Mubare Gorilla Family
Mubare Gorilla Family: Uganda is home to the half of the endangered species of mountain gorillas the most popular and visited place for gorilla trekking is in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park in the south western part of Uganda.
The Mubare gorilla family is found in the Buhoma region of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park which is one of the first regions set for gorilla trekking in the park. The Mubare gorilla family was habituated in 1991 and its one of the oldest gorilla habituated groups in Bwindi.
This group was opened up for tourism in 1993, the Mubare mountain gorilla family derived its name from the Mubare hills on which the gorillas were first sighted. The group started on well with 18 members but faced a lot of challenges and the number decreased to only 5 by 2012.
The Mubare gorilla family was dominated by Ruhondeza the silverback who was attacked by a wild gorilla family forcing him to flee in the community forest where they continued to monitor him. On the 27th of June 2012 Ruhondezawas found dead in sleep at 50 years old.
The Mubare gorilla family is one of the gorilla families close to the park headquarters, this group is now dominated by a silverback known as Kanyonyi who expanded the group number to 8 members. Ruhondeza was given a decent burial by Uganda Wildlife Authority near the parks headquarters.
Habiyanja gorilla family is one of the gorilla families you can trek in Buhoma region of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, this family was first visited by tourists in 1999, the name Habiyanja is from a local dialect word “Nyanja” to refer to the body of water this was because the family was first sighted near the swamp in Bwindi forest. Its one of the most exciting to visit as their ever in wrangles.
The Rushegura gorilla family is also in the Buhoma region of Bwindi, this family was formed when a silverback broke away from the Habiyanja family to form his own family. This group was called Rushegura because the name is derived from a local plant that’s abundant in their home area.
A part from gorilla trekking, there are a lot of other activities that tourists can engage in while in Bwindi impenetrable national park such as; gorilla habituation, bird watching, hiking and guided nature walks and so much more.
In addition to the great apes, there are lots of tree species to be seen, butterflies and primates like the black and white colobus monkeys, golden monkey, Syke monkeys, Blue monkey, red tailed monkeys and many other animals.
Bwindi impenetrable forest national park can be reached in about 9-10 hours drive from Kampala with striking views along the way. Standard domestic chattered flights can also be organized from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi airfield. But the shortest route is for tourists to fly in to Kigali Rwanda and then drive to the park.
When visiting Buhoma area of Bwindi tourists can sleep in this hotels: Buhoma community rest camp, lake Kitandara camp, Buhoma lodge, Sanctuary gorilla forest camp, Engagi lodge, silverback lodge, volcanoes safari Bwindi lodge, gorilla resort, Bwindi view Bandas, Bwindi guest house, Mahogany springs camp and Eco marvels gorilla resort among the rest.
