Deep in the green Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, one of the most captivating treasures in Uganda and a paradise for adventurous nature lovers, you will find several naturalized families of mountain gorillas.
These incredible Great Apes, among the most endangered species on the planet, thrive here in their lush natural forest habitat. Choose Uganda Safaris invites you to come and learn more about these special gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
As of July 2025, there are 26 gorilla families in Bwindi that tourists can visit. All of these families have names to help tell them apart. They live in four different sectors of the park: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo—each named after the nearby village. Each sector act as a self-standing gorilla trekking destination. It has its own set of accommodation options, a variety of tourist attractions, and is reached by a different approach road from the other location. Every gorilla family is special, and no two groups are exactly alike. Some families are bigger, and some are smaller. The members in each group are also different. For example, not every family has a silverback (a strong adult male gorilla), while some have one or two. The number of baby gorillas in each group also changes from one family to another.
When planning your trip, it’s very important to know exactly which sector your gorilla trek will start from.
If you’re booking your own accommodation, make sure it’s in the same sector as your trek. These places are far apart, and driving between them can take a lot of time. It may sound like simple advice, but many visitors don’t realize this. I’ve met people who had to wake up early, drive a long distance to another trekking start point, and then drive back to their lodge after the trek.
While it’s possible to travel between Buhoma and Ruhija (about 2 hours), or between Rushaga and Nkuringo (about 1 hour), any other combination is very difficult. For example, getting from Buhoma to Nkuringo can take as long as 6 hours! So, to make your gorilla trekking adventure smooth and enjoyable, be sure to match your lodge location with your trekking sector.
When booking a gorilla permit, we can’t guarantee a specific gorilla family in advance. Permits are assigned based on your trekking sector and the availability of gorilla families at the time of booking.
If you have a strong preference for a particular gorilla family, please let us know. We’ll do our best to request that family for you, though it’s not always possible. To increase your chances, we recommend booking well in advance.
- Gorilla families are allocated by park authorities based on availability and your physical fitness
- Preferences can be noted, but confirmation is only possible closer to the trek date.
- Early booking gives you better chances of securing your preferred trekking sector or family.
Buhoma Sector
The Buhoma Sector, located in the northern region of Bwindi, is the most popular and most frequently visited sector of the park — and for good reason.
As the first sector to open for gorilla trekking back in 1992, Buhoma holds a special place in Uganda’s conservation history. If began with the habituation of the Mubare group, the park’s pioneering gorilla family, and has since grown to include several other well-known families such as Habinyanja, Rushegura, Katwe, Muyambi, Biyindo, and Kanyanyi.
Buhoma’s popularity is also due to its accessibility and visitor-friendly infrastructure. It is the most developed of Bwindi’s four sectors, offering the widest selection of luxury and mid-range lodges, comfortable amenities, and smoother road connections, especially from major hubs like Kampala, Entebbe, or Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Beyond gorilla trekking, Buhoma invites visitors to delve deeper into the heart of the forest and its surrounding communities. The sector features some of the most scenic forest trails in Africa, perfect for hiking and bird watching in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cultural encounters are equally enriching, with chances to engage with local Batwa communities, visit artisan workshops, or enjoy guided village walks that showcase the traditions and daily life of the people who live on the edge of the forest.
- Mubare Group: 9 members led by Silverback Kanyonyi; Uganda’s oldest habituated group, known for its calm and historic nature.
- Habinyanja Group: 12 members led by Silverback Makara; split from a larger original family, noted for strong social bonds.
- Rushegura Group: 17 members led by Silverback Mwirima; famous for being friendly and often seen near park lodges.
- Katwe Group: 7 members led by Silverback Katwe; a newer, smaller group offering intimate trekking encounters.
- Muyambi Group: 6 members led by Silverback Muyambi; one of the newest groups, providing fresh trekking experiences.
- Binyindo Group: 9 members led by Silverback Binyindo; named for “big nostrils,” known for curious and social behavior.
- Kanyanyi Group: 5 members led by Silverback Kanyanyi; meaning “friendly,” noted for calm interactions and photogenic moments.
Ruhija Sector
The Ruhija Sector, situated on the eastern edge of Bwindi, offers a quieter and more remote gorilla trekking experience compared to the busier Buhoma sector. It is home to several habituated gorilla families, including the Kyaguriro, Oruzogo, Bitukura, and Mukiza groups. Ruhija’s rugged terrain and lush forests attract visitors looking for adventure off the beaten path.
Beyond gorilla trekking, Ruhija is a haven for avid hikers and nature lovers. The sector is dominated by Rwamunyonyi Peak, the highest point in Bwindi, famously known as the “Hill of Many Birds.”
Reaching its summit rewards trekkers with breathtaking panoramic views of the forest canopy and distant mountains, while the surrounding area is considered one of the best birdwatching spots in the park, boasting a rich diversity of rare and endemic species. This makes Ruhija a top destination for birders and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Cultural experiences are also a highlight in Ruhija, where visitors can connect with the Batwa pygmies, the forest’s original inhabitants.
