This is one of the pioneer groups in Ruhija sector, east of Bwindi impenetrable forest and part of the 20 groups habituated in this diverse UNESCO World heritage destination. Bitukura Gorilla Family is not just a lively group, but those who have visited it before can testify how charming, calm and peaceful this family is!
Bitukura is a unique family and unlike other families it was only habituated for one year that is between 2007 and 2008. It was officially opened for tourism in May 2008. Most gorilla families are habituated for a period of not less than 2 years before they get fully used to human presence.
Borrowing its name from the river where this family was first sighted, Bitukura is particularly a simple group to meet and interact with, located not very far from the trail head. Silverback Ndahura is the dominant male supported by other young silverbacks including Karamuzi (2nd in command), Rukumu (3rd) and Rukara (4th). Therefore, this is a unique group where four silverbacks live together in harmony without constant fights.
Bitukura family composition and members.
Bitukura is made up of 13 group members including silverbacks, mother gorillas/adult females, juveniles, black backs and infants, as categorized below;
- 1 Dominant silverback – Ndahura
- 4 assistant silverbacks (Karamuzi, Rukumu and Rukara).
- 2 Infants (Kadogo and Mubwindi)
- 3 Adult females (Muhara, Betina and Kamuga)
- 2 Blackbacks (Twakire and Obia)
- 1 Juvenile (Kabandize, who migrated from Kyaguriro Family)
While the silverbacks provide protection and security to the family, mothers care for, feed and nurse the young ones, juveniles keep the group lively and active and infants are a hope for the future survival and continuity of the family; each member literally has an individual role to play.
Acquiring gorilla permits to track Bitukura family.
Just like any other gorilla group in Uganda, Bitukura has a maximum of only 8 permits on any given day. Therefore 8 lucky tourists get the chance to visit this charming family for 1 hour each day. This limited number has led to restricted supply and yet there’s high demand for gorilla permits for Ruhija sector. Thus, every person who aspires to visit Ruhija and specifically Bitukura family is advised to book their permit at least 4 months before their tracking date. During peak season (summer), permits should be booked 6 months in advance and paid fully by booking with a professional tour agency or directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority.
A gorilla permit in Uganda costs only 700$ per person, and this allows one to be in the presence of these charming primates for a period of one hour. This price is inclusive of a professional, informative ranger guide, park entry fees, pre-trek briefing, vehicle parking fee for one day and a cup of warm coffee.
Other gorilla groups in Ruhija sector, other than Bitukura.
Ruhija is one of the gorilla trekking sectors in Bwindi with highest number of habituated gorilla groups, only second to Rushaga sector. It is home to 4 habituated families, which include Oruzogo, Kyaguriro, Mukiza (formerly Kyaguriro B) and Bitukura. This brings to a total of 32 gorilla permits allocated to Ruhija sector per day.
Best time to visit Bitukura Gorilla Family
Bitukura Gorilla Family can be visited all year round, but the most ideal time is during dry seasons (June, July, August and September) and December to Mid-February. This is when the trekking trails are dry with little to no forest undergrowth and less chances of rainfall to interrupt this interesting adventure.
However, the wet season also comes with a lot of benefits, but most particularly discounts and less congestion. Most lodges and tour operators extend discounts to their clients so as to attract a huge number of travelers.
