Gorilla groups in Buhoma Uganda gorilla sector

Gorilla groups in Buhoma Uganda gorilla sector: When it comes to gorilla trekking, Buhoma Uganda sector isn’t left unmentioned! This is the northern gorilla tracking region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Southwestern Uganda. The area boasts of 4 habituated gorilla group families including the first group to ever open for gorilla tourism in Uganda the pearl of Africa.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park spreads to cover 3 southwestern districts of Kanungu, Kabale and Kisoro. The park extends up to 331sq.kms and consists of 4 main gorilla trekking regions of which, Buhoma is part. The 3 additional regions include Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga.

Buhoma Uganda gorilla sector alone has the following habituated gorilla families; Mubare, Rushegura gorilla group, Katwe group and Habinyanja gorilla group. These translate to about 32 gorilla tracking permits that can be booked while you are on gorilla safari.

Gorilla groups in Buhoma Uganda gorilla sector

Mubare gorilla group

When it comes to gorilla trekking adventures in Buhoma sector, Mubare gorilla group remains among the region’s most visited families. It is not only Buhoma’s gorilla family but Bwindi Impenetrable National Park’s oldest habituated gorilla group family. Taking its name from Mubare Hills, Mubare took 2 years before it was officially opened for visitors to track. Habituation exercise for Mubare group members began from 1991 when Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was just founded as a park till 1993 when the first group of tourists were allowed to track it.

During habituation exercise, Mubare was composed of 12 family members and these were led by Ruhondeza silverback gorilla. Due to misfortunes especially fights/raids from other stronger gorillas, Ruhondeza passed. As a result, the group was left with only 5 family members. But around 2013, Mubare group family was joined by new members about 4 of them adding its membership to 9 and they included Kanyonyi silverback gorilla who took over leadership.

Habinyanja gorilla group

Habinyanja gorilla group family is that one amazing group Buhoma Uganda gorilla sector has for holidaymakers to trek. Habituation exercise for this group began in 1997 to 1999 when visitors were officially permitted to track it. At the end of habituating Habinyanja group, Mugurusi silverback gorilla became the family leader. He died and then 2 brothers took over the leadership; Mwirima and Rwansigazi silverback gorillas.

Mwirima and Rwansigazi had some differences leading to their separation in 2002. This led to creation of Rushegura group. Makara silverback gorilla led the group that consisted of 17 family members.

Rushegura group

Rushegura group originally was part of Habinyanja group family. If you are interested in the easiest gorilla group to trek while on Uganda gorilla safari in Buhoma then look no further than Rushegura family. It is one most peaceful family to interact with and it officially opened for gorilla tourism in 2000 with Mwirima silverback gorilla being its leader. The group consist of 21 family members inclusive of infants, adults, black backs.

Katwe gorilla group

Katwe group has a small composition, about 7 family members and it is also a newly habituated group offering fresh experiences. Its introduction into gorilla tourism made Buhoma sector a home to 4 gorilla trekking families representing about 32 gorilla permits.

Gorilla trekking in Buhoma Uganda gorilla sector cost $700 for every foreign non-resident, $600 for each foreign resident and shs. 250000 when you get to Uganda as East Africa citizens. Eligible persons to enjoy trek gorillas or to book gorilla trekking families in Buhoma should be above 15 years.

Accommodation in Buhoma Uganda gorilla sector

Buhoma Uganda gorilla sector lies in Kanungu district, Northern section of Bwindi and there exist several accommodations in and around it. They include Gorilla Resort, Buhoma Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Volcanoes Safari Bwindi Lodge, Engagi Lodge.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gorilla Families of Buhoma sector

How many gorilla groups are in Buhoma sector?

Currently, there are 4 habituated gorilla groups in Buhoma sector and these are ready to be trekked. This number might change in future because of the multiplication as a result of reproduction. We shall keep updating you on the gorilla families of Buhoma in case there is any changes.

Can I track more than one gorilla family in Buhoma sector?

Yes its possible to track more than one gorilla family on a safari to Buhoma sector. We have a suggested trip do this (4 days Buhoma double gorilla trek tour). You can book that trip and track the gorillas of Buhoma twice visiting different gorilla families.