Guided tours offer fascinating insights into traditional Batwa life, including demonstrations of medicinal plant use and ancient survival skills that have been passed down through generations. While forest elephant sightings are rare throughout Bwindi, Ruhija provides the best chance to glimpse these elusive “grey ghosts”.
- Bitukura Group: 13 members led by Silverback Ndahura; known for being calm and well-bonded, offering a balanced and peaceful trek.
- Oruzogo Group: 12 members led by Silverback Tibirikwata; habituated in 2011, this lively group includes playful young gorillas and is known for its energetic behavior.
- Mukiza Group: 10 members led by Silverback Mukiza; once part of the larger Kyaguriro family, this smaller group provides a more personal trekking experience with unique behaviors.
- Kyaguriro B Group: 8 members led by Silverback Rukina; mainly reserved for research, giving visitors the chance to see rare and interesting scientific interactions.
Rushaga Sector
The Rushaga Sector, located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is one of the most exciting and diverse regions for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
It is home to no fewer than ten habituated gorilla families, including the renowned Bikingi, Bweza, Busingye, Kahungye, Mucunguzi, Rwigi, Mishaya, and the famous Nshongi group — the largest family of gorillas in Bwindi. This abundance gives visitors a higher chance of tracking permits and a richer selection of trekking experiences.
What truly distinguishes Rushaga is its offering of the exclusive Gorilla Habituation Experience. Unlike standard treks that allow only one hour with the gorillas, this unique experience lets visitors spend up to four hours observing the gorillas in their natural habitat as they gradually get used to human presence.
Beyond its rich gorilla encounters, Rushaga also offers spectacular scenery and diverse activities. Nearby Lake Mutanda provides a peaceful retreat with options for canoe rides, boat cruises, and photography against a backdrop of volcanic peaks and terraced hills.
Visitors can also venture to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, just a short distance away, to track rare golden monkeys or hike through breathtaking Virunga Volcanoes. Combined with cultural visits to local Batwa communities, Rushaga delivers a well-rounded and deeply rewarding wilderness experience.
- Nshongi Group: 25 gorillas led by Silverback Nshongi. It used to be the biggest group and offers a fun and varied trekking experience.
- Mishaya Group: 10 gorillas led by Silverback Mishaya. This group split from the Nshongi family and has a strong leader.
- Bweza Group: 9 gorillas led by Silverback Kakono. This calm group split from Nshongi and is often seen looking for food.
- Busingye Group: 10 gorillas led by Silverback Busingye. The silverback left Kahungye to start this group and is known to be brave.
- Kahungye Group: 18 gorillas led by Silverback Gwigi. This group is big and very close to each other.
- Bikyingi Group: 12 gorillas led by Silverback Bikyingi. This group is still getting used to people and lets visitors spend more time with them.
- Muchunguzi Group: 8 gorillas led by Silverback Muchunguzi. A newer group that likes to explore a lot.
- Rwigi Group: 7 gorillas led by Silverback Rwigi. This group came from Bweza and moves quickly, so they can be hard to find.
- Tindatine Group: 8 gorillas led by Silverback Tindatine. This group split from Kahungye and likes to live in rough, hard-to-reach places.
- Kutu Group: 8 gorillas led by Silverback Kutu. This group is calm and steady, and patient trekkers have a good chance to see them well.
Nkuringo Sector
The Nkuringo Sector, located in the southwestern corner of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is widely regarded as the most scenic and visually captivating region of the park.
Perched on high ridges overlooking a mosaic of terraced hills and lush rainforest, Nkuringo offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Virunga Volcanoes that stretch into Rwanda and Congo. This dramatic landscape, while stunning, presents a more challenging terrain, making it best suited for physically active travelers seeking both adventure and unmatched natural beauty.
Nkuringo is home to four habituated gorilla families, including the Nkuringo, Bushaho, Posho, and Christmas groups. Among them, the Nkuringo family is particularly well known for its playful, curious nature — they’ve even been known to wander into nearby villages in search of food, delighting locals and lucky visitors alike.
While Nkuringo is located on a dead-end road near the border with Congo — making it less accessible than other sectors — this isolation adds to its charm and tranquility. For those looking to base themselves nearby, Lake Mutanda provides an idyllic option, with serene waters and views that rival anywhere in East Africa.
- Nkuringo Group: 13 members led by Silverback Rwamutwe, with help from his brother Tabu. This group is known for its hard but rewarding treks and has a strong history, once led by the famous Rafiki who was killed by a poacher in 2020.
- Christmas Group: 8 members led by Silverback Christmas, who is Rafiki’s brother. This calm and photogenic family is popular for peaceful encounters in open forest clearings.
- Bushao Group: 8 members led by Silverback Bahati. Known for being very close, they are often seen resting on sunny slopes.
- Posho Group: 17 members led by Silverback Posho. Fully habituated since June 2023, this lively group offers exciting treks and frequent sightings, making it a great new addition to the sector.
