Mountain gorilla trekking is every traveler’s dream when visiting Africa. Mountain gorillas are an endangered species of apes that share at least 95% of their DNA with humans, making them close relatives, like chimpanzees and bonobos. The Bitukura gorilla family is one of the gorilla families you can encounter in the famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Book a Uganda trek to see how a Bitukura visit fits into your safari.
The Bitukura mountain gorilla family can be trekked in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The habituation of this group took only 15 months, unlike other gorilla groups, where habituation usually takes 2 to 3 years. The Bitukura family gets its name from the Bitukura River in Bwindi, where the group was first sighted by trekkers.
An Unusually Young Leader
The Bitukura family is led by Ndahura, the second youngest silverback, which is unusual for gorilla groups. Typically, the oldest silverback leads the group, and if he is overthrown, he is either banished to another group or becomes a lone male. Ndahura took over leadership from Karamuzi, who retired at the age of 42.
This unusual leadership dynamic makes Bitukura a particularly interesting family for visitors curious about gorilla social structures, since it defies the typical pattern seen across most habituated groups in Bwindi and the wider Virunga region.
Gorilla Trekking Permits
Mountain gorilla trekking permits cost $800 per person per trek, while gorilla habituation permits cost $1,500 per person. Permits must always be purchased 3 to 6 months in advance due to high demand.
Where to Stay
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four sectors. Tourists planning to visit must book accommodation in the same sector where they have their permits. Some of the hotels in Buhoma include Mahogany Springs, Trekkers Safari Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, and Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp, among others.
What to Pack for the Trek
Trekking mountain gorillas requires hiking to higher elevations, so physical fitness and preparation are essential. Items you will need include garden gloves, waterproof hiking boots, insect repellent, plenty of drinking water, energy snacks, sunscreen, binoculars, a hat, and more. Gorilla trekking can take 2 to 7 hours, depending on the location of the family and the pace of the group.
Why Trek the Bitukura Family in Ruhija
Beyond its unusual leadership history, the Bitukura family benefits from the Ruhija sector’s generally manageable trails compared to some of Bwindi’s steeper sectors, making it a good option for visitors who want a rewarding trek without the most demanding terrain in the park. Ruhija’s proximity to Lake Bunyonyi also gives trekkers an easy way to relax after the hike, rounding out a day that combines gorilla trekking with some of the calmer scenery southwestern Uganda has to offer.
