Gorilla Families in the Buhoma Sector

Gorilla Families in the Buhoma Sector

Located in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Buhoma Sector is the most famous and most visited part of the park. It holds the distinction of being the first sector to be habituated for gorilla tracking back in 1993, just after the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Buhoma is home to four captivating gorilla families: Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura and Katwe. These families offer incredible opportunities for visitors to experience the magic of mountain gorillas in the wild.

Meet the Gorilla Families of Buhoma

Mubare Gorilla Family

The Mubare family is the oldest gorilla group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It was habituated in 1993 when gorilla tourism was first introduced. The name “Mubare” comes from the Mubare Hills, where trackers first spotted the group. Initially, the family had 12 members, led by the silverback Ruhondeza. However, after some misfortunes, the group size reduced to 5 members. Following Ruhondeza’s passing at over 50 years old, a new silverback, Kanyonyi, took charge. Under his leadership, the group has thrived and now consists of 9 members.

Habinyanja Gorilla Family

The Habinyanja family was habituated in 1997 and began trekking in 1999. The name “Habinyanja” is derived from the word “Nyanja,” meaning “water,” referring to the swamp where the group was first spotted. The group’s original leader, Mugurusi, was succeeded by two brothers: Mwirima and Rwansigazi. Over time, Rwansigazi formed the Rushegura group and now, Makara, a powerful silverback, leads the family. With 17 members, including 9 adults, 5 infants and 3 juveniles, Habinyanja is one of the easiest groups to track. It’s located just 45 minutes from the trailhead at Nyamishaba village.

Rushegura Gorilla Family

The Rushegura family split from the Habinyanja group in 2002. This division was led by Mwirima, a dominant silverback who left after a power struggle with his brother, Rwansigazi. Mwirima took 7 members with him and after his death, the group was led by a blackback. Rushegura has since grown to 19 members. This group is unique in that it frequently moves between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, crossing the border several times. Rushegura is also easy to track, with just a 15-minute walk from the park headquarters to the trailhead at Mukono.

Katwe Gorilla Group

The Katwe family is the newest addition to the Buhoma sector. Habituated in 2018, this group underwent a 3-year habituation process before it was ready for tourist tracking. The group consists of one dominant silverback, four females and two babies but the exact number of members fluctuates as some gorillas move in and out of the group. The formation of Katwe was a strategic effort to increase the number of daily gorilla permits available and help boost Uganda’s tourism revenue.

What to Wear and Bring for Gorilla Trekking in Buhoma

Gorilla trekking in Buhoma involves walking long distances through steep and muddy terrain, sometimes under unpredictable rain. Here’s what to wear and bring to ensure a comfortable and safe experience:

• Footwear: Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots to handle the slippery trails.
• Clothing: Thick, long trousers and a long-sleeved top are essential to protect against stinging nettles and thorny vegetation. The weather can be chilly at the start, so bring a sweater or jersey for extra warmth.
• Gloves: Old gardening gloves will help you grip branches and thorny vegetation during the trek.
• Rain Gear: A raincoat or poncho is advisable, especially during the rainy season. Bwindi’s rainforest can be unpredictable and being prepared is key.
• Backpack: Carry only what’s necessary in a waterproof daypack to keep your gear dry. Make sure to include sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
• Water & Snacks: Bring at least 2 liters of drinking water and some snacks to keep your energy up during the trek. Bottled water is available at local accommodation facilities.
• Camera Gear: Protect your camera and film from rain by sealing them in plastic bags if your camera bag isn’t waterproof. While binoculars aren’t essential for gorilla sightings, birdwatchers may find them useful, though the thick vegetation makes them less practical during the trek.

Best Time to Trek Mountain Gorillas in the Buhoma Region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Buhoma, located in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, offers year-round opportunities for gorilla trekking. However, since the forest is a tropical rainforest, it can rain at any time of the year. To make the most of your gorilla trekking experience, it’s best to visit during the months of June to August and December to February. These months receive the least rainfall, meaning the trails are less slippery and the trekking conditions are more comfortable.

If you’re planning to visit during the rainy season (March to May and November), expect heavier rainfall. However, this can be a good time to travel as many lodges offer discounts on accommodation during these months. Keep in mind that, while the rain can make trekking more challenging, it can also offer a quieter and more peaceful experience with fewer visitors.

Why Book Your Gorilla Trekking Adventure in Buhoma with Trek Africa Gorillas?

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we organize unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda and Rwanda. Our team is highly experienced and we’re proud of the positive reviews we’ve received on platforms like TripAdvisor.

We don’t just offer gorilla trekking tours; we craft eco-friendly, high-end adventures that preserve biodiversity, conserve wildlife and support local communities. In addition to gorilla trekking, we also offer experiences like chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris, game viewing, mountain hiking, boat cruise excursions and cultural encounters.

Our commitment to sustainable tourism and making your African safari unforgettable extends to top destinations such as Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Namibia.

Contact us today to learn more about booking your exclusive gorilla trekking tour in the Buhoma sector and begin planning the adventure of a lifetime!