Gorilla Groups in Rushaga Sector: Gorillas of Rushaga
Gorilla groups in Rushaga sector are the main reason why this destination is one of the most visited in Uganda.Located in the southern part of Bwindi, Rushaga sector is the best place to go mountain gorilla trekking in Africa. It has got the highest number of mountain gorillas with 8 habituated families/groups namely; Busingye gorilla group, Nshongi gorilla group, Bweza gorilla group, Mishaya gorila family, Kahungye gorilla group, Mucunguzi gorilla group, Bwigi gorilla family and Bikyingi gorilla group. Currently there are two more groups to be added in Rushaga but they are not yet habituated for viewing. Unlike other sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park, Rushaga Uganda is more convenient and more exciting to visit. Below are some of the gorilla groups ready for trekking in Rushaga;
Nshongi Gorilla Family/Group
After the split of the Bweza gorilla family which consisted of 18 members, Nshongi gorilla family was formed. It split away from Bweza after a fight between the members and one silverback had to start life with a new family(Nshongi). Currently this group has seven members with one male silverback, 1 juvenile, 1 sub-adult, 1 infant and 3 adult females. This group was officially habituated and made ready for trekking to tourists in 2009 and its one of the most visited gorilla families in Rushaga Uganda.
Busingye Gorilla Family
Busingye gorilla Family originated from Kahungye gorilla group. It was after a bitter fight between 2 silverback gorillas (Rwigi and Rumanzi) that one decided to move on start its own family and that’s how Busingye came into existence. Initially the Kahungye family had 27 members but after the break away, Busingye left with 9 members.The group is called Busingye because it lives on a hill called Busingye. Currently it has 10 members with 1 silverback, 2 juveniles, 4 adult females, 1 sub adult and 2 infants.
Bweza Gorilla Family`
It was after the conflicts in Nshongi gorilla family that one silverback called Kakono decided to form its family and this is how Bweza gorilla family was formed. this group is one the highest populated groups in Bwindi with 12 members as of today. It was habituated and made ready for gorilla trekking in 2013 and currently its one of the most visited in Bwindi forest.
Mishaya Gorilla Family
Originally composed of 7 members Mishaya gorilla family has multiplied and it currently has 12 members. This group was formed after a split from Nshongi gorilla family. Just like other groups, this group is headed by 1 silverback called Mishaya and it has commanded the group for a long time.
Kahungye Gorilla Family
Habituated in 2011, Kahungye gorilla family is one of the most visited gorilla groups in southern part of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. It got its name from the hill called Kahungye where the group lives and its composed of 17 members including 3 silverbacks, 3 sub adults, 2 infants, 3 adults and 3 juveniles.
Note: The number of members in these gorilla families may change with time as more are produced and some die.
Source: https://igcp.org/families/