Oruzongo Gorilla Group | Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Oruzogo gorilla group in Bwindi Impenetrable national park in Uganda is one of the 18 habituated gorilla groups in the park. It is also one of the most trekked gorilla groups in the national park. Currently, there are 18 habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi national park, with 15 available for tourists to track.
The Oruzogo gorilla group in Bwindi Impenetrable national park has been habituated successfully, and this group is among one of the many that are safe for visitors to trek. The gorillas in this group have been familiarized with human beings, thus making them friendlier to visitors.
The process of gorilla habituation is a long one that can take between 2-3 years. A group of researchers, gorilla behaviorists, and park guides get to spend an entire day with the gorillas in their natural habitat; studying the gorillas, their behaviors, and feeding habitats among others. The more time such teams spend with the gorillas, the more the gorillas get used to being around humans; and because of this, these gorillas do not see humans as a threat.
Bwindi Impenetrable national park in Uganda is among one of the three places in the world where visitors can see mountain gorillas in the world. The national park, which is located in south-western part of the country, has an estimated population of mountain gorillas reaching about 400 individuals.
The Oruzogo gorilla group in Bwindi Impenetrable national park is located in the Ruhija sector of the national park. The group was opened up for tourism in 2011 by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, a government organization that oversees the management of all 10 national parks in Uganda. Habituation of the Oruzogo gorilla group started in December 2009.
The Oruzogo gorilla family derives its name from a common plant locally known as ‘Oruzogoto,’ which is found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This specific gorilla family is among one of the most popular gorilla groups in Bwindi that is trekked by tourists. There are gorilla groups that live within the same vicinity of the Oruzogo group include; Bitukura and Kyaguriro, which are mostly used for research purposes.
The Oruzogo gorilla group is currently under the leadership of a dominant silverback called Bakwate, which means ‘he who learns very fast and is intelligent.’ Other members of this gorilla family include a young silverback called Busungu, which means ‘hot tampered,’ Mutesi (which means relaxed and calm), Kakobe (a female with a mole on her nose), Nyakiina (a female with a hole-like depression on her nose bridge), and a female called Birungi which means ‘pretty.’
This gorilla group also has youthful and energetic black backs like Kaganga who happens to be the plumpest black back, and has got a protruding crest. Other black backs in the Oruzogo gorilla group include; Bwoba which means coward, and Otaka who is a relatively small but peaceful black back.
The Oruzogo gorilla group in Bwindi Impenetrable national park also has some juvenile gorillas like Karimi which means tongue because she is fond of sticking her tongue out while playing, Kashura who is known for having a protruding hairless eyebrow, and Kiromba. The group also has infants/babies who include; Kanywani which means friendly, Katoto which means little one, and Buchura which means the last born or rather ‘the youngest.’ In total, this gorilla group has 15 members consisting of 3 Silverbacks, 3 females, 3 black backs, 3 Juveniles and 3 infants.
What is the maximum number of people allowed to track the Oruzogo Gorilla Group?
Tourists interested in tracking the Oruzogo gorilla group in Bwindi national park can do so either from the Ruhija area or the Buhoma area of the national park. Gorilla trekking safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable national park are conducted in groups with a maximum of 8 members per gorilla group, and gorilla trekking is strictly limited to individuals who are 15 years and above.
How much does it cost to track the Oruzogo Gorilla Group in Bwindi National Park?
Visitors who wish to trek the Oruzogo gorilla group in Bwindi impenetrable national park will have to pay a fee of USD 700 dollars per person for a gorilla trekking permit. Gorillas trekking permits can be in limited supply especially during the peak season (June to September and mid-December to February), hence visitors are advised to purchase their gorilla permits at least 6 months in advance.
Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Visitors trekking the Oruzogo gorilla group in Bwindi national park can get accommodation in lodging facilities such as; Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort and Campsite, Cuckoo land Tented Camp, Ruhija Safari Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Mist Camp, and the Wag Tail Eco Safari Camp among others. These accommodation facilities offer their guest good quality services that are suitable for both budget and mid-range travelers.
How to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable national park is located in the south-western province of Uganda and can be accessed by means of road or air. It is about a 9-10 hours’ drive from Kampala City to Bwindi and 4-5 hours from Kigali City in Rwanda. Visitors can also fly from Entebbe International Airport to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips, and then drive for about 1½ hours to Buhoma where the park’s headquarters are situated.
Conclusion: Uganda is by far the best destination for gorilla trekking safaris in the world; with Bwindi Impenetrable national park being the best destination for gorilla tours in Uganda. Gorilla trekking in Uganda can also be done in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in the southwestern part of the country.
Also, don’t hesitate to combine your gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi national park with a boat cruise or game drive safari in Queen Elizabeth national park since its within close proximity to Bwindi.
