The Nyakagezi gorilla family is situated in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda, specifically on the slopes of the three Virunga Volcanoes: Muhabura, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga. Tourists can either take scheduled flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip, landing at Kisoro Airstrip, and then proceed by road to their respective lodges. This includes taking the Kampala-Mbarara-Kabale-Kisoro route, which provides easy access to the park where gorilla trekking is done.
The Nyakagezi gorilla group was once well known for its migratory behavior across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. However, the group has now settled in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, where tourists are assured of gorilla trekking experiences. It is currently the only fully habituated gorilla group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
This family offers tourists a unique opportunity to trek the rare mountain gorillas in the wild.
The Nyakagezi family is composed of 9 members, including 4 silverbacks, 2 infants, 2 adult females, and 1 juvenile. The dominant silverback is Mark, who took over leadership from his father, Bugingo. Other members include Mathew and Mafia (silverbacks), Nyiramwiza and Nshuti (adult females), Nkanda (juvenile), Mutagamba and Rukundo (infants).
Bugingo, the oldest silverback in the Nyakagezi gorilla family, is believed to be over 54 years old and still lives within the family. This is unusual, as in most cases, once the dominant silverback is overthrown, he is banished and either dies in isolation or seeks refuge with other gorilla groups.
Details of Nyakagezi Gorilla Group – Oct 2023
Name | Sex | Age | Identification Details |
---|---|---|---|
Bugingo – Silverback | Male | 40-45 years | V-shaped depression on nose & silver back |
Kaboko | Female | 36-38 years | Lame hand & old wrinkled face |
Nyiramwiza | Female | 30-36 years | Triangular head with narrow face & silver hair |
Mark – Silverback | Male | 28-32 years | Wide face, very calm |
Munezero | Female | 18-25 years | Wide face with black sideburns |
Majambere – Subadult | Male | 7 years | 4th and 5th digits of right hand missing |
(Unnamed Female) | Female | 4 years | Gazes at tourists & is very friendly |
Mafia – Subadult | Male | 8 years | Very playful & likes coming close to people |
Accommodation
- Mount Gahinga Lodge
- Mutanda Lake Resort
Costs
- USD 800 for foreign non-residents
- USD 700 for foreign residents
- UGX 300,000 for East African citizens
Other Activities
- Birding
- Nature walks
- Hiking
In conclusion, the Nyakagezi gorilla group is the only habituated gorilla family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, offering an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience.