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Mubare Gorilla Group – Exploring Bwindi’s Oldest Gorilla Family

The Mubare Gorilla Group is situated in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in the southwestern part of Uganda, a country known for inhabiting half of the world’s mountain gorilla population.

Bwindi National Park is home to 120 mammal species, including elephants and yellow-backed duikers, and over 350 bird species, such as sunbirds, Rwenzori batis, olive woodpeckers, Kivu ground thrush, yellow-billed kite, handsome francolin, crowned hornbill, and red-faced woodland warbler, among others.

Among the twenty habituated mountain gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the Mubare group is one of the oldest. It was officially opened for tourism after two years of habituation to become human-friendly in 1993.

The Mubare Gorilla Group lives in the Mubare Hills, a local name meaning “hills,” hence the name “Mubare Gorilla Family.” These hills, located deep within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, became the first place where this gorilla group was seen by tourists.

Originally, the Mubare Gorilla Family was composed of 18 members, but this number significantly reduced to 5 members by 2012.

The group was first led by a dominant silverback called Ruhondeza, who died at the age of 50 in 2012. After his death, the group was succeeded by another dominant silverback, Kanyonyi, who expanded the group to 8 members.

It should be noted that only 8 gorilla permits are sold for trekking per day, and it takes roughly 5 hours or more to visit these families.

Limitations of Mubare Gorilla Group

Children below the age of 15 are not allowed to trek.

Cost of Trekking the Mubare Gorilla Group

  • USD 800 for foreign non-residents
  • USD 700 for foreign residents
  • UGX 300,000 for East African citizens

Best Time to Trek the Mubare Gorilla Group

The best time for gorilla trekking is any time of the year; however, the dry season, from June to August and December to February, is ideal when the trails are dry.

The Mubare Gorilla Group is one of the most friendly and interesting groups, offering tourists unforgettable moments.



Go Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is renowned for housing half the population of the endangered mountain gorillas. The name “Bwindi” is derived from the local Runyakitara word “Mubwindi,” meaning “place full of darkness.” Bwindi Forest is one of the most biologically diverse forests on Earth. Discover Bwindi National Park below.

Explore mountain gorillas in the most incredible way!

Whether you choose Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, each moment promises unforgettable encounters with the mountain gorillas of Africa.

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