Most visitors come to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to see mountain gorillas. The national park protects over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. These great apes live in family groups led by silverbacks. Silverbacks guide their families, settle conflicts, and keep everyone safe. Bwindi has more than 20 habituated gorilla families. Each family is unique. Some groups are large, others small. Some have one silverback, others two. The number of babies varies. Every gorilla trek is special and helps protect these endangered animals.
The gorilla families in Bwindi live in four trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each sector is like a separate destination, with its own families, lodges, and access roads. Travel between sectors can take hours. Buhoma to Ruhija is about two hours, Rushaga to Nkuringo one hour, and Buhoma to Nkuringo up to six hours. Always stay in the same sector as your trek to avoid long drives and enjoy your experience.
Gorilla Permits and Family Allocation
When you book a gorilla permit, you book a trekking sector, not a specific family. Park authorities assign families based on availability and your fitness level. If you have a strong interest in a certain family, you can let us know. We will try to request that family for you, but it cannot be guaranteed. Booking early increases your chances.
Early reservations give you more options for permits, sectors, and travel dates. Gorilla families are also assigned depending on terrain. Some live in steep areas. Others stay near trails. Rangers take your age and fitness into account before assigning a group. This system keeps you safe, ensures a good trekking experience, and protects the gorillas in their natural habitat.
Buhoma Sector
Buhoma Sector is in the northern part of Bwindi. It is the most popular and developed area of the park. Gorilla trekking in Uganda began here in 1992. The first habituated gorilla family in Bwindi was the Mubare group. This marked a historic step in gorilla conservation. Buhoma is easier to reach than other sectors. It offers a wide range of lodges, from luxury to mid-range. Roads from Kampala and Queen Elizabeth National Park are more direct. This sector is ideal for first-time visitors. It has good facilities, experienced guides, and extra activities like forest hikes and cultural tours.
Gorilla Families in Buhoma
- Mubare Gorilla Family – Uganda’s oldest habituated group with 9 members. Led by Silverback Kanyonyi, they are calm and historic. Trekking here is special.
- Habinyanja Gorilla Family – 12 members led by Silverback Makara. Known for strong bonds and social behavior. Formed after splitting from a larger group.
- Rushegura Gorilla Family – 17 members led by Silverback Mwirima. Friendly and often near lodges. One of the largest groups in Buhoma.
- Katwe Gorilla Family – Small group of 7 members led by Silverback Katwe. Offers intimate, less crowded treks.
- Muyambi Gorilla Family – 6 members led by Silverback Muyambi. A newer group offering fresh trekking experiences.
- Binyindo Gorilla Family – 9 members. Led by Silverback Binyindo, known for curious and playful behavior.
- Kanyanyi Gorilla Family – Smallest group with 5 members. Led by Silverback Kanyanyi. Calm, photogenic, and perfect for close encounters.
Ruhija Sector
Ruhija Sector sits on the eastern edge of Bwindi. It is quieter and less visited than Buhoma. The landscape here is rugged and beautiful. This sector is best for travelers who enjoy adventure, hiking, and birdwatching. Ruhija is home to Rwamunyonyi Peak, the highest point in Bwindi.
The views from this area are stunning. Ruhija is also one of the best places in Bwindi to see rare birds. Many bird species found here exist nowhere else in the world. Cultural visits are another highlight. Visitors can meet the Batwa people, the original forest dwellers. These experiences are educational and deeply moving.
Gorilla Families in Ruhija
- Bitukura Gorilla Family: This family has 13 members led by Silverback Ndahura. They are calm and well bonded. Treks are balanced and enjoyable.
- Oruzogo Gorilla Family: Habituated in 2011, this group has 12 members led by Silverback Tibirikwata. They are playful and energetic, with many young gorillas.
- Mukiza Gorilla Family: This group has 10 members led by Silverback Mukiza. It split from the Kyaguriro family. Treks feel personal and close.
- Kyaguriro B Family: This group has 8 members led by Silverback Rukina. It is mostly used for research, but visitors may sometimes see it. It offers rare scientific insight.
Rushaga Sector
Rushaga Sector is in the southern part of Bwindi. It has the highest number of habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Because of this, Rushaga offers more permit availability. It is a great choice during peak seasons.
Rushaga is also the only place in Bwindi where you can do the Gorilla Habituation Experience. This allows you to spend up to four hours with gorillas instead of one. The scenery around Rushaga Sector is stunning. Lake Mutanda is nearby. The Virunga Volcanoes rise in the distance. The area feels peaceful and open. It is also easy to reach from Kigali city of Rwanda by road.
Gorilla Families in Rushaga
- Nshongi Gorilla Family: This group has 25 members and was once the largest in Bwindi. Led by Silverback Nshongi, it offers rich and active treks.
- Mishaya Gorilla Family: This group split from Nshongi. It has 10 members led by Silverback Mishaya. The leader is strong and confident.
- Bweza Gorilla Family: With 9 members, this calm group is led by Silverback Kakono.
- Busingye Gorilla Family. This group has 10 members led by Silverback Busingye. He left another group to form his own. He is known for bravery.
- Kahungye Gorilla Family: This large group has 18 members led by Silverback Gwigi.
- Bikyingi Gorilla Family: This group has 12 members. Treks are longer and rewarding.
- Muchunguzi Gorilla Family: A newer group with 8 members.
- Rwigi Gorilla Family: This group has 7 members. They move fast and can be hard to find.
- Tindatine Gorilla Family: This group split from Kahungye. They live in rough terrain and offer challenging treks.
- Kutu Gorilla Family: This calm group has 8 members. Patient trekkers often enjoy good sightings.
Nkuringo Sector
Nkuringo Sector lies in the far southwest of Bwindi. Many people say it is the most beautiful sector of the park. The views here are incredible. You can see the Virunga Volcanoes stretching across borders. Hills are covered in farms and forest. The terrain in Nkuringo is steep. Treks here are harder. This sector is best for active travelers who enjoy a challenge. Nkuringo is quiet and remote. The road ends here. This makes the experience peaceful and exclusive.
Gorilla Families in Nkuringo
- Nkuringo Gorilla Family: This group has 13 members led by Silverback Rwamutwe and his brother Tabu. The group has a strong history. Their former leader, Rafiki, was sadly killed by a poacher in 2020.
- Christmas Gorilla Family: This group has 8 members led by Silverback Christmas, Rafiki’s brother. They are calm and easy to photograph.
- Bushao Gorilla Family: Led by Silverback Bahati, this group has 8 members. They are often seen resting on sunny slopes.
- Posho Gorilla Family: This lively group has 17 members. Fully habituated in 2023, they offer exciting and frequent sightings.
Final Thoughts
Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a life-changing experience. Every sector offers something unique. Every gorilla family has its own personality. Whether you choose the comfort of Buhoma, the quiet beauty of Ruhija, the variety of Rushaga, or the dramatic views of Nkuringo, you will leave with memories that last forever.
At Choose Uganda Safaris, we are proud to help you plan this journey. We focus on responsible tourism, local communities, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Bwindi is more than a forest. It is a home. It is a story. And it is waiting for you.
