Bwindi Gorilla Families: Guide to All Habituated Gorilla Groups in Uganda

Bwindi Gorilla Families: Discover all 22 habituated Bwindi gorilla families in 2025/2026 – complete guide with sector breakdown, silverbacks, group sizes, trekking difficulty, best families for beginners & photographers, permit costs, and top lodges. Plan your Uganda gorilla trekking adventure!

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda is home to roughly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas — approximately 459 individuals as of the latest census.

The only way to see these critically endangered great apes up close is by trekking one of the 22 habituated gorilla families (also called gorilla groups in Bwindi) that are open to tourists.

Each habituated gorilla group allows just eight visitors per day, making gorilla trekking in Bwindi one of the most exclusive wildlife experiences on earth.

This comprehensive guide covers every Bwindi gorilla family in 2025, the four trekking sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo), which families are easiest, best for photographers, or ideal for the Gorilla Habituation Experience, plus practical information on permits, rules, accommodation, and the best time to visit.

The Four Trekking Sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi is divided into four main gorilla trekking sectors, each offering a different experience:

Buhoma Sector (North) – The oldest and most developed sector, perfect for first-time visitors. Easy access and excellent lodges.
Ruhija Sector (East) – Known for stunning views over the Virunga volcanoes and excellent birding (over 350 species).
Rushaga Sector (South) – Hosts the highest number of gorilla families (9) and is the main area for the 4-hour Gorilla Habituation Experience.
Nkuringo Sector (South) – More strenuous treks but spectacular ridge-top views and fewer tourists.

Complete List of All Habituated Bwindi gorilla Families (2025)

Buhoma Sector Gorilla Families

Mubare Gorilla Family (8 members)
The very first family habituated in 1993. Led by a silverback gorilla called Kanyonyi after the legendary Ruhondeza passed away. Mubare is usually the easiest gorilla family to trek in Buhoma, rarely going far from the park boundary. Popular with first-timers and photographers because of calm behavior and frequent open-ground resting spots. Trek difficulty: Easy–Moderate.
Habinyanja Gorilla Family (17 members)
Habinyanja (“place of water”) was habituated in 1998. Current dominant silverback is Makara. Known for dramatic silverback battles in the past and playful juveniles. The family often moves through open valleys, offering excellent photo opportunities. Treks can be longer (3–6 hours) because they sometimes travel deep into the forest. Moderate difficulty.
Rushegura Gorilla Family (19 members)
Split from Habinyanja in 2002. Led by silverback Mwirima (one of the largest silverbacks in Bwindi). Rushegura frequently crosses into Buhoma village gardens, making treks surprisingly short at times. Very relaxed group with many infants and blackbacks. Often the easiest Buhoma gorilla family to reach. Trek difficulty: Easy.
Katwe Gorilla Family (11 members)
Newly habituated in 2023 and opened to tourism in 2024. Led by silverback Katwe. Still adjusting to human presence, so behavior can be slightly unpredictable. Because the family is new, they receive fewer visitors and offer a more exclusive experience. Treks usually moderate, sometimes venturing near Buhoma town. Great for those seeking something different.

Ruhija Sector Gorilla Families

Bitukura Gorilla Family (14 members)
Habituated in 2008. Led by dominant silverback Ndahura. Famous for extremely relaxed behavior — gorillas often continue feeding while visitors watch. Many playful juveniles and twins born in 2019. Bitukura is considered one of the easiest gorilla families in Ruhija sector and a favorite among photographers. Trek difficulty: Easy–Moderate.
Oruzogo Gorilla Family (23 members)
One of the largest families in Bwindi. Habituated in 2011. Dominant silverback is Tibirikwata. Known for dramatic charging displays by young blackbacks and lots of infant activity. The family lives in beautiful bamboo zones and open clearings. Treks can be steep at first but usually level out. Moderate difficulty, very rewarding.
Kyaguriro Gorilla Family (15 members)
Originally habituated for research, occasionally available for tourism when Mukiza family is full. Led by silverback Rukundo. Extremely calm because of long-term research exposure. Moves through stunning montane forest with giant tree ferns. Treks tend to be moderate to difficult due to elevation. Best for those wanting a research-like experience.
Mukiza Gorilla Family (12 members)
Opened to tourism in late 2023 after splitting from Kyaguriro. Dominant silverback Mukiza is young and energetic. The family is still settling into new territory in Ruhija’s hills. Treks are moderate to challenging with steep slopes but beautiful scenery. A newer group offering a fresh experience.

