Exploring the Congo Gorilla Families – There are about 10 gorilla families in Congo. Gorilla tourism has not been widely embraced in DR Congo due to insecurity in the country, yet Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest park. It is located in the Virunga Massif and offers some of the best gorilla trekking experiences in Africa. Despite Virunga’s vast size, it harbors only eight habituated gorilla families that can be trekked year-round. These include: Humba, Rugendo, Kabirizi, Munyaga, Nyakamwe, Mapuwa, Bageni, and Lulengo.
Each family presents its own unique story and characteristics. However, it is important to note that family composition and dynamics, such as the number of individuals, group leadership, and composition, may change over time.
Munyaga Gorilla Family
The Munyaga gorilla family, consisting of nine members, resides in the Bukima area of Virunga National Park. The group was named after its former dominant silverback, Munyaga, who abandoned it in 2007 after losing all his females to the Kabirizi group. Mawazo has since taken over leadership. Currently, the group comprises 9 members: 3 silverbacks, 2 adult females, 2 juveniles, and 2 babies.
Lulengo Gorilla Family
Located in the Jomba region of the park, the Lulengo gorilla family was initially known as Rugabo. Habituation began in 1985 under Rugabo’s leadership until he was tragically shot dead in 1994, along with two other female gorillas. Rugabo’s son, Lulengo, took over and currently leads 9 members, including 1 silverback, 3 adult females, 1 blackback, 1 juvenile, and 3 babies. Some members transferred to the Mapuwa gorilla family.
Rugendo Gorilla Family
The Rugendo gorilla family was among the first groups habituated in Virunga National Park. Led by Rugendo, a renowned silverback, the group suffered tragic losses when Rugendo was killed by rebels in 2001. His son, Senkwekwe, took over until his own death in 2007, along with five other gorillas. Since 2008, the solitary silverback Bukima has led the group, which now comprises 9 members: 3 silverbacks, 1 blackback, 1 adult female, 2 juveniles, and 2 babies. They inhabit the Mikeno sector between Bukima and Bikenge areas.
Mapuwa Gorilla Family
The Mapuwa gorilla family resides in the Jomba region of Virunga National Park and was formed in 1998 by Mapuwa, a silverback and son of Rugendo. Initially living solitary, Mapuwa interacted with the Lulengo family in 1998, taking two adult females to form his own family. Currently, the Mapuwa family consists of 22 members: 3 silverbacks, 5 blackbacks, 6 adult females, 6 juveniles, and 5 babies.
Kabirizi Gorilla Group
Formed in 1994, the Kabirizi gorilla family has an interesting leadership history. Currently led by silverback Kabirizi, the group comprises 19 members: 2 silverbacks, 2 blackbacks, 4 adult females, 7 juveniles, and 4 babies. This group resides in the Bukima region of Virunga National Park and offers an interesting trekking experience during a gorilla safari in DR Congo.
Humba Gorilla Family
Established in 1998 by Humba, a son of Rugendo who broke away from the family with 6 individuals. By 2014, Humba had grown to 16 individuals, but later split, leaving 10 members today: 3 silverbacks, 2 adult females, 3 juveniles, and 2 babies. They live in the Gatovu and Bikenge areas of Virunga National Park.
Bageni Gorilla Group
The Bageni gorilla family is the largest with 26 members, residing in Bukima and Gatovu. Silverback Bageni leads the group, which includes 1 silverback, 2 blackbacks, 10 adult females, 4 juveniles, and 9 babies. Formed by splitting from Kabirizi’s group, Bageni moved with 20 members, including his mother Mapendo and brothers, to form his own family.
Nyakamwe Gorilla Family
The Nyakamwe gorilla family, led by Nyakamwe, resides in the Bukima area of Virunga National Park with 11 members. Formed in 2014 after splitting from the Humba group due to internal conflicts, Nyakamwe now consists of 11 members: 2 silverbacks, 1 blackback, 3 adult females, 3 juveniles, and 2 babies.
No matter which gorilla family you trek in Virunga National Park, the experience is equally thrilling. Each family offers unique features to visit and spend time with.
