Gorilla Families in Uganda

Gorilla Groups in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda

Mubare Gorilla Group

It has started with 12 family members, led by the dominant silverback Ruhondeza. Unfortunately Ruhondeza died last year. This was the very first group to actually be habituated for tracking by tourists deep in Bwindi forest. Mubare group is actually named after the stunning Mubare Hills in which this group was discovered.

Habinyanja Gorilla Group

Located in Buhoma. In the start it was a huge group, however a family was split from it named the Rushegura Group.

Rushegura Gorilla Group / Family

It is a huge group within the Buhoma area of Bwindi Forest. They started with 12 individuals including 5 females and this was after one of the silverbacks from the Habinyanja group decided to break away.

The Rushegura group is a calm family. In the past they used to cross the border to neighboring DRC every now and then but always returned to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Bitukura Gorilla Group / Family

Bitukura Group located in Ruhija and is among of the newest groups in Bwindi Forest. Bitukura is a peaceful family including 4 silverbacks and some playful juveniles. They share a close bond and often have ‘group meetings’ or get-together.

Mishaya Gorilla Family / Group

Following a family dispute between the Nshongi Gorilla Family and Mishaya family, the Mishaya Gorilla family Split from the then biggest Gorilla Group in Bwindi Forest but the two still live within the Rushaga region in Southern Bwindi Forest.

Nshongi Gorilla Family / Group

Nshongi is the largest group ever habituated in Uganda and it was named after the river Nshongi, close to the place where the gorilla family was first seen. What is so surprising is that the dominant silverback “Nshongi” is not the oldest silverback in the group.

Nkuringo Gorilla Family / Group

The group is a favorite to people who have tracked over one group. The Nkuringo group was named after the Rukiga word for “round hill”. The family was led by the silverback Nkuringo who died in 2008, leaving behind 2 silverbacks in the group. In November 2008, the Nkuringo family expanded thanks to the special birth of twins named Katungi and Muhozi unfortunately, Katungi died at the age of 1.5 years.