Mukiza gorilla group is located in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, in southwestern Uganda, covering the districts of Kabale, Kisoro, and Kanungu.
Bwindi has the highest number of mountain gorillas, with about 459 individuals. The park’s major tourist attraction is the mountain gorillas, and it is governed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Bwindi was established as a National Park in 1991 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. The Mukiza gorilla group is one of the most interesting families in Bwindi, situated in southwestern Uganda.
The family is relatively new, formed in 2016, which brought the number of habituated gorilla families in Ruhija to four.
Mukiza gorilla group broke away from the Kyaguriro family, which serves as a research and trekking group. The family consists of 15 individuals, led by the dominant silverback Mukiza.
Mukiza gorilla family is also known as Kyaguriro B. In October 2020, the family welcomed an infant, increasing the group to 15 members.
Mukiza group members are usually spotted within the park and are rarely seen outside its boundaries.
Trekking Mukiza Gorilla Group
Trekking the Mukiza gorilla family usually begins in the early morning, around 7 a.m., before the sun is fully out, as gorillas are active in searching for food and playing.
Tourists start with a briefing at the Ruhija park headquarters and are then grouped into teams of eight people.
Each tourist must have acquired a gorilla permit, which is the only authorization for gorilla trekking.
Tourists are led into the wilderness to search for the gorillas, guided by a well-trained park ranger.
During the trek, tourists are required to follow the park rules and regulations to ensure a better experience.
While the search may take more than one hour, once the gorillas are found, tourists spend only one hour observing these great apes in their natural habitat.
Cost of Gorilla Permits for Trekking Mukiza Gorilla Group
- USD 800 for foreign non-residents
- USD 700 for foreign residents
- UGX 300,000 for East African nationals
Best Time to Visit Mukiza Gorilla Group
The Mukiza group can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit this family is during the dry season, from June to September and December to February.
How to Access Mukiza Gorilla Group
Mukiza gorilla family is located in the eastern part of Bwindi, Ruhija sector, and can be accessed by both air and road.
- By Road: Tourists traveling from Kampala or Entebbe will drive for about 9 to 10 hours to reach the Ruhija sector. Tourists from Kigali, Rwanda, can travel by car via the Cyanika border, a journey that takes about 3 to 4 hours.
- By Air: Tourists can take a flight from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro or Kihihi airstrip and then connect to Ruhija by car.
The Mukiza gorilla group is a testament to the power of conservation and the resilience of these endangered primates. Visiting this group provides a unique and rewarding experience for those who venture into Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
