Mountain Gorilla Families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Mountain Gorilla Families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park

Nestled in the heart of southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park spans parts of the Rukungiri, Kisoro, and Kabale districts. This lush, mountainous terrain is not only stunning but also crucial for the region’s ecology, serving as a vital water catchment area for numerous rivers that support local agriculture. Recognized as the richest forest in Uganda in terms of plant diversity, Bwindi is one of the few areas in East Africa where lowland and montane forests intertwine, resulting in a rich tapestry of flora and fauna. This diverse ecosystem is home to about half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas and several rare bird species with limited ranges.

Gorilla tracking in Bwindi began on April 1, 1993, and it’s recommended to make reservations for tracking permits at least three to six months in advance. The park offers four primary locations for gorilla tracking: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo, each housing a variety of gorilla families.

Nkuringo Gorilla Families

Nkuringo Gorilla Family

• Size: 14 members
• Named after the local Rukiga word for “round hill,” the Nkuringo family was established in 2004. Initially, they posed challenges for local communities by destroying crops. By promoting tourism, the community began to benefit financially, which helped protect the gorillas. This family is currently led by four silverbacks and includes three adult females and three infants.

Rushaga Gorilla Families

Nshongi Gorilla Family

• Size: 8 individuals
• Located in the Rushaga area, the Nshongi family was the largest group to be habituated, officially opened for tourism in September 2009. Interestingly, the group is led by Nshongi, who is not the oldest silverback in the family. Due to its size, the group split in 2012, forming the Bweza group. The original Nshongi family now consists of one silverback, four blackbacks, two adult females, and one infant.

Mishaya Gorilla Family

• Size: 7 individuals
• In July 2010, Mishaya, a silverback, left the Nshongi group with some females to establish his own family. He has since attracted more females, creating a group of seven, which includes one silverback and two infants. Known for his assertive nature, Mishaya frequently interacts with other gorilla families.

Kahungye Gorilla Family

• Size: 18 individuals
• Named after a nearby hill, Kahungye became available for tourism in October 2011. This lively family is led by silverback Gwigi and includes two other silverbacks, three blackbacks, four adult females, one sub-adult, three juveniles, and five infants.

Busingye Gorilla Family

• Formed in early 2012, Busingye is comprised of one silverback, four adult females, one sub-adult, and three infants, breaking away from the Kahungye group.

Bweza Gorilla Family

• This family also emerged from the Nshongi group in mid-2012, making its habituation easier. The Bweza family includes one silverback, four blackbacks, four adult females, two juveniles, and two infants.

Buhoma Gorilla Families

Mubare Gorilla Family

• Size: 11 individuals
• As the longest-habituated group in Bwindi, the Mubare family has faced challenges in recent years, often requiring trekkers to hike for several hours to view them. Once a family of 18, they have seen a significant reduction in numbers, but recent births have helped the group grow back to 11 members.

Habinyanja Gorilla Family

• Size: 17 individuals
• Led by silverback Rwatsigazi, this family is known for its intriguing dynamics, including a strong alpha female, Kisho. Originally, they did not roam outside the park, but following some separations, they have expanded their range.

Rushegura Gorilla Family

• Size: 15 individuals
• Headed by silverback Mwirima, this group has good reproductive potential and is characterized by lively interactions among its members, including two newly-matured blackbacks.

Ruhija Gorilla Families

Bitukura Gorilla Family

• Size: 11 individuals
• Named after a nearby river, the Bitukura family is a peaceful group known for its social dynamics and close bonds. Habituation for this group was unusually quick, allowing tourists to visit within 15 months of the process beginning.

Oruzogo Gorilla Family

• Size: 17 individuals
• This is one of the newest families open for tourism, led by the dominant silverback Tibirikwata. The family recently welcomed two new babies, adding to its vibrant dynamic.

Important Notes for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

When it comes to gorilla trekking, following established guidelines is crucial for the safety of both the visitors and the magnificent great apes. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Respect Group Size: Guides may sometimes be pressured to take out more tourists than permitted. It’s important to understand that exceeding these limits can not only jeopardize the guides’ jobs but also stress the gorillas and damage their environment through overuse.
2. Maintain Safe Distances: Visitors often feel the urge to get closer than the recommended seven meters for that perfect photo. However, this poses significant health risks to the gorillas and can lead to harmful stress for the animals.

Guidelines for Tourists While Tracking Gorillas

The guidelines for gorilla trekking in Uganda are designed to protect the health and safety of these incredible creatures. Gorillas are highly susceptible to human diseases and can become stressed if they encounter too many visitors or if they are approached too closely. Here are the essential rules every tourist should follow:

1. Stay Healthy: If you’re feeling unwell, the park staff has the right to deny your visit to the gorillas. This is to protect the apes from any potential illnesses.
2. Limit Visits: Each group is allowed only one visit per day, with a maximum of eight tourists per group. This restriction helps minimize stress and the risk of infection.
3. Age Requirement: Visitors must be at least 15 years old. This rule is in place to reduce the risk of exposing gorillas to childhood diseases such as measles or chickenpox.
4. Time Constraints: The time spent with the gorillas is limited to one hour. This restriction helps prevent behavioral disturbances and minimize stress for the animals.
5. No Flash Photography: Flash photography is not allowed, as it can frighten the gorillas and may provoke aggressive reactions.
6. Maintain Distance: Always stay at least seven meters away from the gorillas. If a curious juvenile approaches to two or three meters, slowly back away to five meters. Follow the guide’s instructions at all times, and ensure your belongings are secured to prevent curious gorillas from investigating them.
7. Stay Together: Tourists should remain in a tight group without spreading out. This approach provides the gorillas with space to move without feeling threatened.
8. Posture Matters: When observing the gorillas, try to sit or crouch. Standing tall can be intimidating for the gorillas, as it resembles aggressive behavior.
9. Mind Your Body Language: Avoid raising your hands or arms, pointing, or staring directly at the gorillas. These actions can be interpreted as signs of threat.
10. Respect the Environment: Do not clear any vegetation to get a better view of the gorillas. Guides will handle any necessary clearing, as disturbing the vegetation can frighten the animals.
11. Stay Calm: If a silverback gorilla beats its chest or charges, do not run away. It’s best to remain still and quiet, as running may provoke further aggression.
12. No Eating or Drinking: Eating, drinking, or smoking near the gorillas or within 200 meters of them is strictly prohibited. Such actions could distract the gorillas and lead to potential health issues.
13. Keep Noise to a Minimum: Whisper while observing the gorillas, and avoid loud noises. If you experience discomfort from insects, remain calm and try not to scream, as loud noises may scare the gorillas away.
14. Sneeze and Cough Responsibly: If you need to sneeze or cough, turn away from the gorillas and cover your mouth and nose to minimize the spread of airborne illnesses.
15. Dispose of Waste Properly: All waste must be buried. Use a machete borrowed from your guide to dig a hole at least 30 centimeters deep, ensuring proper disposal of fecal materials.
16. Leave No Trace: Carry out all rubbish, especially small items like film canisters or tissues, as litter can attract animals and pose health risks.

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