The Bwenge gorilla family was led by the silverback Bwenge, who left his original group with two females to start his own family. The group grew as the females gave birth, eventually reaching two adult females and five infants. However, the family faced a difficult period when six infants were lost. Book a Rwanda trek to see how a Bwenge visit fits into your safari.
Bwenge, the only silverback in the group, often fought with other silverbacks looking to take his family members, and he was wounded several times in these confrontations. He was later found dead by trackers from the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. The Bwenge mountain gorilla family was also featured in the 1988 film “Gorillas in the Mist.” The family struggled significantly in the aftermath of losing six infants.
Leadership After Bwenge
After Bwenge’s death, the elder female Maggie took over leadership of the group. The family was often followed by a lone silverback named Turatsinze, who came from Pablo’s group.
The Bwenge mountain gorilla family can be trekked in areas around Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi.
Currently, the Bwenge mountain gorilla family consists of 11 members. It’s worth noting that the number of members in gorilla families can change over time, due to new births, deaths, or separations, especially when another silverback challenges the dominant male and takes some members to form a new group.
Gorilla Trekking Permits and Practical Information
Gorilla trekking permits in Rwanda cost $1,500 per person. Only people without communicable illnesses and those above 15 years of age are allowed to trek mountain gorillas. Trekking duration can range from 30 minutes to 7 hours, depending on the location of the gorilla family and the hikers’ pace. Once a gorilla family is found, visitors are given one hour to observe and take photos.
Best Time to Visit
Volcanoes National Park is a year round destination, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February, when trekking trails are less muddy and slippery. However, weather in rainforests can be unpredictable, and rain is still possible even during the dry season. Visitors are advised to come prepared with all the necessary trekking gear.
