The Bweza Gorilla Family can be trekked in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This group is named after the dominant silverback, Bweza, who left the Nshongi Gorilla Family in 2012 to form his own group.
The split in the Nshongi Gorilla Family was expected because it was the largest gorilla family in Bwindi by then, with several silverbacks. The Bweza Gorilla Family has 12 members, including 2 silverbacks, 4 blackbacks, 2 infants, 3 females, and 1 sub-adult gorilla.
The Nshongi Gorilla Family is the group from which the Bweza Gorilla Family originated. Nshongi was the largest habituated gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. However, the group split when Mishaya left to form the Mishaya group, and two years later, Bweza followed to form his own family.
Both the Bweza and Nshongi groups are among the gorilla families you can trek when you book gorilla trekking tours in Uganda, including those starting from Kigali.
The Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gives tourists a chance to join researchers and trackers in habituating mountain gorillas. Gorilla habituation lets tourists spend four hours with the gorillas, unlike regular gorilla trekking, which allows only one hour. This also provides better opportunities for taking clear photos.
Uganda gorilla permits can be purchased through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or a trusted tour company. Permits cost $800 per person for regular trekking and $1500 per person for the gorilla habituation experience.
People with communicable diseases like flu or cough, as well as children under 15 years of age, are not allowed to trek with mountain gorillas.
Gorilla trekking requires both physical fitness and the right hiking gear. Essential items include waterproof hiking boots, garden gloves, energy snacks, plenty of drinking water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be visited year-round, but the best months are June to September and December to February. During these months, the roads leading to the park are more accessible, and the trekking trails are less muddy and slippery.
The vegetation is also thinner, making it easier to spot mountain gorillas.
