Bwindi Gorillas: It’s A Family Thing

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four sectors, each harboring multiple gorilla families open to daily human visitation. Meanwhile, plans are underway to have more gorilla families habituated for tourism. Adventure Consults will keep you posted on the situation. Or you can get in touch with our team for immediate updates.

Nkuringo Sector in the national park’s southern region is home to one of the oldest groups — the Nkuringo family. Many people consider this the most interesting group to visit. Tracking the family is challenging due to the rugged terrain, but rewards visitors with greatest views of the magnificent scenery. For instance, Nyiragongo and Nyimuragira volcanoes in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) can be seen on clear a day. The Nkuringo group shares this part of the park with the Nshongi and Christmas families.

Buhoma Sector, which forms the northern side of the forest, is home to four habituated gorilla families: the Mubare group, Rushegura family, Habinyanja group and Katwe family. Occasionally these groups wander close to hotels and lodges in the area, so keep an eye out through your window for simian visitors.

Ruhija Sector is located in the eastern part of Bwindi and provides a habitat for three gorilla groups: the Bitukura family, Oruzogo group and Kyaguriro family. Because of ongoing research, only six people per day are allowed to visit the Kyaguriro clan.

Also located in the south, Rushaga Sector the highest gorilla population and largest number of gorilla families: Mishaya, Busingye, Kahungye, Bweza, Nshongi, Bikingi, Kutu and Mukuza.

It’s in this area that Adventure Consults conduct its popular Gorilla Habituation Experience. Unlike normal tracking where guests spend a maximum one hour with the animals, the Experience features four hours of close contact and is limited to just four guests per day.

Fewer people translates into more relaxed and less congested hiking and viewing, while the extended interaction gives primate enthusiasts and photographers an outstanding opportunity to observe gorillas in their natural habitat.

Please get in touch for more information on the Habituation Experience and other gorilla tracking adventures at sales@adventureconsults.com.