Bageni family is located in the heart of Virunga National Park, specifically in the Bukima and Gatovu sectors. It is one of the most calm and peaceful families to track in D.R. Congo.
Virunga is D.R. Congo’s oldest and largest conservation area, situated in the northeastern province near the Uganda and Rwanda borders. Despite its biological diversity and richness, the park has faced many challenges, including poaching, civil conflicts, illegal mining, and human-wildlife conflicts. Nevertheless, the park has maintained its fame and popularity thanks to the many conservation efforts by the government and non-governmental organizations to protect and preserve the uniqueness of this world heritage site.
Virunga National Park is home to eight gorilla families: Rugendo, Mapuwa, Lulengo, Munyaga, Nyakamwe, Bageni, Humba, and Kabirizi.
Of all the eight families, Bageni is the largest, with up to 30 members. These are led by Silverback Bageni, who has been at the throne of the family since its formation in January 2013. Silverback Bageni is responsible for the daily movements of the group, offering protection against any attacks, and searching for food.
Bageni family was formed in January 2013, following a split between Silverback Bageni and the Kabirizi family (his father). Bageni left with the majority, up to 20 members, including Mapendo – his mother.
Tracking this family is not particularly hard as it is located near the park headquarters, and visitors have the chance of moving for only 1 hour or even less until they meet the family.
