The Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is renowned for being one of the most visited areas, attracting tourists from all over the world. One of the key reasons for its popularity is the presence of seven distinct gorilla families, making it a top destination for gorilla trekking. These families are a vital part of the park’s conservation efforts and contribute greatly to the success of ecotourism in the region.

Mountain gorillas, which share approximately 98% of their DNA with humans, exhibit strikingly similar social behaviors. They form close-knit family units, each led by a dominant male known as a silverback. These gorilla families are central to their social structure, with the silverback playing a crucial role in guiding and protecting the group. When you go on a gorilla trek, you’ll be assigned to one of these families, with a maximum of eight visitors per family. Silverbacks often engage in competition for dominance within the group, and in some cases, multiple silverbacks may coexist. In such situations, the strongest silverback assumes leadership, ensuring the family’s protection and reproductive success. This dynamic is a result of hereditary leadership, where the eldest son may take over after the father’s aging, though the father typically remains involved in the family.

The Seven Gorilla Families in the Buhoma Sector

  1. Rushegura Gorilla Family

    • Originating from the Habinyanja family, the Rushegura family was established on February 13, 2002, when Mwirima, a silverback from Habinyanja, peacefully separated from his elder brother, Rwansigazi, and took 12 members with him. Over time, this group grew to 16 members, with Mwirima leading until his death in 2014. His eldest son, Kabukojo, succeeded him and continues to lead the family today. The Rushegura family is known for its stability and currently consists of over 19 individuals.

  2. Mubare Gorilla Family

    • The Mubare family is one of the oldest and first families discovered in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The family, named after the Mubare Hills, was first sighted during the park’s establishment. Initially led by the silverback Ruhondeza, the family had about 12 members. Ruhondeza passed away in June 2012 after a long reign, and his son Kanyonyi took over leadership. Unfortunately, Kanyonyi was killed by a rival silverback, Maraya, who then took control of the family. Currently, the Mubare family has only 7 members, a testament to the challenges they have faced.

  3. Habinyanja Gorilla Family

    • The Habinyanja family was once the largest gorilla family in the Buhoma sector when it was discovered in 1997, boasting over 30 members. Initially led by Mugurusi, the family saw a division when Mwirima left to form the Rushegura family. After Mugurusi’s death, his sons Rwansigazi and Mwirima shared leadership until Rwansigazi’s old age and eventual replacement by his son Makara, who now leads the group. This family has been reduced to 13 members today but continues to thrive.

  4. Muyambi Gorilla Family

    • One of the newer additions to the Buhoma sector, the Muyambi family was formed in 2019 and consists of 7 individuals. The family is named after the dominant silverback Muyambi. Known for its playful infants and energetic atmosphere, this family is a popular trekking destination for visitors. Muyambi’s formation of this family stemmed from his departure from the Mubare group, making it an exciting and relatively new family to track.

  5. Binyindo Gorilla Family

    • The Binyindo family, with over 9 individuals, was established in 2015 and began its habituation process until 2018 when it became available for trekking. The family was named after the silverback Binyindo, who is easily recognizable due to his distinctive wide nose. This family has steadily grown since its formation and continues to offer a great experience for visitors.

  6. Katwe Gorilla Family

    • The Katwe family was formed after a group of former Mubare members, led by the female adults, migrated to a new location on top of a hill. This group, under the leadership of Muhaane, has grown to include 8 individuals. The family was formed after the death of the former silverback Kanyonyi and is an example of how gorilla groups adapt and reorganize following leadership changes.

About the Buhoma Sector

The Buhoma sector is one of the four gorilla trekking sectors within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, alongside Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Ruhija. Located in the northern region of the park, Buhoma is the most accessible and popular sector, offering a gateway for visitors traveling from Queen Elizabeth National Park. As the park’s main entry point, Buhoma is home to the park’s headquarters, where all trekking briefings take place.

Buhoma is not only the most visited sector but also the most developed in terms of infrastructure, with well-maintained roads and a wide range of accommodation options, making it a convenient base for trekkers. The sector is well known for its excellent service and facilities, ensuring that visitors have a comfortable and enriching experience while in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

This sector is a prime location for encountering Uganda’s majestic mountain gorillas and provides an exceptional opportunity to witness these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.