Rushegura Gorilla Family in Uganda : Gorilla trekking is the top activity that attracts many tourists in the country. Gorilla trekking activity in Uganda majorly takes place in Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which are located in Southwestern Uganda. The Rushegura Gorilla family/ group is one of the Habituated gorilla group which is located in Bwindi Impenetrable National park.
Bwindi National Park is one of the 10 national parks in the country. This park was established as a national park in 1991 and later named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. This National park is managed by Uganda Wildlife Authority, which manages and protects all the wildlife in all national parks in the country. This national park covers a total surface area of 321 square kilometers and is a home to to over 400 mountain gorillas, 120 mammal species, 348 bird species and about 220 butterflies. In the world, mountain Gorillas can only be found in three countries and these include; Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Gorilla trekking activity is carried out in Bwindi National park with a maximum number of eight people per group. Each of the trekking group, members are given only one full hour with direct contact with gorillas where people are always to avoid direct eye contact with the gorillas and also tend to keep a distance of 7 meters between them and the gorillas. The trekking activities always begin in the morning at 8 am even though tourists are advised to at least be present at the parks headquarters by 7am for briefing about a few things from one of the head rangers at the park as visitors are respectively given their trekking groups.
Bwindi Impenetrable National park is a habitant of over 19 habituated mountain gorilla families, which are found in four different sectors, which include; the Buhoma sector, The Nkuringo sector, Ruhija sector, and lastly the Rushaga sector.
Rushegura Gorilla Family/ Group.
Rushegura Gorilla family group is located in the Buhoma sector in Bwindi Impenetrable national park. This group has a total number of 16 habituated gorillas. In addition, this group as famous for the frequent movements of gorillas between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, however now these gorillas settled in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Rushegura group has become a favorite group of many trekkers in the park because its gorillas are found of being friendly and comfortable around human beings.
This gorilla group was formed after its leader Mwirima separated from the Habinyanja gorilla family. During their separation, Mwirima took seven members with him and these members included one male and five females. Later lone, gorillas joined the group thus increasing the number to 12 members and after the birth of infants, the number increased more up to 19 members. However, the number of the group later reduced to 16 members and this happened after the death of their leader Mwirima. The Rushegura group consists of members named Mwirima who is the dominant silverback, and the male adult named, Kalembezi. There are also adult females in the group and these members include; Kalungi, Nyamunwa, Busunza, Kabande and Ruterana. Rushegura gorilla group also has Juveniles such as; Kibande, Nyampazi, Kafuruka, Karungyi. Lastly, other members of the group include infants like; Buzinza, Kyirinvi, Nyamunwa, Kibande, and Katabazi.
Currently, a Dominate silverback who is named Makara leads Buhoma sector. In 2014, after the death of the former leader of the group who was known as Mwirima, Makara decided to take over the leadership of the group.
How much does a Gorilla Trekking Permit cost in Rushegura Gorilla Group in Bwindi.
Tourists planning to go trek gorillas in Rushegura group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park should be able to purchase a gorilla trekking permit, which costs USD 700 dollars per person. In addition, more so, tourists are advised to book their gorilla trekking permits at least 6 months in advance.
How to get to Rushegura Gorilla Family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Tourists planning to travel to Bwindi Impenetrable National park for gorilla trekking in Rushegura Gorilla family will use either road or transport to access the park.
Air Transport.
Tourists who are too excited to reach the park and want the long road trip can choose to take their flights from Entebbe International Airport, which leads them to Kihihi airfield where they can now drive for one and half hours to reach in Buhoma, Rushegura Gorilla Family in Uganda
Road Transport.
Tourists who also wish to go for gorilla trekking will have to drive from Kampala the capital city of Uganda to Buhoma sector in Bwindi Impenetrable where Rushegura gorilla group are tracked. In addition, this drive will take them about nine-10 hours to reach the park.
Where to stay when trekking Rushegura Gorilla Group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers tourists who come to the park to trek the Rushegura Gorilla group with a variety of affordable, nice and executive accommodation facilities that range differently due to different standards and preferences of their visitors. These facilities range from Budget, Luxury. And Mid-range accommodations. These lodging Facilities include; Buhoma Lodge, Buhoma community Rest Camp, Bwindi View Bandas, Gorilla Forest Camp and many others.
Finally yet importantly, tourists who go for gorilla trekking can combine it with other activities such as; Game drives and boat cruise in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Chimpanzee Trekking in Kibale forest, community visits and a short tour in a Kampala city. In conclusion, Gorilla trekking is such an overwhelming, exciting and adventurous that one does not need to miss it while on a safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Therefore, get in touch with our tour operators and book with us a Gorilla Trekking Tour of Rushegura Gorilla Family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
