The largest living apes belong to the group of primates and live in the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa. They inhabit Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks in Uganda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Book a Uganda trek to see how a visit here fits into your safari.
Some mountain gorilla families have been habituated and can be visited all year round by tourists who want to encounter these close human relatives. Habituation itself is a slow process, often taking two or more years, during which researchers and rangers spend time with a gorilla family daily until the group grows comfortable with a human presence nearby.
Introduction to the Oruzogo Gorilla Family
The Oruzogo mountain gorilla family is one of the habituated families you can visit in Bwindi National Park in Uganda.
The Oruzogo mountain gorilla family can be trekked from the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The family consists of 23 individuals led by the silverback Tibirikwata and was first trekked by tourists in 2011.
Why Oruzogo Is a Favorite Family to Trek
The Oruzogo mountain gorilla family is one of the most enjoyable groups to trek in Bwindi, since it has many playful infants that are fun to watch. Their liveliness makes for some of the more animated encounters in the park, as the younger members tumble, chase one another, and interact with curiosity rather than caution.
It is also one of the gorilla families blessed with twins, born to Kabobe in March 2012, a rare event among mountain gorillas given their generally low birth rate.
The Oruzogo mountain gorilla family gets its name from a local plant called “Oruzogoto,” which is common in their home range. Habituation of this gorilla family began in 2008, and it took several years of daily monitoring before the group was ready for regular tourist visits.
Trekking the Oruzogo Family in Ruhija
The Ruhija sector, home to the Oruzogo family, sits in the eastern part of Bwindi and is known for having some of the easier trails in the park compared to the steeper terrain found in sectors like Nkuringo. This makes the Oruzogo trek a good option for visitors who want a slightly gentler hike without sacrificing the chance to see playful, active gorillas.
Ruhija is also close to Lake Bunyonyi, giving travelers a natural add-on for relaxation after the trek, and the sector is a convenient stop for those combining gorilla trekking with birding, since Ruhija is considered one of the best birding areas in Bwindi.
Planning a Trek to See the Oruzogo Family
Visitors hoping to trek the Oruzogo family should book their gorilla permit well in advance, given how limited daily permits are for each habituated group in Bwindi. Since this family is based in the Ruhija sector, it’s worth pairing your permit with accommodation in or near Ruhija, and packing the usual trekking essentials, sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, and plenty of water, given the sector’s varied terrain and unpredictable rainforest weather.
