The Kahungye gorilla group is based in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, one of 17 habituated mountain gorilla families protected across the forest. Bwindi is split into four trekking sectors, Nkuringo, Rushaga, Buhoma, and Ruhija, each home to its own set of gorilla families. Rushaga stands out as the only sector offering gorilla habituation experiences, and it holds the largest number of habituated families in the park.
Habituation and Early Leadership
Kahungye officially opened to trekkers in October 2011, following two years of habituation. At that time, the family was led by subordinate silverback Ruhemuka, who remained in charge until March 2013.
On the morning of March 6, 2013, rangers found Ruhemuka dead after falling from a tree at a height of 20 to 30 meters, sustaining fatal brain injuries and severe bleeding in the fall.
The Busingye Split
At the time of habituation, Kahungye was one of the largest families in Rushaga, with up to 27 members. The family later split, forming the separate Busingye family, which reduced Kahungye’s numbers considerably.
Family Structure Today
Kahungye now has 17 members, including three silverbacks (Ruhemuka, Rumanzi, and Gwigi, whose name means “door” in the local Kiga language), three blackbacks, three adult females, three sub-adult females, and two infants. Following Ruhemuka’s death, leadership passed to silverback Gwigi, with Rumanzi serving as the subordinate silverback.
Trekking the Kahungye Family
Kahungye is considered one of the easier families to trek in Rushaga, since it’s located close to the sector’s trailhead, neighboring the Busingye, Nshongi, and Mishaya families. The family can be trekked year-round, though the dry season, from June to October and mid-December to late February, offers the driest, most accessible trails and the easiest trekking conditions overall.
With easy trailhead access and a history stretching back to Bwindi’s earliest habituation efforts, the Kahungye family offers a solid choice for trekkers in the Rushaga sector. Book your gorilla trekking permit with our team today, and we’ll help you plan the trek alongside the rest of your Bwindi itinerary.
