Buhoma Sector

BUHOMA SECTOR IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK
There different families in Buhoma sector in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park each with its distinctive family with a historical back ground. Like human beings gorillas have their own lineage upon which leadership descend with time and movements depending on time and age as one Ape grows with in the family and finally reaches time to make its own family and be independent from its original family.

MUBARE GORILLA FAMILY (4 Family members)

The Mubare gorilla family was the first to be habituated in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Buhoma sector, in 1998. It currently has 4 members.

The family was originally led by the dominant silverback, Ruhondeza, who expanded it from 12 to 18 members. However, in 2009, the family lost 3 members, including the oldest female gorilla and her 6-month-old infant. Ruhondeza was supposed to care for the infant, but it also died later on, likely because it had not yet been weaned.

The family continued to lose members and become displaced due to Ruhondeza’s arrogance and jealousy. He refused to groom a successor, and as he grew old, he began to face resistance from other silverback gorillas fighting for territory. This eventually led him to leave the family and join a neighboring community.

Ruhondeza was a great silverback gorilla who led the Mubare family for many years. He was a strong and wise leader, and he helped to protect his family from danger. However, he eventually succumbed to old age and died in 2013.

Ruhondeza’s life was a remarkable one. He lived a long and full life, and he left behind a legacy of strength, wisdom, and courage. He is still remembered by the people of Buhoma sector, and his resting place near the Uganda Wildlife headquarters is a popular tourist destination.

If you are ever visiting Buhoma sector, be sure to ask your guide to show you where Ruhondeza is buried. It is a place where you can reflect on his life and his legacy, and appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

KATWE GORILLA FAMILY (9 Family members)

This is one of the new gorilla families located in the northern part of Buhoma sector, it’s an added gorilla trekking group in the northern hemisphere comprising of one dominant silver back (katwe) with 3 black backs, 4 adult females and 2infants though the number is still not certain as the movement of gorillas in and out is frequent.
From sources, Uganda wildlife Authority published it clearly that it had taken 3 years for the group to be habituated and thus apparently declared free for habituation and thus tourists can book to trek from the group at any date. You can only do this by booking one of our special four hour gorilla habituation experience safaris to Bwindi to spend four hours with mountain gorillas still under habituation.

HABIYANJA GORILLA GROUP (18 Family members)

he Nyanja gorilla family is one of the oldest habituated groups in Buhoma sector, dating back to 1999. Named “pool of water” for first being sighted near forest rivers. The family is headed by the dominant silverback, Kisho.

The family was originally led by Mugurusi, meaning “old man.” He had three grandsons: Mwirima (“darkness,” named because he used to hide in dark corners of the forest), Rwansigazi (“youthful boy”), and Makara (“charcoal”). Mugurusi led the group with a total of 30 members.

After Mugurusi’s death due to old age, power was left in the hands of his two sons, Mwirima and Rwansigazi. However, they had different motives. Mwirima loved being close to the family, while Rwansigazi loved traveling. This created a power struggle, and by 2002, the group separated. There were no reports of violence as a result of the separation.

Mwirima retained the former name of the family since he portrayed characteristics of his father. Rwansigazi created a different family, which was named Rushegura.

Rushegura Gorilla Family (16 Family Members)

Rushegura gorilla family, habituated in 2000, opened to tourists in 2002. It originated from the Habinyanja family due to divisions within the group. The family was led by the dominant silver back called Mwirima and Karungyi the adult female silver back.

Rushegura gorilla family formed after split from Habiyanya, led by Mwirima. Currently the family has 16 family members and led by Kabukojo, this is the mostly sited around lodges in Buhoma and mostly friendly to visitors however demonstration of anger may prevail if the family is threatened.

Visit Buhoma sector as you trek any of the mentioned gorilla family of your choice upon booking with Safari Vacations & Travel Services with 100% chances of meeting the gentle Apes on your  gorilla trek in their natural habitat in the jungle for this once in a lifetime experience.

Safari Vacations designs itineraries in Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC for over 10 years. We have a reputation for executing some of the most highly-rated vacation experiences. Our local consultants use their expert ground knowledge to plan your preferred itinerary. We take care of all the local logistics, such as permits, accommodation, and transportation. We can also manage your entire trip, from start to finish, including car hire services.

Contact Safari Vacations and Travel Services for safari planning, permits, transport, and accommodation.