females were tragically killed during a poacher attack, during which a young gorilla named Mvuyekure was abducted. The poachers intended to sell Mvuyekure in Uganda but were later arrested and jailed. Following this attack, Lulengo took over as the leader of the remaining twelve members of the troop.

Conflict with Mapuwa
In 1998, Lulengo experienced several conflicts with Mapuwa, leading to some members migrating to Mapuwa’s troop.

Conflict with Rugendo
In 2014, Lulengo’s troop faced another challenge when a clash with Rugendo resulted in the female gorilla Bagambe joining Lulengo’s group.

Current Status
From 2010 to January 2023, the Lulengo family expanded from 6 to 14 members. During this period, the troop experienced 12 births, 1 departure, and 3 deaths, reflecting a phase of growth and adaptation for the family.

The Munyaga Family

Family Origins
Before 1998, Munyaga was not habituated and therefore not regularly tracked. However, he was known to researchers due to several interactions with the Buhanga family, which led to some Buhanga members joining Munyaga’s group. Among them were two brothers, Kasole and Mawazo, who are now silverbacks within the Munyaga troop. The process of habituation has provided deeper insights into the family, including a notable member, Kadogo, who is the only known gorilla in the Mikeno sector with a bald head.

Conflicts and Challenges
After the death of Buhanga during a clash with Kabirizi, Munyaga acquired the remaining members of Buhanga’s family. However, Kabirizi later engaged in conflict with Munyaga, seizing all of Buhanga’s females. Between 1998 and 2002, the Munyaga troop’s numbers dwindled from twelve to six due to ongoing conflicts with other gorilla families.

Munyaga’s Disappearance
Between 2007 and 2008, Munyaga vanished from the scene while his home range was occupied by CNDP rebels, preventing monitoring by park rangers. During this period, Mawazo emerged as the dominant silverback.

Current Status
As of today, Mawazo continues to lead the Munyaga family. Since 2010, under his leadership, the troop has grown by 12 members, including 7 births, 1 departure, and no deaths, reflecting a period of stability and growth for the family.

The Humba Family

Family Origins
The Humba family emerged in December 1998 after a series of conflicts between Humba and his father, Rugendo, which resulted in the Rugendo troop splitting into two equal halves. The blackback Nyakamwe, along with his brother Humba, left to form their own troop, with Nyakamwe eventually becoming a silverback.

Troop Expansion
Between 1998 and 2009, the Humba troop grew to seventeen members, thanks to a combination of births and emigrations, with only one recorded death during this period.

Clashes with Nyakamwe
In April 2014, internal disputes between Humba and Nyakamwe led to a division of the troop. Humba retained six members, while Nyakamwe left with the remaining nine.

Conflict with Munyaga
In February 2015, the Humba family was joined by the adult female Kakule following a confrontation with Munyaga, adding to the troop’s numbers.

Current Status
Since 2014, the Humba family has experienced a positive growth trend, with 9 births, 1 death, 1 departure, and 1 arrival. Currently, there is ongoing contention for control of the troop between Humba and his son Mahundure, as they navigate their evolving leadership dynamics with a total of 15 members.

The Nyakamwe Family

Family Origins
The Nyakamwe family was established in 2014, with the silverback Nyakamwe, formerly part of the Rugendo family alongside his brother Humba. After the Rugendo family split in 1998, Nyakamwe followed his brother to form a new troop as a subordinate male. Following ongoing conflicts between the two brothers, another division occurred on April 5, 2014. As a result, Humba retained six members, while Nyakamwe led a new group of ten.

Conflict with Kabirizi
On August 20, 2015, Nyakamwe’s troop experienced a significant change when a confrontation with Kabirizi resulted in the migration of the adult female Kabila to Nyakamwe’s group.

Current Status
From 2014 to January 2023, the Nyakamwe family has seen notable changes. The troop experienced 8 births, 4 deaths, 1 departure, and 1 arrival, growing its membership from 9 to 15 members.

How Much is A Gorilla Permit in Congo

A gorilla permit in Congo for trekking in Virunga National Park costs USD 400 per person. This fee provides access to one day of gorilla trekking and contributes to the conservation efforts and protection of these endangered species. The permit also includes park entry and a guide. For a more comprehensive experience, it is recommended to book through a reputable tour operator, such as Kenlink Tours, which can assist with all aspects of your trip, including permit acquisition, accommodations, and guided treks. This cost is considerably lower compared to permits in neighboring countries like Uganda and Rwanda, making Congo an attractive option for gorilla enthusiasts seeking an affordable yet extraordinary adventure.

Where to sleep near Virunga National Park

When visiting Virunga National Park, there are several accommodation options near the park that offer comfort and proximity to the gorilla trekking experiences.

1. Mikeno Lodge
Located just outside the park, Mikeno Lodge offers luxury accommodations with stunning views of the Virunga Mountains. The lodge features spacious bungalows, fine dining, and a relaxing atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for a comfortable stay.

2. Bukima Tented Camp
Situated closer to the park’s Bukima Ranger Station, this camp provides a more rustic experience with comfortable tents and excellent access to gorilla trekking starting points. It offers a unique blend of adventure and comfort in a picturesque setting.

3. Kibumba Tented Camp
Set in a scenic location within the park, Kibumba Tented Camp provides an intimate and immersive experience with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. It’s well-suited for those looking for a closer connection to nature.

4. Virunga Lodge (Rwanda)
Although a bit further away, Virunga Lodge in Rwanda offers luxurious accommodations with panoramic views of the volcanoes and is an excellent choice for those combining visits to both Rwanda and Congo.

Booking with a tour operator like Kenlink Tours can help streamline your accommodation arrangements and ensure a seamless experience.

Booking a Gorilla Safari in Congo with Kenlink Tours

Embarking on a gorilla safari in Congo offers an unparalleled adventure into one of Africa’s most biodiverse regions. To ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience, consider booking with Kenlink Tours, a renowned operator specializing in gorilla safaris across East Africa.

Kenlink Tours provides expertly crafted itineraries that include guided treks into Virunga National Park, home to both mountain and lowland gorillas. Their tours offer not only the chance to observe these majestic creatures up close but also to explore the stunning landscapes and rich wildlife of the region.

The process is straightforward. Start by contacting Kenlink Tours to discuss your travel preferences and the best times to visit. They will guide you through the booking process, including securing permits, arranging accommodations, and organizing transport. Kenlink Tours ensures that every detail is covered, from providing knowledgeable guides to arranging comfortable lodgings.