Bwindi gorilla families are spread across four trekking sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Buhoma, Rushaga, Ruhija, and Nkuringo. Mountain gorillas share up to 98% of human DNA and can live up to 54 years in the wild, living in groups of 2 to 40 led by a dominant silverback. Bwindi is home to 14 habituated gorilla families, each with its own history, personality, and location within the park.
Gorilla Families in Buhoma Sector
Buhoma sits in the northern part of Bwindi and was the first sector opened to tourists when gorilla trekking began in 1993. It remains the most visited sector year-round due to its accessibility.
Mubare Family: The first group habituated, in 1993, with an original 18 members. Deaths and migrations have since made it Bwindi’s smallest family, especially after the loss of its original silverback, Ruhondeza. Current members include lead blackback Kanyonyi, along with Muyambi, Malaika, and Kashundwe.
Habinyanja Family: Named after “Nyanja,” the local word for water, after the group was first found near a swamp. It has 20 members and 2 silverbacks, and its wide-ranging movement across the forest can make it harder to track. Notable members include blackback Maraya, along with Binyonko, Nyabuche, Nyamuhango, Rukundo, Kisho, and Rugyendo.
Rushegura Family: Split from Habinyanja in 2000 with 20 members, led by silverback Kabukojo. It’s one of the easier families to track, since it often roams near park headquarters and sometimes nearby lodges. Members include Mwirima, Kibade, Nyamunwa, Nyampazi, Ruterena, and Kafuruka.
Katwe Family: The newest family in Buhoma, habituated by the Uganda Wildlife Authority in 2018. It has 7 members, including silverback Katwe, four adult females, three blackbacks, and two infants, with membership shifting as gorillas join or leave the group.
Gorilla Families in Rushaga Sector
Rushaga sits in the southern part of Bwindi, between Rubanda and Kisoro districts, and has the highest number of habituated families of any sector.
Nshongi Family: Named after a nearby river where the group was first spotted. It’s the largest habituated family in Bwindi, with 25 members and 2 silverbacks, including Nshongi, Kakono, Bweza, Matama, and Busasa.
Mishaya Family: Split from Nshongi in 2010 after a dispute between competing silverbacks. It now has 12 members. Founding silverback Mishaya has since died, and his son Mwine now leads the group, which includes Bakunzi, Mwiza, and Rutaro.
Kahungye Family: Officially opened to trekkers in October 2011 after a two-year habituation process. It has over 13 members, led by silverback Rumansi, who took over after founding silverback Ruhemuka died in March 2013.
Busingye Family: Split from Kahungye under silverback Busingye, whose name means “peace.” It has 9 members, including 3 infants, 5 blackbacks, and 1 silverback. The Uganda Wildlife Authority has not yet released full member names for this group.
Bweza Family: Split from Nshongi due to internal rivalry and now has around 12 members. Despite past speculation that it might rejoin Mishaya’s group, it remains independent and open for trekking in the Rushaga area.
Gorilla Groups in Ruhija Sector
Ruhija sits in the eastern part of Bwindi and can be reached from Kabale, Buhoma, Kisoro, or Kigali. It has three gorilla groups.
Bitukura Family: Habituated in 2017 and known for its calm dynamics. It has 13 members, including 4 silverbacks, led by dominant silverback Nduhura, with members including Kakara, Twakire, Ruhara, and Betina.
Oruzogo Family: Habituation began in 2009, and the group opened to tourists in 2011. It has 16 members, including silverback Bakwate, and includes Birungi, Bucura, Otaka, Bwoba, and Muteesi.
Kyaguriro Family: First habituated in 1995 but never opened to trekkers due to permit availability at the time. It has 15 members and 2 silverbacks, and is reserved exclusively for research rather than tourism.
Gorilla Families in Nkuringo Sector
Nkuringo sits in the southern corner of Bwindi in Kisoro District, near the DR Congo border. It was home to a single family until a second group, Christmas, was added in 2018.
Nkuringo Family: The original family in this sector, now with 18 members and 2 silverbacks. The terrain here is demanding, so trekkers should be reasonably fit. Members include Rafiki, Bahati, Karungi, Karibu, and Kwesima.
Christmas Family: One of Bwindi’s newest habituated groups, alongside Katwe. Led by silverback Christmas, it split from the original Nkuringo group and has 9 members, including one silverback, three females, one blackback, and one infant.
Book Your Bwindi Gorilla Permit
With 14 habituated families spread across four sectors, Bwindi gorilla families offer a different experience depending on which group you’re assigned to trek. Book your Bwindi gorilla permit with our team today, and we’ll help match you with a family and sector that fits your fitness level and interests.
