The Bwenge Gorilla Family is a remarkable and resilient group of mountain gorillas that resides in the slopes of the Karisoke Volcano in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This family group consists of 11 members, including a dominant silverback, who has guided them through many challenges over the years. The group’s history has been marked by several hardships, including the tragic loss of six infants.
Despite these setbacks, the Bwenge family has persevered, experiencing significant recovery with two successful births in the last couple of years. The silverback leading the group is particularly strong, providing leadership and stability to the family.
The Bwenge Gorilla Family was established in 2007 when the silverback, Bwenge, left his original birth group and took the lead of a new family. He was joined by several females who came from other gorilla groups, creating a diverse and dynamic family structure. Since then, the group has been thriving, continuing to grow and adapt to the challenges of life in the wild.
Trekking to visit the Bwenge Gorilla Family is considered one of the more challenging gorilla trekking experiences for gorilla trekkers in Volcanoes National Park. Located at a significant distance from the starting point, this trek usually takes more than three hours. The journey to reach the Bwenge family involves navigating through difficult terrain, including slippery, muddy, and steep trails that make the hike physically demanding. The area where this gorilla family is located is rugged and can be difficult to navigate, so trekkers should be prepared for a strenuous hike.
The trek to visit the Bwenge Gorilla Family is an unforgettable experience, offering the opportunity to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. The reward of seeing the family up close is well worth the effort, but it’s important to note that the physical demands of the trek mean that visitors should be in good physical condition and ready for a rigorous adventure. For those who are able to undertake the challenge, the experience of meeting the Bwenge Gorilla Family is truly unique and awe-inspiring.