List of Mountain Gorilla Families in Uganda

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, stretches across the districts of Rukungiri, Kisoro, and Kabale. This ancient rainforest covers 331 square kilometers and shelters nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. Its thick vegetation, steep valleys, and towering ridges create an environment so dense that people call it the “Impenetrable Forest.” The park protects both lowland and montane ecosystems, making it one of East Africa’s richest habitats in terms of biodiversity.

Gorilla tracking in Uganda began on April 1, 1993, and since then it has grown into one of the country’s most sought-after adventures. Today, Bwindi has four major gorilla tracking regions Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo with a total of 23 habituated families open to visitors. In addition, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park shelters the famous Nyakagezi family, which brings Uganda’s total to 24 gorilla groups.

Because permits are limited and demand is high, travelers should always secure their gorilla trekking permits at least three to six months before their trip. Each permit grants visitors one magical hour with a gorilla family, creating an unforgettable encounter deep in the forest.

Gorilla Families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Buhoma Sector

Buhoma stands as the oldest gorilla trekking region in Bwindi and the birthplace of gorilla tourism in Uganda. It offers three habituated groups. The Mubare family became the first group to be habituated in 1993. It now has around 11 members and remains famous for its history with the legendary silverback Ruhondeza. The Habinyanja family thrives as a larger group with about 17 individuals under the leadership of the dominant silverback Rwatsigazi. Meanwhile, the Rushegura family has around 15 members and is led by the calm and steady silverback Mwirima, who is also known for his strong reproductive potential.

Ruhija Sector

Moving eastwards, Ruhija provides a quieter trekking experience and gives visitors access to three gorilla families. The Bitukura family lives peacefully with 11 members, including multiple silverbacks that coexist harmoniously. The Oruzogo family delights trekkers with its playful youngsters and lively character, and it consists of around 17 individuals. The Kyaguliro family, although primarily reserved for research, sometimes welcomes trekkers and has around 10 members.

Rushaga Sector

In the southern part of Bwindi lies Rushaga, which hosts the highest concentration of habituated families and therefore attracts many gorilla trekkers. The Nshongi family once stood as the largest ever habituated group, but it now includes about 8 members. The Mishaya family formed in 2010 when the silverback Mishaya split from Nshongi, and it currently has about 7 members. The Kahungye family is a vibrant group of around 18 individuals. The Bweza family, which broke away from Nshongi, has grown to about 12 members. The Busingye family remains well-known for the strength of its silverback leader and currently includes around 9 individuals. The Mucunguzi family, formed by a breakaway female, has about 8 members. The Bikingi family, partly habituated for both research and tourism, counts around 15 individuals. The Rwigi family, which split from Kahungye, has around 6 members. Finally, the Kutu family remains a smaller but stable group of about 8 members.

Nkuringo Sector

Perched on steep hillsides, Nkuringo offers one of the most challenging treks, yet visitors find it incredibly rewarding. The Nkuringo family, the first group habituated in this sector, consists of about 14 members including several silverbacks. The Bushaho family, which split from Nkuringo, now has around 12 members. The Christmas family, named after its dominant silverback Christmas, includes about 9 individuals.

Gorilla Family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Although Bwindi holds most of Uganda’s habituated gorilla groups, Mgahinga National Park part of the Virunga massif hosts one iconic family. The Nyakagezi family has about 9 members, including several silverbacks. It is best known for its adventurous nature, as it sometimes crosses borders into Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Guidelines for Tracking Gorillas in Uganda

Gorilla trekking follows strict guidelines to protect both visitors and these endangered primates. Trekkers must always keep at least seven meters away from the gorillas, avoid participating if they feel unwell, and limit their interaction with a family to one hour. Only eight people may visit a gorilla family each day, which helps minimize disturbance. Flash photography is not allowed, and guides encourage visitors to remain quiet and calm, ensuring the gorillas do not feel threatened or stressed.

Final Thoughts

Uganda’s mountain gorilla families offer one of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters in the world. Each group carries its own unique history, hierarchy, and character, which means no two treks ever feel the same. Whether you set out in Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, Nkuringo, or Mgahinga, your time with these gentle giants will remain unforgettable a moving reminder of the fragile connection between humans and nature.