The Kyaguliro B gorilla family was one of the two subgroups formed after the division of the original Kyaguliro gorilla group in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of Africa’s most biodiverse and ecologically rich rainforests.

Formation and Background

The Kyaguliro B group was officially formed in May 2016, following the death of Silverback Rukina, the leader of the original Kyaguliro gorilla family. The death triggered a leadership struggle, eventually resulting in the split of the family into two:

  • Kyaguliro A: Led by Silverback Rukara

  • Kyaguliro B: Led by Silverback Mukiza

Silverback Mukiza, one of Rukina’s subordinates, took with him a portion of the family to establish a new, stable group, which was originally designated as Kyaguliro B. This group has since grown in numbers and stability, and is now officially recognized as the Mukiza Group.

Scientific and Research Significance

Kyaguliro B was, and still is under its new name, one of the primary research gorilla groups in Bwindi, studied extensively by the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. Researchers use this group to better understand gorilla behavioral ecology, social dynamics, and forest survival strategies. Daily monitoring and long-term observation have made Kyaguliro B (Mukiza) a vital part of gorilla conservation science.

Group Composition (As of January 31, 2024)

At the time of its latest update, the group consists of 19 members, including:

  • 1 Silverback (Mukiza)

  • 8 Adult Females

  • 1 Sub-adult Female

  • 2 Juveniles

  • 7 Infants

These numbers reflect a healthy and growing family group, with Mukiza showing strong leadership and stability within the troop.

Habitat and Behavior

Kyaguliro B/Mukiza group is known for its preference for deep forest areas, often avoiding the outer fringes of the Ruhija sector. This makes encounters less predictable but far more authentic and rewarding, offering trekkers and researchers a glimpse into a more untouched and natural gorilla lifestyle.

Despite being a research group, the Kyaguliro B family has occasionally been opened up for trekking, especially during periods of habituation research or low research activity.

Visitor Information

  • Trekking Region: Ruhija sector – Eastern Bwindi

  • Gorilla Trekking Start Time: 7:30 AM with briefing by park rangers

  • Group Size Limit: 8 trekkers per gorilla family per day

  • Minimum Age: 15 years

Permit Fees (subject to change by Uganda Wildlife Authority):

  • Foreign Non-Residents: USD 800

  • Foreign Residents: USD 700

  • East African Citizens: UGX 300,000

Why Learn About Kyaguliro B?

  • It’s the origin story of the Mukiza family, one of Bwindi’s most important research gorilla groups.

  • Highlights the social dynamics and survival strategies following silverback leadership changes.

  • Demonstrates the adaptive behavior of mountain gorillas in response to ecological and social pressures.