The Mubare gorilla family was the first gorilla family to be habituated, in 1991, and was visited by the first tourists in 1993. The group had 19 members at the time of habituation, though the number of members in gorilla families often changes due to births, separations, or deaths. Book a Uganda trek to see how a Mubare visit fits into your safari.
The Mubare gorilla family can be trekked from the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The group gets its name from the Mubare Hills in Bwindi, where it was first spotted by rangers. This group initially had 12 members at the time of habituation, but the number later reduced to five after the death of the dominant silverback at that time.
The Death of Silverback Ruhondeza
Silverback Ruhondeza died in 2013 after sustaining serious injuries during a fight with a strong blackback from an unhabituated gorilla family. He was banished to the forest to live alone. UWA rangers found Ruhondeza dead in his sleep one early morning.
The Mubare Family Under Kanyonyi
The Mubare mountain gorilla family is now led by Kanyonyi, who expanded the family from 5 to 9 members after Ruhondeza’s death. The number of members in gorilla families always changes for various reasons, so the given number may not remain constant over time.
Trekking the Mubare Family in Buhoma
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park has over 15 habituated gorilla families that visitors can trek. The Mubare mountain gorilla family is one of the groups you can trek in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
As the park’s oldest habituated family, Mubare carries a special significance for visitors interested in the history of gorilla tourism in Uganda, since this group essentially opened the door to the gorilla trekking industry that Bwindi is known for today. Trekking this family in Buhoma also means access to the sector’s easier terrain and lower altitude compared to some of the other gorilla trekking areas in the park, making it a good option for visitors who want a somewhat gentler hike alongside a historically significant encounter.
