The Nyakagezi gorilla group is the only habituated gorilla family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in southwestern Uganda within the Virunga Conservation Area shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. Beyond Nyakagezi, the park is home to an estimated 80 additional mountain gorillas that remain unhabituated.
A Family That Once Roamed Three Countries
For years, Nyakagezi lived a nomadic life, moving freely between Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo in search of favorable conditions. During this period, permits to trek the family had to be arranged on the ground depending on wherever the group happened to be. Since 2012, when Nyakagezi settled permanently within Mgahinga, permits can now be booked in advance through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a trusted tour operator.
Leadership
The family was originally led by silverback Bugingo, now around 54 years old, before being overthrown by his son, Mark, the current dominant silverback. Unusually, Bugingo continues to live within the same family after being deposed, rather than leaving to challenge another group or live alone, as is typical elsewhere in gorilla society.
Family Structure
Nyakagezi has 10 members: silverbacks Mark, Bugingo, Mafia, and Mathew, adult females Nshuti and Nyiramwiza, juveniles Nkanda and Furaha, and infants Rukondo and Mutagamba.
Trekking the Nyakagezi Family
A trek to meet Nyakagezi is genuinely off the beaten path compared to trekking in Bwindi, and worth combining with more than just the gorilla encounter itself. The area offers scenic views over the Virunga volcanoes, a gorge walk, and the chance to spot golden monkeys, another of Mgahinga’s signature primates.
As the park’s only habituated family, Mgahinga issues just 8 trekking permits per day. A standard Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs $800 per person, the same rate that applies across Bwindi and Mgahinga alike, with discounted rates available for East African citizens and foreign residents with valid work permits.
Beyond Gorilla Trekking
Travelers can also climb any of the three Virunga volcanoes bordering the park, Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, or Mount Muhabura, each offering a different volcano hiking experience alongside gorilla trekking.
Book Your Nyakagezi Gorilla Trekking Permit
As Mgahinga’s only habituated gorilla family, Nyakagezi offers one of Uganda’s more unique and less crowded gorilla trekking experiences. Book your Nyakagezi gorilla trekking permit with our team today, and we’ll help you combine it with volcano hiking or golden monkey trekking in the same park.
