Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to some of the most iconic gorilla families that live in the Buhoma Sector. This sector is found in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Moreover, this is home to the first-ever habituated gorilla family. This makes Buhoma the perfect place to track a habituated gorilla family. The gorillas living there offer visitors a perfect glimpse into the sophisticated social lives of mountain gorillas.
Each of the habituated gorilla families found in the Buhoma sector is headed by a dominant silverback, who offers guidance and protection to the members. These are some of the habituated mountain gorillas found in the Buhoma sector.
Mubare gorilla group
Of all the habituated gorilla families in Bwindi, the Mubare group is the oldest. This is currently headed by Maraya, who offers protection and guidance for the entire family. This group has some of the most exciting history, besides being the oldest. For example, the founding dominant silverback, Ruhondeza, committed infanticides as a strategy to eliminate potential rivals and assert dominance. There are at least seven gorilla members who make up the Mubare gorilla family. They consist of 1 silverback, 3 adult females, 1 juvenile, and 2 infants.
Rushegura gorilla group
Also found in Buhoma, the Rushegura group split from the Habinyanja family in 2002. The group’s name comes from the local phrase: ‘Ebishegura.’ This is a species of trees found at the place where they split. Currently, the Rushegura gorilla group is composed of 16 members. Kabukojo, a silverback, heads this gorilla group. Within the 16, there are 2 silverbacks, 5 adult females, 2 blackbacks, 3 subadult females, and 4 infants. The Rushegura gorilla family can be found close to the headquarters in the Buhoma sector.
Habinyanja gorilla group
This gorilla group got its name from the local word ‘Nyanja’, which literally means a place with water. This is based on the swamp near where they were first observed. Habituation of the Habinyanja gorilla group started as early as 1996 in Buhoma. Right now, the Habinyanja gorilla group is protected and guided by the dominant silverback, Makara. There are 13 members, including Makara, in the Habinyanja gorilla group. These are composed of 2 silverbacks, 4 adult females, 2 blackbacks, 2 subadult females, 2 juveniles, and 1 infant.
Muyambi gorilla group
Like the Mubare gorilla group, the Muyambi family consists of 7 members. This gorilla group was founded just recently, in the year 2019. What happened then involved the silverback Muyambi leading a split from the Mubare gorilla group. He is now the dominant silverback who protects and guides 4 adult females and only 2 infants. As you might have guessed, the Muyambi gorilla group gets its beautiful name from the lead silverback himself, Muyambi.
Binyindo gorilla group
This is a beautiful gorilla family living in the Buhoma sector and opened for gorilla trekking recently. The group is named after Binyindo, the dominant silverback. The name was given to him because his nasal features are unique compared to many gorillas. Binyindo guides and protects a family consisting of 9 members, including himself. There is only 1 silverback, which is himself; other members include 5 adult females, 2 juveniles, and 1 infant.
Katwe gorilla group
Named after the hilltop where habituation of the members was done, the Katwe gorilla group has only 8 members. Mahaane, the silverback, heads and protects the family with all his strength and intellect. They came from the Mubare group after the head of the latter had died, subsequently causing the disintegration of the members. Members right now comprise 2 silverbacks, 3 adult females, 1 blackback, and 2 infants.
When to trek mountain gorillas in Buhoma?
Trekking with gorillas in Buhoma is offered throughout the year. The only thing you need to worry about is how to buy a gorilla trekking permit. You need to know that acquiring or booking one is highly competitive since gorilla trekking is a sought-after activity worldwide. But with Monteero Safaris, you will purchase one since we can do so on your behalf. But we encourage you to reserve the permit in advance. This is better done 3 hours prior to your gorilla trek.
Cost of a gorilla permit?
Each gorilla permit is priced according to nationality, ensuring equitable access to everyone. All foreign non-residents are charged only USD 800, and foreign residents are charged only USD 700. Visitors from the rest of Africa are charged only USD 500, and East African Community citizens are charged only UGX 300,000. This payment also covers the fees for guiding, park entrance, and contributions to community development.
How to travel to Buhoma?
The Buhoma sector is around 446 kilometers from Kampala city. Reaching there can be done by either road or air transport. On the road, the journey takes between 10 to 11 hours. Traveling this far is more comfortable in our 4X4 Toyota Land Cruiser. Our fleet also has plenty of safari vans and coasters, among others. You can choose any of these to enjoy your trip to the Buhoma Sector. Our reliable driver guides are knowledgeable about the rugged roads to the Buhoma sector. They will drive you safely and comfortably.
However, you have the option of traveling by air if you wish to shorten the travel time. Domestic flights are offered by AeroLink Uganda from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi airstrip daily. In only 1 hour and 15 minutes, you will have reached the airstrip. The airstrip is less than 90 minutes away from the Buhoma headquarters. The flights are generally on schedule, and we at Monteero Safaris can help you with booking flight tickets in advance.