Each gorilla groups in Uganda offers a unique experience to every visitor on Uganda gorilla safari. Currently, about 21 groups are available for gorilla trekking in Uganda. Trekking mountain gorillas in Uganda is only done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The two national parks are found in Kisoro, Kabale, Kanungu district-Southwestern Uganda and Bwindi National Park alone is composed of 20 habituated gorilla families and only one is in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, gorilla treks are done in Ruhija, Buhoma, Nkuringo or Rushaga sector.
Rushegura
Rushegura group is a remarkable gorilla family to explore in Buhoma area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Early this December, this group welcomed a newborn baby gorilla making a total of 16 members in the group. Kabukojo silverback leads the Rushegura group which also comprises of many females, black backs and juveniles.
Katwe
For authentic gorilla trekking experience, Katwe should be a must-visit on Uganda gorilla safari. It is a newly habituated group within Buhoma area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park making a total of 4 groups in this sector alone. It took about 3 years for it to be ready for gorilla trekking. Katwe gorilla group is made of 10 members and also includes many adult females and babies.
Habinyanja
Habinyanja gorilla family is also known as the H-Group. It is a habituated gorilla group in Buhoma region in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Trekking the H-Group can last you 5 hours. This group is composed of 18 individuals and it is led by Makara silverback. Habinyanja group was habituated around 1997 and the word Habinyanja denotes body of water where it was initially sighted from.
Mubare group
Compared to other gorilla families, Mubare group is the oldest group in Uganda. It is the first to open for gorilla trekking. It underwent habituation in 1991 and in 1993, it was opened for trekking. Today, it is composed of 9 members.
Oruzogo
Oruzongo group underwent habituation exercise around 2009 in Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the East. It consists of 22 members and it is headed by Bakwate silverback since 2008. It is a popular family for trekkers to see several playful juveniles and toddlers.
Bitukura
Bitukura family is made of 14 individuals and compared to other gorilla families, this group took about a year and half years and it was ready for trekking by visitors on Uganda gorilla safari tour. It derives its name from Bitukura River where it was sighted.
Kyaguliro group
Although Kyaguriro gorilla group is set aside for research purposes, it can also be trekked by visitors on Uganda gorilla tour. This group underwent habituation in 1995 under the leadership of Zeus who also was replaced by Rukina who succumbed to an electric shock and died due to lightening in 2015. It is composed of 10 members.
Nkuringo gorilla family
Nkuringo group derived its name from Nkuringo region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is found in the South. It is made of 19 members and it registered a set of twins in December 2004.
Busingye
Busingye broke away from Kahungye group in 2012. It is found within Rushaga region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the South. It is made of 9 individuals comprising of juveniles, females.
Kahungye
Kahungye gorilla group is found in Rushaga region in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the South. It consists of 13 members including three silverbacks. This group was opened for visitors on Uganda gorilla tour to trek in 2011 and it was led by Rumansi Silverback. Today, Kahungye is headed by Gwigi silverback.
Mishaya
Mishaya group broke away from Nshongi family in 2010. This group equally features a unique history for visitors to explore. It is made of 12 individuals and it is led by Mwine silverback.
Bweza
Bweza group is found in Rushaga region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the South. This group broke away from Nshongi in 2013 and currently, it is made of 9 members.
Christmas group
Christmas is a new gorilla family within Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is comprised of 9 members and th group is under the leadership of Christmas silverback. Visitors on Uganda gorilla tour may come across 6 members.
Bikingi
Bikingi was initially set for gorilla habituation experience but it is currently open for gorilla trekking. It is found within Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the south. It derives its name from Bikingi an area where it was originally spotted.
Mucunguzi
Mucunguzi gorilla group is found in Rushaga area of Bwindi National Park. This group is named after Mucunguzi-a word that means savior. It is composed of 8 members.
Kutu
Visitors who are interested in mountain gorilla habituation experience can now explore Kutu gorilla group of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is made of 8 members and it is led by one silverback. Kutu group is found in Rushaga region of Bwindi and it is an exceptional group to explore on Uganda gorilla tour.
Rwingi
Rwingi group is trekked in Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is led by Rwigi silverback and this is splitter group from Kahungye group. Rwingi group is made of 6 members.
Nshongi
Nshongi gorilla group is found in Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the South. It was set for gorilla trekking in 2009 and currently, it is composed of 25 members. This group broke away from Mweza group and it derives its name from Nshongi River where it was originally spotted. Trekking through this group lets you come across other creatures like baboons, butterflies, birds to mention but a few.
Nyakagezi group
As you head to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Nyakagezi is the only habituated family available for you to trek. This group is headed by Mark and trekking through this group lets you enjoy your adventure with no worries of overcrowding.
In conclusion, a visit to Uganda on gorilla safari is absolute only with a visit to see mountain gorillas. With the above habituated gorilla families, a gorilla tour in Uganda never leaves you out of choice. A visit to anyone of the gorilla groups lets you to discover something unique.
