Gorilla Families in Uganda
There are over 20 habituated gorilla families in Uganda. Each one has its own dynamics, drama, and identity. Some are massive, loud, and social. Others are quiet, shy, and small. These aren’t just random apes in a jungle—they’re structured, complex societies.
If you’re planning a gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, understanding these families helps you decide where to go, when, and what to expect. This guide breaks down every single habituated gorilla group you can track in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park—Uganda’s two gorilla trekking destinations.
Looking for when to go? See our guide on the best time of year for gorilla trekking.
Not sure what to bring? Check out what to pack for gorilla trekking.
What is a Gorilla “Family”?
Let’s get one thing straight: while tourists call them “families,” scientists often prefer “groups.” Why? Because gorilla social units aren’t always blood-related. Members come and go. Some leave. Others are born. The group is constantly evolving.
Each group is led by a dominant silverback, often the biological father of many members. But when he dies or is challenged, leadership can shift—sometimes to his son, sometimes to a rival. A young male may even break away and start his own group.
Infants stay with their mothers for several years, though things get complicated if the mother leaves or the silverback dies. Social bonds matter. Play matters. And just like humans, gorilla moms are everything: protectors, teachers, mentors.
Fascinated by their behavior? Uganda’s gorilla dynamics mirror principles of human parenting—yes, really. Read more about gorilla conservation and social bonds on the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi is home to four distinct gorilla trekking sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo. Each has its own terrain, vibe, and gorilla groups.
If you haven’t yet, we recommend reading our in-depth Bwindi Impenetrable National Park guide to understand the big picture.
a. Buhoma Sector
Buhoma is the oldest and most accessible sector, located in northern Bwindi. It’s the gateway for many travelers, especially those coming from Queen Elizabeth National Park.
It also has the most luxurious lodges and consistently sells out fastest, so book your gorilla trekking permits early.
1. Mubare Gorilla Family
Mubare was the first group to be habituated in Uganda, back in 1993. It’s a compact group with a storied history—perfect if you want a piece of gorilla trekking legacy. Easy to access. Great for first-time trekkers.
The group has gone through tough times (including deaths of key members), but it remains resilient.
2. Habinyanja Gorilla Family
This is one of the larger families, often split across the forest. It’s a bit more of a trek—expect steeper terrain and longer hours. The reward? A lively group with playful juveniles and impressive silverbacks.
If you enjoy a challenge and want to observe diverse social behavior, this is your group.
3. Rushegura Gorilla Family
A calm group that broke off from Habinyanja in 2002. Rushegura is often found close to Buhoma lodges, which means a shorter hike. It’s ideal for older travelers or anyone who prefers an easier trek.
The group is known for its relaxed nature and frequent twin births—an extremely rare phenomenon in gorillas!
4. Katwe Gorilla Family
One of Buhoma’s newest additions. The Katwe family gives you a good mix of adults and juveniles, and their trails are moderately challenging.
If you’ve already trekked some of the older families and want something different, Katwe is a solid choice.
5. Binyido Gorilla Family
Still under habituation until recently, Binyido is small but growing. It’s a promising group for those who want to support new conservation efforts and enjoy a quieter trekking experience.
Group composition is still shifting, so every trek offers a slightly different story.
Planning your full itinerary? Compare this with our breakdown of where to see gorillas in Uganda to decide which sector fits your route.
b. Ruhija Sector
Perched high in the eastern hills of Bwindi, Ruhija is cooler, quieter, and more remote than Buhoma. It’s ideal for those who prefer fewer crowds and lush, montane forest treks.
Ruhija is also well-placed if you’re combining gorilla trekking with birdwatching—this region has some of the highest avian diversity in Uganda.
6. Bitukura Gorilla Family
Bitukura is a well-established, tight-knit group with a gentle silverback and several juveniles.
They were habituated quickly—just over a year—and have remained one of the most peaceful families to observe.
They tend to stay relatively close to park boundaries, making them a good pick for moderately easy treks.
7. Oruzogo Gorilla Family
This is one of Ruhija’s largest groups, often brimming with activity.
If you love the idea of seeing infants, adolescents, and silverbacks all in one place—interacting, playing, squabbling—Oruzogo delivers.
The trek to reach them can be long and muddy, but the group itself is one of the most entertaining to watch.
8. Kyaguriro Gorilla Family
This group has a unique history—it was once reserved solely for research purposes.
Now open to trekking, Kyaguriro offers an intimate, semi-wild feel, since the gorillas aren’t as accustomed to tourist crowds.
It’s a meaningful choice for those interested in conservation and less touristy experiences.
9. Mukiza Gorilla Family
Mukiza split from Kyaguriro after internal silverback drama (classic gorilla politics). The new group, led by silverback Mukiza, has been stable and easy to track.
The trek isn’t too demanding, and the group size offers a balanced experience—not too small, not too chaotic.
