Gorilla families in both Mgahinga and Bwindi impenetrable parks.
Ruhija Sector
Mgahinga National Park
Mgahinga is the second national park in Uganda where you can see the beautiful mountain gorillas. Located within the Virunga mountain range it’s a smaller park with over 100 gorillas but only one family is open for trekking.
Nyakagezi Gorilla Family
This is the only gorilla family in Mgahinga open for visitors. Named after the area where they were first seen, Nyakagezi is led by the silverback, Mark, along with his brother Mafia.
Special Facts about this species: Nyakagezi family is easy to reach because they live in lowland areas. They’re also known for their adventurous spirit; they’ve been known to travel across the borders to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Family Members: The family has ten members including five silverbacks and a few young ones.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is one of the most popular gorilla trekking spots globally, holding about half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. The park has four trekking sectors each with unique gorilla families that visitors can meet.
Buhoma Sector
Buhoma is the oldest and most accessible trekking area with easy trails and five unique families.
1. Mubare Gorilla Family
This is Uganda’s oldest gorilla family, starting its journey with tourists in 1991.
Special Facts about this family: Mubare was the very first gorilla family to be visited in Bwindi Led by silverback Kanyonyi it has a fascinating history of resilience and survival.
2. Habinyanja Gorilla Family
This family is known for their love of exploring, this family was named after the swamps (Nyanja) where they were first found.
Family Members: With 12 members, including two silverbacks, this family often roams far and wide, making every trek exciting
3. Rushegura Gorilla Family
Founded by Mwirima, a peaceful silverback, this family is calm and social.
Special Facts: Unlike most gorillas the Rushegura family often wanders into nearby villages, interacting peacefully with locals.
Rushaga Sector
Rushaga is a southern section with five gorilla families offering beautiful views of Lake Bunyonyi and the Virunga volcanoes.
1. Nshongi Gorilla Family
The largest group in Bwindi, Nshongi is named after a nearby honey-like river.
Family Members: It has 24 members, including two silverbacks, and offers a heartwarming trekking experience with its many young gorillas.
2. Bweza Gorilla Family
Bweza, a former member of Nshongi, split off to form his own family in 2012.
Special Facts: This family is one of the best to observe, often playful and engaging, making it a favorite among tourists.
Nkuringo Sector
Nkuringo is for more adventurous trekkers, as it involves steep hikes and offers beautiful views.
Nkuringo Gorilla Family
Nkuringo means “round hill,” named after the area where they live. Led by Rwamutwe, this family gained fame with its former leader, Rafiki, who was loved worldwide.
Special Facts about this family: The first family to be habituated in this sector the Nkuringo group has been known to wander onto farmland making it a well-known name in the local community
Ruhija, on the eastern side of Bwindi, is a quieter area with fewer families and gentle trails.
1. Bitukura Gorilla Family
Bitukura is known for its strong bond with a nearby group, making it quick to habituate.
Family Members: With 13 members, including four silverbacks, this family is an easy choice for trekkers.