Nkuringo Sector Gorilla Families

Nkuringo Gorilla Family

The Nkuringo Gorilla Family is the pioneering group that gave the sector its name and put Nkuringo on the gorilla tourism map. This family was habituated in 2004 and was the first group to be opened for tracking in this sector. Initially led by the legendary silverback Nkuringo, the family had a history of foraging outside the park boundaries into local community land, which led to their habituation to promote conservation and tourism.

After Nkuringo’s death in 2008, leadership passed on to his son Safari, and later to the strong and dominant Rafiki, whose tragic death in 2020 at the hands of poachers shocked the world and led to major anti-poaching operations in Bwindi. Currently, the group is led by the silverback Rwamutwe, who took over after Rafiki’s demise. The Nkuringo family is known for its relatively challenging treks due to the hilly terrain, but rewards trekkers with deep forest encounters and rich gorilla interactions.

• Latest group size: Approximately 12 members

• Notable past leader: Rafiki (deceased 2020)

• Current dominant silverback: Rwamutwe

• Location: Nkuringo Sector, southern Bwindi

Bushaho Gorilla Family

The Bushaho Gorilla Family is one of the relatively newer groups in Nkuringo, officially opened for trekking in 2016. The group was formed when Bahati, a silverback from the Nkuringo family, left with a splinter group of individuals and established his own group. The name Bushaho comes from the area where the group was first observed during habituation.

Led by silverback Bahati, the Bushaho family is known for its stability and the silverback’s assertive leadership. The group spends much of its time deep within the Nkuringo forested areas, occasionally moving close to the neighboring Rushaga sector. This group offers trekkers an excellent chance to experience a cohesive family dynamic and close-knit interactions among its members.

• Latest group size: Around 12 individuals

• Dominant silverback: Bahati

• Location: Nkuringo Sector, near Bushaho area

Christmas Gorilla Family

The Christmas Gorilla Family is another well-known group in the Nkuringo sector, named after its dominant silverback Christmas, who was born on Christmas Day. This family was habituated and opened for trekking more recently to offer more trekking permits in Nkuringo following the popularity of the sector.

The group is smaller compared to the Nkuringo and Bushaho families but is famous for its charismatic leader, Christmas, who is known for his calm but confident demeanor. The Christmas family typically roams the forest areas closer to the Nkuringo headquarters, making it relatively more accessible than some of the more distant groups.

• Latest group size: Approximately 9 members

• Dominant silverback: Christmas

• Location: Nkuringo Sector, southern Bwindi

Why Trek Gorillas in Nkuringo Sector?

Nkuringo offers a unique trekking experience that sets it apart from the other Bwindi sectors:

• The treks here tend to be more challenging, appealing to adventure seekers.

• Scenic views over the Virunga Volcanoes and the Rift Valley add to the experience.

• The sector is less crowded compared to Buhoma, offering a more intimate gorilla encounter.

• Nkuringo is adjacent to local communities that offer authentic cultural experiences such as the Batwa Trail and village walks.

Whether you trek the historic Nkuringo family, the splinter Bushaho family, or the charismatic Christmas group, an adventure in Nkuringo promises rewarding wildlife encounters set against some of the most dramatic landscapes in Uganda.