Gorilla Families in Buhoma Sector

1. Mubare Group – 9 Members

Mubare is the oldest of all habituated gorilla families in the Bwindi. The family is led by a dominant Silverback Maraya. Silverback “Ruhondeza” is the historic family leader who succumbed to old age in June 2012 and left the leadership of the family in the hands of his eldest son; Silverback “Kanyonyi”. In November 2017, the lone Silverback “Maraya” fought and killed “Kanyonyi” before taking over the family leadership.

When Kanyonyi died, most of the family members emigrated and a few babies were killed by the enraged Maraya. Infanticide is a common practice among gorillas, especially when unrelated leaders take over group governance. Mubare consists of 9 individuals, including:

• 1 silverback
• 4 adult females
• 4 infants

2. Habinyanja Group – 12 Members

Habinyanja gorilla family is headed by silverback Makara. This gorilla group is mostly found in the Nyamishamba area of Buhoma sector.

The family is known for its adventurous character. It often explores new locations far from their familiar grounds. Researchers began the habituation process for this group in 1996. Currently, the Habinyanja gorilla family consists of;

• 2 silverbacks
• 2 blackbacks
• 3 adult females
• 3 young adult females
• 2 juveniles

3. Rushegura Group – 19Members

Rushegura gorilla family was named by the primate biologists named after Ebishegura, a species of trees common in the area where this family was first habituated in February 2002 under Silverback Mwirima’s leadership. The troop is currently under the strong leadership of dominant Silverback “Kabukojo.” . This gorilla family is sometimes seen foraging for food near Buhoma headquarters of the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

They are also known to explore the area around the lodges and community gardens close to their home grounds. This gorilla family has:

• 2 silverbacks
• 6 adult females
• 3 blackbacks
• 4 juveniles (1 female and 3 males)
• 4 infants

4. Katwe Group – 9 Members

Katwe gorilla family gets its name from the hills where researchers originally started the habituation process of this family group. Many of the members in this family group were originally part of the Mubare Gorilla Family, Bwindi’s oldest habituated family in the Buhoma sector. The Katwe Gorilla Family is headed by the silverback Mahaane.

It currently has 9 members, including;

• 2 silverbacks
• 2 blackbacks
• 3 adult females
• 2 young adult females

5. Muyambi Group – 7 Members

This is the newest of the gorilla families in Buhoma Sector of Bwindi (since early 2019). Additionally, it consists of 7 members with the leader being Muyambi, the silverback.

Muyambi was an adult family member of Mubare Gorilla family and it split away from the family to form another family called Muyambi family now. The gorillas are amazing to watch as they live their daily life of eating, communicating, resting and movement on ground and in the trees.  Muyambi gorilla family is an addition in the park since April 2020.

6. Binyindo Group – 9 Members

Researchers monitored and studied Binyindo Gorilla Family for three years before finally opening it up to gorilla trekking tourism. In 2019, the group was added to the list of gorilla families in the Buhoma sector. The Binyindo consists of 9 members, including;

• 1 dominant silverback

7. Kanyanyi Group – 5 Members

A small but charming group led by Silverback Kanyanyi. Their name, meaning “friendly” in the local language, reflects their relaxed nature — perfect for photographers and first-timers.