The Bikingi gorilla group lives in the extreme southern part of Rushaga, within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Habituation began in early 2012 and continued until mid-2016, initiated as a follow-up to work already done with the scattered members of the Mishaya family, some of whom belonged to a non-habituated group living nearby.
How Bikingi Was Formed
The habituation process was started specifically to bring this neighboring, previously unhabituated group into contact with people, building on the groundwork already laid through Mishaya’s own habituation. The result is the Bikingi family, led by silverback Bikingi over 15 other individuals: 5 adult females, 2 sub-adult males, 2 juveniles, and 5 infants.
Trekking the Bikingi Family
As with all gorilla families in Uganda, only 8 people are permitted to trek Bikingi each day, a limit designed to reduce disease transmission risk and minimize disturbance to gorilla habitat. A gorilla permit, required in advance, grants access to the family for up to 1 hour and costs $800 per person. Given demand, permits should be booked well ahead, either directly through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or via a trusted tour operator.
Getting to Bikingi in Rushaga
Reaching the Bikingi family means driving to Rushaga park headquarters. From Kigali, the drive takes up to 3 hours, crossing either the Cyanika border in Kisoro or the Katuna border in Kabale. From Entebbe or Kampala, the journey is considerably longer, around 8 to 9 hours via the Masaka-Mbarara highway, through Kabale town and into the newer Rubanda district.
Other Activities in Rushaga
Beyond gorilla trekking, Rushaga offers birdwatching, nature walks, Batwa community walks, and visits to nearby waterfalls, giving trekkers plenty to fill out a fuller day in the sector.
As one of Rushaga’s more recently habituated families, Bikingi offers a solid alternative to the sector’s better-known groups. Book your gorilla trekking permit with our team today, and we’ll help you plan the trek alongside the rest of your Bwindi itinerary.







