Humba is one of the eight habituated gorilla groups in Virunga National Park in eastern D.R. Congo. The group is located within the Virunga region – a super bio-diverse area shared among three countries: Uganda, D.R. Congo, and Rwanda.
This region encompasses up to eight volcanic mountains as well as three iconic national parks, namely Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in D.R. Congo.
As of 2019, Virunga National Park comprises eight gorilla families, each with its own attributes and uniqueness. These include Humba, Kabirizi, Rugendo, Mapuwa, Munyaga, Bageni, Lulengo, and Nyakamwe. Humba, in particular, is a magnificent gorilla family to visit, always referred to by many as the calmest of all groups.
Humba gorilla family is located in the Bukima sector of Virunga National Park but frequents areas of Bikenge and Gatovu. The family was formed in 1998 by silverback Humba after splitting from his father’s group, Rugendo.
At the time of separation, with only six members, Humba moved with his brother Nyakamwe to form this new family. By 2014, the group had increased to 16 members, but due to frequent fights between Nyakamwe and Humba, the group further split. Silverback Nyakamwe left with 10 members, leaving Humba with only six, and formed a separate group called Nyakamwe.
In 2015, Humba raided the Munyaga family and obtained one member, sub-adult female Kakule, increasing Humba family’s membership to seven. Silverback Humba is also a brother to silverback Senkwekwe, who was assassinated in July 2007 by unknown gunmen. Gorillas that make up the Humba family include one silverback, two black backs, one sub-adult female, and three juveniles.
Tracking Humba is regarded as the most fascinating gorilla experience in Virunga National Park, as it is a calm, peaceful, and one of the safest treks in the park. Booking gorilla permits to track the Humba family can be done directly through Virunga National Park or through a trusted travel agent. Just like other D.R. Congo gorilla permits, a permit to Humba costs $400 per trek.
Only eight persons are allowed to track this group on any given day, and each group of trekkers is escorted by a patrol vehicle with armed rangers, trackers, porters, and guides.
