Nyakagezi Gorilla Group

Nyakagezi Gorilla Group in Mgahinga National Park Uganda

The Nyakagezi  Gorilla Group is the only habituated gorilla family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (MGNP). The family headed by Mark, a Silverback is composed of three silver backs, 2 adult females, 2 black backs and 2 infants. The park has over 80 Mountain Gorillas but only 10 gorilla members are habituated and constitute this group. The family is believed to migrate at times to Rwanda and Congo. But good enough, the migratory habit of these gorillas has not happened in the recent years.

The group has its name from Nyakagezi , some place in Mgahinga National Park with lots of delicious food that attract the gorillas. this group is among the simplest to trek since it prefers moving in a short radius for nesting, feeding, relaxing and playing

It is said it was in 2012 when the Nyakagezi gorillas returned from Congo and they happen to have settled for good in Mgahinga National Park as their permanent habitat.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park does not have any other gorilla groups being habituated at the moment.

Enjoy gorilla tracking in Mgahinga National Park with the Nyakagezi family, one should stay the park or have an overnight in Kisoro town.

The permits for trekking Nyakagezi group are available the park offices in Kisoro town and at Ntebeko near the park.

Access to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park can be access from Kigali City through Cyanika border to Kisoro and then connect to the park. Some of the gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda from Kigali take place in Mgahinga park and with the Nyakagezi family only.

Another access alternative to the park may be flying from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airfield in Kisoro town and then drive by road to Mgahinga National Park. It take about 30 kms from Kisoro Airstrip or town to Mgahinga National Park. The third route option is to drive by road from Entebbe town or Kampala City through Masaka and Mbarara cities straight to Kabale town, then take Kisoro direction from where you access the park. This route falls under the Uganda gorilla trekking from Entebbe or Kampala where many options are available for visitors to make choice.

Why Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has one gorilla family, the Nyakagezi Gorilla Group?

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is a renowned destination for gorilla trekking. Unlike other parks in the region, it is home to a single habituated gorilla family, the Nyakagezi Gorilla Group. The presence of just one gorilla group in this park is influenced by several key factors related to the park’s size, location, and ecological characteristics.

Small Size of the Park

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park covers only 33.7 square kilometers, making it the smallest of Uganda’s national parks. Despite its small size, the park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which spans Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The limited space within the park restricts the number of gorilla groups that can establish territories without competition, resulting in the presence of only one resident habituated group.

Transboundary Movement of Gorillas

The Nyakagezi Gorilla Group is part of a larger population of mountain gorillas that inhabit the Virunga Massif, which includes three national parks across international borders. Gorillas in this region often move freely between Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC due to the absence of physical barriers and the shared ecosystem. The Nyakagezi group itself was previously known for its transboundary movements, frequently crossing into Rwanda and the DRC. These migrations sometimes make it challenging to maintain a consistent number of resident gorilla groups in Mgahinga.

Ecological and Behavioral Considerations

Mountain gorillas require substantial foraging areas, and their territorial behavior often leads to conflicts between groups. Mgahinga’s small area and dense vegetation provide limited resources for multiple groups to coexist. As a result, only one habituated family can be sustainably supported within the park’s boundaries without risking increased intergroup competition.

Conservation and Tourism Implications

The Nyakagezi Gorilla Group is central to tourism activities in Mgahinga. Its habituation has allowed visitors to observe these magnificent primates up close, contributing to both conservation efforts and local economies. The park’s focus on this single group enables intensive monitoring and protection, ensuring the group’s safety and long-term survival.

In summary, the presence of only one gorilla family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is primarily due to the park’s small size, the trans-boundary nature of gorilla populations, and the ecological requirements of mountain gorillas. These factors collectively shape the unique conservation dynamic of Mgahinga, making it a special yet singular destination for gorilla trekking.

Other Gorilla Families in Uganda Found in Bwindi Forest

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda, is home to over 20 habituated gorilla families available for trekking. These gorilla families are spread across four major sectors of the park: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo, and Rushaga. Here’s an overview of the families, categorized by their locations:

Buhoma Sector Gorilla Families

Buhoma, the most popular sector, is located in the northern part of the park and is renowned for its ease of access and exceptional trekking experiences.

  • Mubare Family
    This is the oldest habituated gorilla group in Bwindi, opened to tourism in 1993. It initially had 12 members, though the size fluctuates over time.
  • Habinyanja Family
    Known for its large size, this family often comprises 15–20 members, including several silverbacks.
  • Rushegura Family
    A peaceful group with over 15 individuals, often seen near Buhoma Lodge, making it easier to spot.

Ruhija Sector Gorilla Families

Ruhija, located in the eastern part of the park, is known for its rugged terrain and breathtaking views.

  • Bitukura Family
    Named after the river where it was first sighted, this group has about 12 members and is known for its playful behavior.
  • Oruzogo Family
    With around 16 members, this family is one of the most active and exciting to watch due to its energetic juveniles.
  • Mukiza Family
    A relatively smaller group, Mukiza has around 13 individuals and was split off from the larger Kyaguliro family.

Nkuringo Sector Gorilla Families

The Nkuringo sector, in the southern part of Bwindi, offers steep trekking routes but rewarding gorilla encounters.

  • Nkuringo Family
    One of the most famous groups, this family has about 12 members and is known for its striking dominance by a silverback named Rafiki.
  • Bushaho Family
    This group was formed by members who split off from the Nkuringo family and now consists of about 11 individuals.
  • Christmas Family
    Named after its dominant silverback, Christmas, this group has a growing number of members.

4. Rushaga Sector Gorilla Families

Rushaga, also in the southern part of the park, boasts the highest number of habituated gorilla families.

  • Nshongi Family
    One of the largest groups in Bwindi, with over 25 individuals, Nshongi is ideal for large group interactions.
  • Mishaya Family
    Formed by a breakaway silverback, Mishaya, this group is smaller but often adventurous.
  • Kahungye Family
    This dynamic group has about 15 members and is led by a dominant silverback.
  • Bweza Family
    Initially part of the Nshongi family, Bweza split off and now has around 12 individuals.
  • Bikingi Family
    A group under habituation, it provides trekkers with a chance to witness the gorilla habituation process.
  • Kutu Family
    A recently habituated family with a few individuals, Kutu is ideal for researchers and trekkers seeking new experiences.
  • Mucunguzi Family
    Another breakaway group from Nshongi, this family is named after its dominant silverback.

Other Habituated Families

Some families are not tied to specific sectors and are reserved for research purposes or special permits:

  • Kyaguliro Family
    Originally habituated for research, this group has split into two factions, Kyaguliro A and B, with both monitored for scientific purposes.

Bwindi’s gorilla families offer diverse trekking experiences, with groups varying in size, behavior, and locations. Trekking permits are limited to eight people per group per day, ensuring a sustainable and intimate wildlife encounter.