Rushaga Sector Gorilla Families

Nshongi Gorilla Family (25 members)
Was once the largest habituated group in the world (36 members) before splitting. Current dominant silverback is Nshongi Jr. Known for calm temperament and many infants. Treks are usually moderate because they stay relatively close to Rushaga starting point. Very popular family.
Kahungye Gorilla Family (27 members)
One of the biggest families in Bwindi. Led by powerful silverback Rumanzi after the death of legendary Ruhamuka in 2022. Known for cohesive group dynamics and lots of grooming behavior. Treks range from moderate to difficult depending on movement. Excellent for observing social interactions.
Bweza Gorilla Family (14 members)
Formed after a split from Nshongi in 2012. Dominant silverback Bweza. Known to wander far, sometimes crossing into Nkuringo side. Treks can be long and strenuous (5–8 hours) but the family is very relaxed when found. Best for fit trekkers wanting adventure.
Mishaya Gorilla Family (12 members)
Led by the fierce silverback Mishaya who took the family by force from Nshongi in 2010. Still one of the most dominant silverbacks in Bwindi. Dramatic history of fights and breakaways. Treks are often challenging because Mishaya likes steep valleys. Not for the faint-hearted.
Bikingi Gorilla Family (16 members)
Named after the tough silverback Bikingi. Habituated in 2012. Known for moving long distances and difficult terrain. Treks frequently last 5–7 hours with steep climbs. Rewarding for experienced trekkers who want a physical challenge and fewer crowds.
Mucunguzi Gorilla Family (9 members)
Newly opened in 2024. Formed after interactions with Mishaya and Bikingi groups. Still small and settling into territory. Treks moderate to difficult. Very exclusive because few tourists have visited yet. Great for those seeking an “untouched” gorilla family experience.
Rwigi Gorilla Family (11 members)
Recently habituated (2024). Young family still adjusting. Treks vary widely depending on where they settle. Early reports say calm behavior once visitors arrive. One of the rarest groups to visit.
Busingye Gorilla Family (10 members)
Split from Kahungye in 2015. Led by silverback Busingye. Known for calm demeanor despite past conflicts. Treks moderate to difficult. Good alternative when larger families are fully booked.
Kutu Gorilla Family (for habituation only)
Available only for the 4-hour Gorilla Habituation Experience. Visitors accompany researchers and trackers. Still wilder behavior — charging and vocalizations common. One of the most thrilling wildlife experiences in Africa.

Nkuringo Sector Gorilla Families

Nkuringo Gorilla Family (14 members)
The first family habituated in southern Bwindi (2004). Led by silverback Safari after the death of the founder Nkuringo in 2010. Often feeds on ridge tops with stunning views toward Congo. Treks can be very steep (especially the initial climb out of the valley). Moderate–Difficult.
Christmas Gorilla Family (9 members)
Named because it was habituated on Christmas Day 2011. Young family with dominant silverback Christmas. Small size means intimate encounters. Treks are challenging due to steep terrain. Limited visitors = exclusive experience.
Bushaho Gorilla Family (11 members)
Newly opened in 2022. Led by silverback Bahati. Still adjusting to tourists but showing good progress. Treks are long and strenuous (often 5–7 hours) but the ridge-top location offers panoramic views. Best for fit trekkers seeking solitude.

Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi

Only available in Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. Instead of one hour, you spend four hours with the gorillas and accompany researchers during the habituation process.

Current families used are Kutu (Rushaga) and sometimes others. Limited to four visitors per day.Uganda Gorilla Habituation Permit costs USD 1,500. Ideal for photographers, filmmakers, and serious wildlife enthusiasts.

How Bwindi gorilla Families Are Assigned

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers assign groups the morning of the trek based on:

Fitness level declared during briefing
Age and mobility of trekkers
Weather and recent gorilla movement
You can request a specific family, but it is never guaranteed.

Best Gorilla Families to Trek in 2025

Easiest families: Rushegura, Mubare, Bitukura

Best for infants & playful juveniles: Oruzogo, Kahungye, Habinyanja

Best for photographers: Bitukura, Rushegura, Oruzogo

Most exclusive/newest: Mucunguzi, Rwigi, Katwe

Most challenging: Mishaya, Bikingi, Bweza, Bushaho

Best Time to Visit Bwindi Gorilla Families

Dry seasons (June–September & December–February) offer the easiest trekking conditions. June–August is peak season — book permits 6–12 months ahead. Low season (March–May & October–November) has discounted permits and fewer tourists, but trails can be muddy.

Accommodation Near Each Sector

Buhoma: Mahogany Springs Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Buhoma Lodge

Ruhija: Ruhija Gorilla Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp

Rushaga: Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Haven, Four Points Gorilla Lodge

Nkuringo: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Gorilla Trekking Rules in Bwindi

Maximum 8 visitors per group
1 hour with the gorillas
Keep 10 meters (32 feet) distance
No trekking if you have flu/cold
No flash photography
No eating near the gorillas
Age limit: 15 years and above

Gorilla Permit Cost & Booking (2025)

Uganda gorilla permit price: USD 800 per person (foreign non-residents). Contact us today to reserve your gorilla trekking Permit. High demand — secure permits at least 6 months in advance for peak season.

Conservation Success & Community Benefits

20% of every gorilla permit fee goes directly to local communities. The Batwa pygmies, original inhabitants of Bwindi forest, now benefit from cultural tourism projects. Mountain gorilla numbers have increased from ~680 in 2002 to over 1,063 today — one of conservation’s greatest success stories.

FAQs About Bwindi Gorilla Families

Q: How many gorilla families are in Bwindi?

A: 22 habituated groups open to tourists in 2025.

Q: Which sector is best for gorilla trekking in Bwindi?

A: Buhoma for beginners, Rushaga for most choices, Ruhija for scenery, Nkuringo for exclusivity.

Q: What is the easiest gorilla family to trek?

A: Rushegura, Mubare, and Bitukura are consistently the easiest.

Q: Can I choose which gorilla family to visit?

A: You can request, but final assignment is made by rangers on the day.

Q: How long does a gorilla trek in Bwindi take?

A: Anywhere from 2–8 hours depending on the family’s location.

Ready to meet the gentle giants of Bwindi? Book your gorilla trekking safari today and experience one of the world’s greatest wildlife encounters.