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Meet the Rwigi Gorilla Group: A Unique Family in Bwindi’s Rushaga Sector

Rwigi Gorilla Group – Rwigi gorilla group is located in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Southwestern Uganda.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is governed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the body responsible for managing national parks in Uganda. The park is home to the endangered mountain gorilla, with about 459 individuals residing within its boundaries.

Bwindi is part of the Virunga Conservation Area, alongside other national parks, including Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo.

Rwigi Gorilla family is a newly formed group that separated from the Kahungye gorilla family. The silverback, Rwigi, broke away after a disagreement with other silverbacks in the Kahungye family, which led him to form his own family.

Currently, the Rwigi gorilla group consists of six members: one silverback, three adult females, one infant, and two juveniles.

Trekking Rwigi Gorilla Family

Trekking the Rwigi gorilla family begins early in the morning, around 7 a.m., when the mountain gorillas are most active in search of food and play.

Before the trek, there is a briefing at the park headquarters by a tour guide to explain the park rules and regulations.

Tourists are then grouped into teams of 8 people, the maximum number allowed to visit the Rwigi family at once.

Each tourist must have a secured gorilla permit. The trek can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours while searching for the gorillas, but once the family is located, tourists are allowed to spend only 1 hour with them.

Cost of Mountain Gorilla Permits

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

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Rwigi gorilla group is during the dry season, although it can be visited during any season of the year. The dry months are June to September and December to February.

How to Access Rwigi Gorilla Group

Rwigi gorilla group is found in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and it can be accessed by both road and air.

By Road: Travelers can journey from Kampala or Entebbe by car, a drive that takes about 9 to 10 hours via the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale highway, and then connect to Rushaga, where the Rwigi gorilla group is found.

By Air: Travelers can take flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kisoro Airstrip, and then connect to Rushaga by road. The air journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Accommodation

  • Bwindi Jungle Lodge
  • Four Gorillas Lodge
  • Gorilla Hills Eco Lodge
  • Gorilla Valley Lodge
  • Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
  • Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge
  • Nshongi Camp
  • Rushaga Gorilla Camp
  • Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge
  • Rushaga Gorilla Resort
  • Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge
  • Wagtail Eco Safari Lodge

What to Carry

  • Gorilla Permit
  • Long-sleeved shirt
  • Rain jacket
  • Sweater
  • First aid kit
  • Trousers
  • Camera
  • Hiking boots
  • Sunglasses
  • Insect repellents

In conclusion, visiting the Rwigi gorilla group offers a unique and unforgettable experience, especially when prepared with the right equipment and accommodations.



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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