Gorilla Families in Rushaga Sector, Bwindi

Gorilla Families in Rushaga Sector, Bwindi: Your Ultimate Guide

Rushaga Sector is the only place in Uganda where you can experience the exclusive gorilla habituation experience, allowing you to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family. Nestled in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Rushaga is a favorite for travelers seeking immersive encounters with Uganda’s endangered mountain gorillas.

This region is not only scenic, with panoramic views of the Virunga Mountains, but also teeming with wildlife and culture. It’s a prime gorilla trekking hub and the only sector in Uganda offering both standard gorilla treks and habituation experiences.

Why Choose Rushaga Sector for Gorilla Trekking?

• More gorilla families than any other sector in Bwindi

• The only location in Uganda offering gorilla habituation

• Easier availability of permits

• Breathtaking scenery of the rift valley and the surrounding highlands

Meet the Gorilla Families of Rushaga

Rushaga hosts eight fully habituated gorilla families for trekking, and two families are reserved for research and habituation experiences. Below is a detailed breakdown of each family:

1. Nshongi Gorilla Family – 8 Members

Dominant Silverback: Bweza
Once the largest group in Bwindi (34 members), the Nshongi group has seen multiple splits due to male rivalries, leading to the formation of Mishaya and Bweza families.
Current composition:

• 1 Silverback

• 1 Blackback

• 3 Adult females

• 1 Sub-adult

• 2 Infants
  Named after the nearby Nshongi River, this family is ideal for those wanting a glimpse into Bwindi’s gorilla conservation history.

2. Mishaya Gorilla Family – 10 Members

Dominant Silverback: Tinfayo
Formed after splitting from Nshongi in 2010. After the death of original leader Mishaya in 2014, Silverback Tinfayo took over.
Current composition:

• 1 Silverback

• 1 Blackback

• 4 Adult females

• 1 Sub-adult female

• 3 Infants
  Tinfayo means “unconcerned” in the local dialect, a nod to his calm but commanding nature.

3. Busingye Gorilla Family – 12 Members

Dominant Silverback: Busingye
Busingye means “peaceful,” though he is known for aggressive takeovers to grow his troop. He split from the Kahungye group in 2012.
Current composition:

• 1 Silverback

• 1 Blackback

• 5 Adult females

• 3 Juveniles

• 2 Infants
  The playful juveniles in this group often delight trekkers with their antics.

4. Bweeza Gorilla Family – 11 Members

Dominant Silverback: Kakono
Formed after some members of the original Bweza group broke away in 2013.
Current composition:

• 3 Silverbacks

• 4 Adult females

• 1 Juvenile

• 3 Infants
  Known for ranging close to community land, this group is considered easier to track.

5. Kahungye Gorilla Family – 13 Members

Dominant Silverback: Ruziika
Originally habituated in 2008 with 29 members. After internal rivalries, two major fissions occurred: Busingye and Rwiigi split from this group.
Current composition:

• 1 Silverback

• Multiple females and offspring
  A great choice for witnessing traditional gorilla hierarchy and interactions.

6. Bikingi Gorilla Family – 10 Members

Current Silverback: Unnamed
Formed after a fission from Mishaya; initially led by Silverback Bikingi, who died in 2018 after a territorial fight.
Current composition:

• 1 Silverback

• 1 Blackback

• 4 Adult females

• 2 Juveniles

• 2 Infants
  Now under new leadership, Bikingi remains an intriguing group for trekkers interested in gorilla dynamics.

7. Mucunguzi Gorilla Family – 12 Members

Dominant Silverback: Mucunguzi (means “Redeemer”)
Mucunguzi left the Bweza family, lived as a solitary male, and then formed his group after taking females from Bikingi.
Current composition:

• 1 Silverback and his growing family
  A success story of a solitary male creating his legacy.

8. Rwiigi Gorilla Family – 10 Members

Dominant Silverback: Rwiigi (means “door” or “gateway”)
Formed after splitting from the Kahungye group. All members were already habituated, so the group was readily available for trekking.
Current composition:

• 1 Silverback

• 5 Adult females

• 2 Juveniles

• 2 Infants
  The Rwiigi group offers intimate trekking opportunities with a peaceful troop.

Gorilla Habituation Experience in Rushaga

Rushaga is the only sector in Uganda offering the unique gorilla habituation experience. This involves spending up to 4 hours with a wild gorilla family still undergoing habituation—a rare and unforgettable adventure. These families are less used to humans, providing a raw and intimate insight into their behavior and social structure.

Gorilla habituation permits are limited and more expensive than standard trekking permits but provide unmatched value for primate lovers and wildlife photographers.

How to Choose a Gorilla Group in Rushaga

During the UWA pre-trek briefing, visitors are assigned gorilla families based on fitness levels, preferences, and group availability. If you have a preference for a specific family (e.g., one with more infants or shorter hikes), inform your guide in advance to improve your chances.

Book Your Gorilla Trekking Safari with Outback Adventure Safaris

Whether you’re interested in a short one-day trek or a multi-day gorilla safari, Outback Adventure Safaris is your trusted guide in Uganda. We offer customized gorilla trekking tours with expert local guides, luxurious lodges, and seamless logistics from Entebbe or Kigali.

📞 Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable gorilla experience in Rushaga Sector.