Gorilla Families in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo

Discover the unique gorilla families of East and Central Africa and where to find them. Gorilla trekking is one of the most captivating wildlife experiences on Earth, and it is only possible in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). These nations are home to the last remaining populations of the endangered mountain gorilla and the eastern lowland gorilla. Each country hosts several habituated gorilla families, allowing travelers a rare chance to observe these gentle giants in their natural forest habitats. This article provides a comprehensive overview of gorilla families in the three countries, focusing on their locations, characteristics, and trekking experiences.

Gorilla Families in Uganda

Uganda is home to about half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in two national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi is divided into four main trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. It is home to over 22 habituated gorilla families.

Some notable gorilla families in Bwindi:

Mubare Family (Buhoma Sector)
The oldest habituated gorilla family in Uganda, named after the Mubare Hills. It was habituated in 1993 and is relatively easy to track.
Habinyanja Family (Buhoma Sector)
A large and historic family known for its size and complex social dynamics.
Rushegura Family (Buhoma Sector)
Known for being playful and sometimes seen near lodges.
Bitukura Family (Ruhija Sector)
Known for its calm demeanor and tight-knit members.
Oruzogo Family (Ruhija Sector)
A large group with energetic juveniles and playful infants.
Bweza, Busingye, Kahungye Families (Rushaga Sector)
Each of these families provides an excellent trekking experience with varying group sizes.
Nkuringo Family (Nkuringo Sector)
Located in a scenic, hilly area. The trek to find them is challenging but rewarding.

Unique in Uganda:
Uganda offers the rare gorilla habituation experience (only in Rushaga), where trekkers spend 4 hours with a gorilla family undergoing the habituation process.

2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

This park is home to the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family, the only habituated family in Mgahinga. It’s a stable and playful group led by a dominant silverback. The family is known for crossing borders between Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo, though it has largely settled in Uganda in recent years.

Gorilla Families in Rwanda

Rwanda’s gorillas are found in Volcanoes National Park, which is part of the Virunga Mountains range. The country has around 12 habituated gorilla families, all accessible for trekking.

Some key gorilla families in Rwanda:

Susa A Family
The largest and most famous group, once studied by Dian Fossey. Known for having twins and living at higher altitudes.
Karisimbi (Susa B) Family
A splinter group from Susa A, this group is found even higher on Mount Karisimbi, making it suitable for trekkers seeking a challenging hike.
Sabinyo Family
One of the easiest families to track, named after Mount Sabyinyo. Known for the impressive silverback, Guhonda.
Amahoro Family
A peaceful group living on the slopes of Mount Visoke. The name means “peace.”
Umubano Family
Split from the Amahoro family. Known for its strong leadership and independence.
Agashya (Group 13) Family
Originally 13 members; now larger. Named after the ambitious silverback, Agashya.
Kwitonda Family
Migrated from DR Congo. Known for its size and long treks to reach them.
Hirwa Family (migratory)
Known to move between Rwanda and Uganda. The name means “lucky.”
Ugenda Family
Its name means “mobile,” reflecting its frequent movements.
Bwenge Family
Found on the slopes of Mount Bisoke. The group has endured several losses, making it smaller but resilient.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking:
While Rwanda’s gorilla permit is the most expensive at $1,500, it offers luxury experiences, excellent infrastructure, and short distances from the airport (about 2.5 hours from Kigali).

Gorilla Families in DR Congo

DR Congo offers gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park (for mountain gorillas) and Kahuzi-Biega National Park (for eastern lowland gorillas). Despite instability in some areas, Congo offers an unmatched wilderness experience and fewer tourists.

1. Virunga National Park – Mountain Gorillas

There are around 8 habituated mountain gorilla families.

Some prominent groups include:

Rugendo Family
One of the oldest groups, first habituated in 1985.
Munyaga Family
Known for its playful infants and a history of dominance changes.
Kabirizi Family
One of the largest groups, frequently tracked by visitors.
Mapuwa, Humba, Bageni, Lulengo Families
Each has its own unique structure and personality.

2. Kahuzi-Biega National Park – Eastern Lowland Gorillas

This park is the only place to trek eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas), the largest gorilla subspecies.

Chimanuka Family
A famous group led by a calm and photogenic silverback, often seen near park headquarters.
Mugaruka Family
A solitary male silverback after the death of other family members, but occasionally seen.

Unique to Congo:
Congo is the only country where you can see both mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas. Trekking permits are more affordable (around $400–$500) and attract fewer crowds.

Whether you’re trekking through the misty slopes of Rwanda, the ancient forest of Bwindi in Uganda, or the raw wilderness of Virunga in DR Congo, each gorilla family provides a unique story and experience. These families are not just conservation success stories; they are living, breathing communities with complex relationships, emotions, and behaviors.

Choosing where to go depends on your budget, physical fitness, and appetite for adventure. But no matter the destination, gorilla trekking is a life-changing experience, and meeting these families in the wild is a privilege few will forget.