Bweza Gorilla family in Bwindi
The Bweza gorilla family is one of the habituated gorilla families available for gorilla trekking in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This family is found in the Rushaga sector of the Bwindi impenetrable. The Bweza gorilla family was originally part of the Nshongi family but broke off the family in 2012. The cause was the conflicts with the Nshongi family. This gorilla family’s name originates from the silverback Bweza who migrated with them after the break-up. Game rangers discovered the family in 2013 and it was set for gorilla trekking.
Furthermore, game rangers thought this family was to reunite with the Nshongi family again but there are no signs of reunion. The Bweza gorilla group comprises 7 members: 1 silverback and 1 infant. The family is always available for the gorilla trekking each day, and travelers must book in time to ensure availability. Only a group of 8 people are required to visit this family each day. The gorilla trekking to this family is about 2 to 7 hours of the day and travelers have 1 hour viewing in the park.
Other gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
In the Rushaga sector where this family is found, there are other families found in this park and they include;
Nshongi gorilla family
This family was open for the gorilla trekking in 2009 and comprises about 36 members. It was one of the largest families which was habituated for the gorilla trekking in the park. The group had 3 silver blacks and several blackbacks who lived in harmony. Due to the death of some members of the family, the group number kept on changing. The family was led by the dominant silverback Nshongi but in 2010 the group separated. The other group that was formed was the Mishaya family. In 2013, the Bweza family broke off the Nshongi family. Currently, the group consists of about 10 members.
Busingye gorilla family
The family broke off from the Kahungye family in 2012 and it was named after the dominant silverback Busingye. The family was opened for the gorilla trekking in 2015. The group currently consists of 9 members,1 silverback, and several young ones.
Mucunguzi gorilla family
This group is led by the Mucunguzi who is the dominant silver back and the family name originated from this silver back. The group broke off the Bweza family during the habituation time. Silverback Mucunguzi was the youngest silverback in the Bweza family who broke off and became the leader of the Mucunguzi family. Currently, the family consists of 12 members.
Rwigi gorilla family
This is one of the new families in the Rushaga sector led by the silver-back Rwigi. The family broke off from the Kahungye family due to misunderstandings. Currently, the group comprises 10 members.
Bikingi gorilla family
The habituation of this family started in 2012 and its name originates from the Silverback Bikingi who was once a leader. His death was due to a solitary fight with the other male in the family. After his death, some of the family members migrated to the Kahungye family and the others remained in the family. Currently, the family comprises 12 members.
Kahungye gorilla family
The Kahungye family was first discovered on the Kahungye hill and the habituation process started in 2011. The family had over 27 members during the time of habituation under the leadership of the silverback Ruhemuka who died in 2013 after several injuries on the head. The family was open for the gorilla trekking in the 2011. Currently, the group consists of 13 members under the leadership of the silverback Gwigi and his assistant Rumanzi.
Mishaya gorilla family
The Mishaya family broke off from the Nshongi family who had several fights with the silverback Mishaya. The group came into existence in 2010 members. The Mishaya gorilla family died in 2013 due to intestinal problems. Some of the members left the Mishaya family and joined the Bweza family due to the death of the silver back. The family was discovered in 2018 under the leadership of the silverback Tinfayo who was once a member of the Nshongi family who had left the family in 2012. Currently, the group consists of 8 members.
How much is a gorilla trekking permit to see the Bweza family in Bwindi?
A gorilla trekking permit is one of the requirements that travelers on their Uganda safaris should have to see mountain gorillas. Travelers are supposed to book a gorilla trekking permit in time to ensure availability in the park. The gorilla trekking permits cost about 800 dollars for foreign nonresidents, 700 dollars for the foreign residents, 500 dollars for the rest of Africa, and 300,000 Uganda shillings for the rest of Africa.
What is the best time to visit the Bweza gorilla family in Bwindi?
The Bweza family is available for gorilla trekking throughout the year. The best time to visit the Bweza gorilla family in Bwindi is usually the dry season (June to September and December to February). During this time, the park is more clear, dry, and not muddy which eases travelers to track within the park.
