The Mishaya gorilla group is one of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s 17 habituated families, based in the Rushaga region in the park’s south. Rushaga holds 5 of Bwindi’s habituated gorilla families, making it the most concentrated gorilla trekking region in Uganda and a strong choice for travelers who want a better chance at securing a permit on shorter notice.
How Mishaya Was Formed
Mishaya split from the Nshongi family in May 2011, when growing numbers within Nshongi led several mature blackbacks to break away and seek their own territory. Subordinate silverback Mishaya left with around 7 members to establish his own group. Known for a combative temperament, Mishaya frequently raided neighboring gorilla families to capture females and grow his group further, a strategy that helped the family expand to its current size of 12 members, including 3 infants.
Leadership Change
Mishaya died under unclear circumstances on the night of February 3, 2014, at age 28. Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers discovered his body the following morning, and the exact cause of death was never fully determined. Leadership passed to silverback Mwine, who continues to lead the family today and has maintained the group’s cohesion in the years since.
Family Structure
Current members include dominant silverback Mwine, adult females Bakunzi and Mwiza, juveniles Rutaro and Mize, and infants Mwiza Baby 1, Mwiza Baby 2, and Bakunzi Baby, reflecting steady growth since the family’s smaller founding size.
Trekking the Mishaya Family
Mishaya is fully habituated to human presence, and despite the family’s imposing appearance, there’s no real risk of an unprovoked attack, since the silverback’s role is primarily protective rather than aggressive toward visitors. Rangers and guides remain present throughout the trek to manage the group and ensure trekkers’ safety and comfort, particularly given the family’s history of assertive behavior toward other gorilla groups.
With a history shaped by conflict, growth, and a notable leadership change, Mishaya offers one of Rushaga’s more storied gorilla treks. Book your gorilla trekking permit with our team today, and we’ll help you plan the trek alongside the rest of your Bwindi itinerary.
