The Habinyanja Gorilla group is one of the fascinating gorilla groups in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda, in the districts of Kabale, Kisoro, and Kanungu.
The Habinyanja gorilla group derives its name from the local word “Nyanja,” meaning “water body,” as the family was first spotted near a small swamp.
The group was formed in 1997 and opened for gorilla trekking in 1999.
Initially, the family was under the leadership of a dominant silverback, Mugurusi, who led 30 members. The family experienced power struggles both during and after Mugurusi’s reign.
After Mugurusi’s death due to old age, three silverbacks—Mwirima, Rwansigazi, and Makara—fought for leadership.
Eventually, Mwirima and Rwansigazi shared leadership until 2002, when they decided to split the group. Rwansigazi’s group retained the name Habinyanja and comprised members who enjoyed exploring and adventures, while Mwirima’s group became the Rushengura group, which included members who preferred living in a smaller area.
Currently, the Habinyanja gorilla group has 18 members under the leadership of Makara, who took over after Rwansigazi became too old.
Trekking the Habinyanja Gorilla Group
Trekking begins early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters.
Afterward, tourists are divided into groups of 8 people and led by a well-trained park ranger into the thick forest to search for the gorillas.
Trekking the Habinyanja group can take between 30 minutes to 6 hours, and tourists are allowed only one hour with the gorillas once they are located.
Cost of Trekking the Habinyanja Gorilla Group
- USD 800 for foreign non-residents
- USD 700 for foreign residents
- UGX 300,000 for East African citizens
The resilience of the Habinyanja gorilla group stands as a testament to the importance of conservation efforts.
Check out our article on Kutu Gorilla Group.
