Bwindi Mountain Gorilla Families

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is home to several mountain gorilla families that are habituated for tourism and research purposes.

Please note that the composition and status of these gorilla families may change over time due to births, deaths, and other factors.

Here are some of the well-known mountain gorilla families in Bwindi:

Mubare Group (M Group):

• Location: Buhoma sector
• Notable Members: Ruhondeza (former dominant silverback)
• This was one of the first groups to be habituated for tourism in Bwindi.

Habinyanja Group (H Group):

• Location: Buhoma sector
• Notable Members: Makara (dominant silverback)
• Habinyanja is known for its playful juveniles and interesting dynamics.

Rushegura Group:

• Location: Buhoma sector
• Notable Members: Mwirima (dominant silverback)
• This group split from the Habinyanja Group and has been habituated for a relatively shorter period.

Nkuringo Group:

• Location: Nkuringo sector
• Notable Members: Rafiki (former dominant silverback)
• Nkuringo is known for its challenging terrain and beautiful views.

Busingye Group:

• Location: Rushaga sector
• Notable Members: Busingye (dominant silverback)
• This group is relatively new and was formed when some members left the Kahungye Group.

Kahungye Group:

• Location: Rushaga sector
• Notable Members: Gwigi (dominant silverback)
• Kahungye is one of the larger groups in Bwindi.

Nshongi Group:

• Location: Rushaga sector
• Notable Members: Nshongi (dominant silverback)
• Nshongi was one of the largest gorilla groups in Bwindi.

Mishaya Group:

Mishaya Group is known for its past interactions with other groups and the formation of a breakaway group.

• Location: Rushaga sector
• Notable Members: Mishaya (dominant silverback)

Oruzogo Group:

• Location: Ruhija sector
• Notable Members: Bakwate (dominant silverback)
• Oruzogo Group is known for its playful and active juveniles, making it a popular choice for gorilla trekking.

Bitukura Group:

• Location: Ruhija sector
• Notable Members: Rukara (dominant silverback)
• Bitukura is a relatively small and calm group, making it a pleasant experience for trekkers.

Kyaguliro Group (Kyag):

• Location: Ruhija sector
• Notable Members: Rukina (dominant silverback)
• Kyaguliro is another family available for gorilla trekking in the Ruhija sector.

Bweza Group:

• Location: Rushaga sector
• Notable Members: Bweza (dominant silverback)
• Bweza Group is one of the newer groups habituated for tourism in the Rushaga sector.

Bushaho Group:

• Location: Rushaga sector
• Notable Members: Bushaho (dominant silverback)
• Bushaho Group is another option for gorilla trekking in the Rushaga area.

Lulengo Group:

• Location: Rushaga sector
• Notable Members: Lulengo (dominant silverback)
• Lulengo Group is known for its interactions with other gorilla groups in Bwindi.

Christmas Group (Kashundwe):

• Location: Rushaga sector
• Notable Members: Unknown (group was being habituated)
• The Christmas Group was in the process of habituation, and its composition and status may have changed since then.

Bikyingi Group:

• Location: Buhoma sector
• Notable Members: Bikyingi (dominant silverback)
• This family is named after its dominant silverback, Bikyingi, and is one of the groups in the Buhoma sector.

Rugendo Group:

• Location: Buhoma sector
• Notable Members: Unknown (group status may have changed)
• The Rugendo Group has gone through changes in leadership and composition over the years.

Nyakagezi Group:

• Location: Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (near Bwindi)
• Notable Members: Mark (dominant silverback)

While not located within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park itself, the Nyakagezi Group inhabits the nearby Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and can occasionally be visited by tourists interested in gorilla trekking.

Please keep in mind that the composition and names of gorilla groups in Bwindi National Park can change, and new groups can form over time.

Additionally, the status and accessibility of these groups for tourism may vary. It’s essential to check with the Uganda Wildlife Authority or us for the most up-to-date information if you plan to visit Bwindi and see these incredible mountain gorillas.