Overview
Mucunguzi gorilla family is a newly habituated gorilla group in Rushaga region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is a recent addition to the habituated gorilla family groups in the southern gorilla trekking sectors of Bwindi National Park, Southwestern Uganda. Also, Mucunguzi group takes its name from a silverback Mucunguzi. Additionally, the word Mucunguzi is a local word which means ‘savior.’
All about the family
Mucunguzi gorilla family is located in the Rushaga sector and it consists of 8 members. It is dominantly female since it has many female gorillas in the family. Additionally, it split from Bweza after a serious fight. Also, Mucunguzi is the head of the family.
Mucunguzi gorilla group was part of the Bweza but broke away under the leadership of Mucunguzi silverback. He was chased and left to be a lone male after a fight that broke out with dominant silverback in Bweza group. Interestingly, Mucunguzi was the 3rd youngest silverback in Bweza group at the time.
After a long time of living a solitary life, Mucunguzi invaded Bikyingi gorilla group and took away females to begin his own group. Recently, the group welcomed a new baby gorilla from mother Ndinkahe gorilla which now makes Mucunguzi group, a group of 12 mountain gorillas.
Generally, mountain gorillas live in families of 5-30 or more members and every group is led by a dominant silverback. They are shy creatures, humble and massive. Additionally, trekking to see Mucunguzi gorilla group starts from Rushaga region of Bwindi and takes about 2-6 hours which is inclusive of 1 hour of magical encounter.
Other than Mucunguzi group, Rushaga region also consists of more habituated gorilla families. For instance Mukiza, Kutu, Mishaya, Kahungye, Bweza, Bikyingi, Nshongi and Busingye groups.
At Pamoja Tours and Travel, we offer spectacular gorilla trekking safaris and some of them include;
- 7 days Uganda Safari gorilla and chimpanzee trekking (https://africasafaritravellers.com/7-days-uganda-safari-gorilla-and-chimpanzee-trekking/)
- 18 days best of Uganda Gorilla and chimp trekking, birding and wildlife safari (https://africasafaritravellers.com/18-day-best-of-uganda-gorilla-chimp-trekking-birding-and-wildlife-safari/)
- 10 days Uganda Gorilla chimps and wildlife safari (https://africasafaritravellers.com/10-days-uganda-gorilla-chimps-wildlife/)
- 3 day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking fly-in safari (https://africasafaritravellers.com/3-day-bwindi-gorilla-trekking-flying-in-safari/
Gorilla permits
Eight (8) gorilla permits are available for purchase if would like to trek Mucunguzi gorilla family in Rushaga region. Additionally, each of the permits is sold to tourists at US Dollars 700 or you can combine gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experience still within Rushaga region. For gorilla habituation permits, you need US Dollars 1500.
Things to carry to trek gorillas
Anyone who has a plan to trek mountain gorillas in Uganda requires to pack well. Some of the things you must have include energy giving snacks, long-sleeved shirts, sunscreen, waterproof hiking boots, camera without flashlight, insect repellents, first aid kit, sun glasses, bottled water, gardening gloves, passport, visa, valid gorilla permit and many more.
Conclusion
If you want travel with Pamoja Tours and Travel, kindly contact us. We shall definitely transform your safari dreams into a reality.