Traveling in the rainy season? Ruhija’s higher altitude means cooler temperatures and more mist, which adds atmosphere but can also mean slicker trails. Review our tips on the best time of year for gorilla trekking before locking in your dates.
c. Rushaga Sector
Rushaga lies in southern Bwindi, not far from Nkuringo, and is often praised for having the highest number of gorilla families.
It’s the most logistically flexible option, with numerous trekking routes and a higher chance of securing a permit, even during peak season.
Plus, it’s the only sector offering the Gorilla Habituation Experience—a longer, deeper trek into semi-wild groups.
10. Nshongi Gorilla Family
Nshongi was once the largest group in Bwindi, with over 30 members. It has since split into smaller families, but the original Nshongi group is still big and vibrant.
The trekking route is scenic and often takes you along streams and dense undergrowth, making for a dramatic entry into their world.
11. Mishaya Gorilla Family
Mishaya splintered from Nshongi under a dominant silverback who was known for his aggressive style. The group tends to roam widely, so expect a more physically demanding trek with the reward of a raw, wild atmosphere.
It is not ideal for beginners, but it is a favorite for those who want something “untamed.”
12. Bweza Gorilla Family
Another breakaway from the massive Nshongi lineage, Bweza is moderate in size and activity.
You’ll get a variety of ages and temperaments—enough drama to keep it interesting without being overwhelming. Treks here are fairly manageable, depending on the group’s location that day.
13. Busingye Gorilla Family
Busingye’s silverback is known for poaching members from other groups—yes, that happens. He’s bold, unpredictable, and fascinating to watch.
This is a small but intense group, perfect for those who want close-up views and shorter hikes.
14. Kahungye Gorilla Family
This group is large and charismatic, known for its strong female presence. You’ll often see multiple mothers with infants, making this one of the most emotionally captivating treks.
It’s a good mix of everything—terrain, size, behavior—and suits most fitness levels.
15. Mucunguzi Gorilla Family
Led by a young, upstart silverback who left Bweza, Mucunguzi is still growing. This is a newer family, so sightings may vary, but it’s an exciting one to track as it establishes itself.
If you’re trekking more than once and want variety, this is a good second or third option.
16. Rwigi Gorilla Family
Another new addition to Rushaga, Rwigi broke off from Kahungye. The group is compact and fairly shy, but sightings are consistent.
Treks are average in length, and the trail is scenic. Ideal for photographers looking for less crowded encounters.
Want a deeper look at gorilla behavior, rules, and permit info? See our guide on gorilla trekking rules.
c. Nkuringo Sector
Nkuringo is the most rugged and dramatic part of Bwindi. The terrain is steep, but the views—oh, the views!—over the Virunga volcanoes are nothing short of cinematic.
Treks here are physically demanding, but ideal for adventure seekers or photographers chasing that perfect shot. Nkuringo also offers more upmarket eco-lodges, making it a great choice for high-end travelers.
17. Nkuringo Gorilla Family
The original residents of the sector, this group is tight-knit and led by strong silverbacks.
The trek is steep—no sugarcoating that—but if you’re reasonably fit, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most remote and authentic gorilla encounters in all of Bwindi. Fewer crowds, more wilderness.
18. Christmas Gorilla Family
Named after its dominant silverback “Christmas,” this group split from Nkuringo in recent years. They’re smaller and more elusive, but sightings are often intimate and unhurried.
The trail here tends to be more forested and less open—great for feeling truly immersed in nature.
19. Posho Gorilla Family
A relatively new group in the habituation process. Sightings are not yet regular, but for travelers doing the Gorilla Habituation Experience, Posho offers an incredibly raw, behind-the-scenes look at how gorillas become comfortable around humans.
This is not your average trek—it’s immersive, educational, and long (up to 4 hours with the gorillas).
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park
Compared to Bwindi, Mgahinga is small but mighty. It’s Uganda’s only gorilla park within the Virunga range and shares borders with Rwanda and the DRC. Treks here are typically shorter and less crowded, and you’ll often pass through bamboo forests and volcanic terrain.
Read our Mgahinga Gorilla National Park guide to explore all the other activities you can do here—like golden monkey tracking and volcano hiking.
20. Nyakagezi Gorilla Family
This is Mgahinga’s one and only habituated group—and it’s legendary. The Nyakagezi gorillas are known for their playful energy and stable social structure.
You’ll find three silverbacks here (a rare sight!), and the group is among the most reliably tracked in Uganda.
The only catch? They’ve occasionally wandered across borders in the past, though they’ve been stable in Mgahinga for years now.
With so many incredible options, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed. But remember, each gorilla family and forest trail provides a distinct and unforgettable experience. To simplify your planning, simply send us an inquiry. We’ll match your fitness level, expectations, budget, and travel dates with the ideal sector for your adventure.
