The Kahungye Gorilla Family is situated in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and is one of the 17 habituated Mountain Gorilla families protected in the impenetrable forest of Bwindi. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the montane forests situated in the southwestern part of Uganda.
The forest evidently has four sectors: Nkuringo, Rushaga, Buhoma, and Ruhija, each harboring its own families of endangered mountain gorillas. Among the most captivating sectors for trekking gorillas in Uganda is the Rushaga sector, the only sector where Gorilla habituation experiences can take place and also home to the largest number of gorilla families.
The group was officially launched in October 2011 following two years of a successful habituation process. At the time of habituation, this family was under the leadership of a subordinate silverback known as Ruhemuka. Ruhemuka led the Kahungye family until March 2013 when it succumbed to what was termed as a forest accident.
It was reported that on the morning of March 6, 2013, rangers found Ruhemuka dead after he had fallen from a tree, landing on his head from a height of 20-30 meters. This resulted in severe brain damage, excessive bleeding, shock, and eventual death.
Since the time of habituation, Kahungye was one of the largest families in Rushaga with up to 27 members. However, after a few years, the large family split to form a second family called Busingye. This left the Kahungye family with only 17 members, including three silverbacks: Ruhemuka, the leader; Rumanzi, the subordinate; and Gwigi (door); three blackbacks; three adult females; three sub-adult females; and two infants.
The family is currently led by the silverback Gwigi (a local Kiga word meaning “door”), followed by Rumanzi, the subordinate. The Kahungye family is one of the easiest to trek as it is located close to the Rushaga sector trailhead, neighboring the Busingye, Nshongi, and Mishaya families.
The family can be trekked all year round; however, the dry season months provide the best encounters, from June to October and mid-December to late February. During these times, the trails are dry and accessible, making the trek easier for all kinds of travelers.
