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Rushaga Gorilla Families in Bwindi – Trekking Insights & Group Details

Rushaga Gorilla Families – Rushaga Sector is one of the four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda in the districts of Kabale, Kisoro, and Kanungu. Rushaga Sector is found in the southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was gazetted to protect the endangered mountain gorillas, with about 459 individuals currently residing there.

Rushaga Sector is home to 8 mountain gorilla families that are open for trekking every day. The uniqueness of this sector is that it is the only sector where gorilla habituation is conducted.

Rushaga Gorilla Families Include:

  • Nshongi Gorilla Family: The Nshongi Gorilla Family got its name from the Nshongi River, where it was first sighted. The name Nshongi means “Omushongi Gwoboki” in the local language, which refers to the river’s honey-colored water. The family was opened for trekking in 2009. The Nshongi group now consists of only 7 members because Mishaya separated from the family with 10 members, and Bweza also broke away with some members. This led to a reduction in the size of the group.
  • Mishaya Gorilla Family: This family was formed in 2010 with 10 members, led by Mishaya, a dominant silverback from whom its name was derived. When Mishaya died, most of the members joined other families like Bweza and Bikingi. Currently, the family has 8 members, including 1 silverback, 5 adult females, 1 juvenile, and 1 infant, led by Tingayo, a dominant silverback.
  • Busingye Gorilla Family: This family separated from the Kahungye Gorilla Family and derived its name from Busingye, a dominant silverback. The family has 9 individuals, including 1 silverback, 1 blackback, 3 adult females, 2 juveniles, and 3 infants.
  • Kahungye Gorilla Family: The family derived its name from Kahungye Hill, where it was first seen. It was habituated with 27 members under the leadership of Ruhemuka, but after his death, the family split into two groups: Busingye and Kahungye. Currently, the Kahungye Family has 13 members, led by Gwigi, a dominant silverback.
  • Bweza Gorilla Family: The family derived its name from Bweza, a dominant silverback that separated from the Nshongi Gorilla Family. The family has 12 members, including 2 silverbacks, 3 adult females, 1 sub-adult female, 4 blackbacks, and 2 infants.
  • Bikingi Gorilla Family: The family derives its name from the Bikingi silverback, but after his death, some individuals joined other families like Kahungye. Currently, the family is comprised of 12 members, including 2 silverbacks, 5 adult females, 1 juvenile, and 4 infants.
  • Rwigi Gorilla Family: This family broke away from the Kahungye Family when Rwigi had a disagreement with the silverback in the Kahungye Family. The family currently has 10 members, including 1 silverback, 5 females, 2 juveniles, and 2 babies.
  • Mucunguzi Gorilla Family: The family gets its name from the Mucunguzi silverback, and the name Mucunguzi means “savior.” This family broke away from the Bweza Family under the leadership of Mucunguzi after a fight. The family has 12 members.

Cost of Gorilla Permits in Rushaga

  • A gorilla permit in Rushaga Sector costs USD 800 for foreign non-residents per person per trek
  • USD 700 for foreign residents per person per trek
  • UGX 300,000 for East African citizens per person per trek

How to Access Rushaga Sector

  • By Road: Rushaga Sector can be accessed by road from Entebbe or Kampala by car, covering a distance of about 340 km, which is a 10-hour drive.
  • By Air: There are only 2 airlines that handle domestic flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro Airstrip, from where tourists connect to Rushaga by road.


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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