Which region of Bwindi has the highest number of gorilla families

Which region of Bwindi has the highest number of gorilla families? Rushaga region is the region of Bwindi with the highest number of gorilla families. Rushaga region is located in the south park to Bwindi impenetrable National Park, Rushaga is a home for 5 Gorilla Families which by far is the most of any sector and its gorilla families being easy to trek due to the nature of terrine in the region. Rushaga can be easily accessed through Kisoro and becomes straightforward tracking point for those travelling from Kigali. The habituated families in this region include Busingye, Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya and Kahungye which are all available tracking and open to tourists. Also, this is the only region in Bwindi that offers Gorilla Habituation experience with two families Bushaho and Bikyingi currently going through the process. The sector, also like buhoma and ruhija sectors, offers a chance of the Batwa community visit experience for those interested in cultural encounter.

About gorilla families in Rushaga sector

Nshongi Gorilla Group

This used to be the largest gorilla group in Bwindi and boosted over 36 Gorilla members in the Family. Over the years the group has broken up twice to form the now Bweza and Mishaya Gorilla Family. At the moment the group has 25 members with Nshongi as the dominant silverback heading the group and other 3 sub silverbacks, 4 blackbacks, 7 Adult females and 6 juveniles and 4 infants. The fact that this group has many members makes it a beauty to watch as it’s a jolly and playful group with the infants mostly.

Mishaya Gorilla Group

This group is a break away from the nshongi Gorilla group, and in 2010 there were flight and disputes and Mishaya the silverback split to create its group, the silverback managed to take away with him 7 members, the group is famous for its fighting nature and over the course of the years it has managed to attract other members (female) with the number now increasing its members up to 12 and 3 infants.

Bweza Gorilla Group

This initially broke away from Nshongi Gorilla Family with 8 members in 2013, and while park authorities through this group would reconcile with Nshongi and join back, it failed to do so and was opened up to the general public for tracking. The group and consists of 1 silverback, 2 infants and the others being females and juveniles. It’s the most exciting group to watch by visitors as it goes about its day to day activities in the park.

Kahungye Gorilla Family

The group was habituated in 2011 and opened for tracking, and by then it had 27 members, not even after a year the group through flights, and misunderstandings split creating the Busingye group. As of now the group remained with 13 members with the silverback Rumansi and followed by 2 black backs Rwigi and Ruhamuka, females and juveniles.

Busingye Gorilla Family.

The group was created in 2012 after splitting up from Kahungye group, and the group gets its name from its head Busingye meaning “peace” ironically he is not a peaceful Gorilla, he is known for picking fights amongst other groups. Busingye started with 7 members, but now the group has been able to grow up to 8 members and is thriving from grabbing females from other males, and this is a sign of power.

What to wear and take during gorilla trekking in Rushaga

Whichever family group you visit, you may have to walk a long distance in steep, muddy conditions, possibly with rain overhead, before you encounter any gorillas. Put on your sturdiest shoes. Ideally, wear thick trousers ad long sleeved top as to protect against vicious stinging nettles. It’s often cold when you set out, so start out with a sweatshirt or jerseys [which also help protect against nettles].

The gorillas are thoroughly used to people, so it makes little difference whether you wear bright or muted colours. Whatever clothes you wear to go tracking are likely to get very dirty you slip and slither in the mud, so if you have pre- muddied clothes you might as well wear them. When you are grabbing for handholds in thorny vegetation, a pair of old gardening gloves are helpful. 

Carry as little as possible, ideally in a waterproof daypack of some sort. During the rainy season, a poncho or raincoat might be a worthy addition to you daypack, while sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are a good idea at any time of year. You may well feel like a snack during a long hike, and should certainly carry enough drinking water – at least two litres. Bottled water is sold in locally at the accommodation facilities. Especially during the rainy season, make sure your camera gear is well protected – is your bag isn’t waterproof, seal your camera and films in a plastic bag. 

Binoculars are not necessary to see the gorillas. In the theory, bird watchers might like to carry binoculars, though in practice only the most dedicated are likely to make use of them – the trek up to the gorillas is normally much directed, and walking up the steep slopes and the thick vegetation tends to occupy one’s eye and mind.

Best time to trek mountain gorillas of Rushaga region of Bwindi impenetrable National Park

Which region of Bwindi has the highest number of gorilla families? Rushaga is located in Bwindi impenetrable forest is open for trekking all year round but it is also important to note that the forest is a tropical rain forest and can receive rain at any time. The best months to track gorillas include; June to August and December to February since they receive the lowest rainfall and the forest is less slippery. On the other hand, when you happen to travel during March to May and November there are chances of higher rainfall, you will be able to get discounts from some lodges for your accommodation.

Why plan and book gorilla trekking in Rushaga region of Bwindi with Eco Adventure Safaris.

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