Buhoma Gorilla Families – Buhoma is one of the four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in the northern region.
Bwindi is situated in southwestern Uganda, within the districts of Kabale, Kisoro, and Kanungu.
The park is known for harboring almost half of the gorillas remaining in the wild.
Buhoma sector is the most visited in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and has five gorilla families, which are:
- Mubare Gorilla Family: The Mubare gorilla family was the first to be opened for trekking in Bwindi in 1993. The family has 9 individuals, including Malaya, the dominant silverback, 4 females, and 4 babies. When the family was first formed, it had 12 members under the leadership of Ruhondeza, but he later died in 2012. After his death, Kanyonyi took over the family but was later defeated by Malaya.
- Rushengura Gorilla Family: The Rushengura gorilla family broke off from the Habinyanja gorilla family. The breakup occurred when Mwirima, a dominant silverback who was very strong, separated with 7 members. Mwirima later died, and the group is now headed by a blackback.
- Habinyanja Gorilla Family: The family was habituated in 1996 and got its name from the Rukiga word Nyanja, which means “place with water.” The family currently has 12 members, including 2 silverbacks, 2 blackbacks, 3 adult females, 3 sub-adults, and 2 juveniles, headed by Rwansigazi, the dominant silverback. When the family was formed, it had 25 individuals led by Mugurusi, who later died of old age. When Mugurusi died, there were disputes over leadership between Rwansigazi, Mwirima, and Makara. Rwansigazi and Mwirima shared leadership until 2002, but later some members followed Rwansigazi to maintain the Habinyanja family, while others followed Mwirima to form the Rushengura family.
- Katwe Gorilla Family: The Katwe gorilla family consists of 9 individuals: 1 silverback, 4 adult females, 2 blackbacks, and 2 infants.
- Muyambi Gorilla Family: This is the newest group in the sector and was opened for trekking in 2019. The family has 6 members and is headed by Muyambi, a dominant silverback.
Buhoma sector can be visited year-round, but the best time is the dry season, from June to August and December to February. During these months, there is little rain, and the trails are dry for easy passage.
Buhoma gorilla families offer unique and unforgettable experiences, allowing tourists to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitats.