The Rushegura gorilla group is one of the habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, specifically in the Buhoma sector.
The park is located in southwestern Uganda and is known for protecting the most endangered primates, the mountain gorillas, with around 459 individuals residing in the park.
Bwindi is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, which organizes tourism activities. The park is home to over 120 mammal species, 350 bird species, and about 220 butterfly species.
The Rushegura gorilla group was formed after Mwirima, a dominant silverback, separated from the Habinyanja gorilla group.
Mwirima and his brother Rwansigazi led the group, but after the split, Mwirima took 7 members with him, and other gorillas later joined, increasing the group to 12 members.
The group derives its name from a local word, “Ebishegura,” a unique tree species found in the ancient forest of Bwindi.
This family was opened for trekking in 2002, as its members were already habituated in the Habinyanja group.
The Rushegura group is known for occasionally crossing into the Democratic Republic of Congo and returning to Uganda.
Currently, the family comprises 18 members, led by Kabukijo, who took over after the death of Mwirima.
Some of the notable members of the group include females Kalungi, Nyamunwa, Busunza, Kabande, and Rutenana, juveniles Kibande, Nyampazi, Kafuruka, and Karungyi, and infants Businza, Kyirinvi, and Katabazi.
Trekking Rushegura Gorilla Group
Gorilla trekking begins early in the morning at the park headquarters, where tourists are briefed on the rules and regulations and then grouped into a team of 8 people.
Tourists are led by a well-armed park ranger into the wilderness to trek the gorillas.
Tourists can spend between 30 minutes to 6 hours trekking the gorillas, depending on the location of the group.
Cost of Rushegura Gorilla Permits
- USD 800 for foreign non-residents
- USD 700 for foreign residents
- UGX 300,000 for East African citizens
Best Time to Trek Rushegura Family
The Rushegura family can be trekked year-round, but the best time is during the dry season when the trails are dry and easier to navigate.
The dry months are from June to August and December to February.
Trekking the Rushegura family offers tourists a unique opportunity to explore and experience more of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
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