The Democratic Republic of Congo has 8 gorilla families habituated for trekking in Virunga National Park. The park covers Congo share of the Virunga Conservation Area bordered by Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda and Volcanoes National park in Rwanda. Whereas gorilla trekking in Congo has been often hindered by the continuous civil conflicts in the Park, mountain gorillas have thrived and stayed up to now ready to welcome you on your Congo gorilla tour. Lets explore the Gorilla Families in DR Congo.
Virunga Park is visited by a group of eight people per day. This guarantee availability of 64 gorilla permits in Congo issued on first come first serve basis. Fortunately, gorilla trekking in Congo is far cheaper costing $400usd compared to $700 in Uganda and $1500 in Rwanda. The low cost gorilla permits in Congo make it a best gorilla safari destination for budget travelers. Besides mountain gorillas, Congo is home to the Eastern lowland gorillas, which live in Kahuzi-Biega National park.
Mountain Gorilla families in D.R. Congo include;
Nyakamwe gorilla group.
Comprised of 11 members, Nyakamwe gorilla family derives its name from the dominant silverback gorilla “Nyakamwe”. The group split from Humba family when Nyakamwe had conflicts with his elder brother Nyakamwe. This gorilla family resides in Bukima area and was formed in 2014 making it one of the newest gorilla families in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Kabirizi Gorilla Family.
Headed by Kabirizi, this gorilla family is one of the oldest gorilla families in Virunga National park. Kabirizi family was initially called “Ndungutse” silverback gorilla who had taken over power from Zunguruka his fallen father. Ndungutse was shot dead I 1997 which left the family with no leader.
Those gave chance to Kabirizi, the stray silverback that took over leadership of the gorilla family. Kabirizi became the new name of the gorilla
Rugendo Gorilla Family.
Rugendo is apparently one of the largest gorilla families in Virunga National park. Bukima silverback gorilla that took over leadership from the initial leader Rugendo silverback gorilla leads the family. Rugendo fathered different silverbacks such as Mapuwa, Humba, Mukunda, Baseka, Nyakamwe and Lubutu. Rugendo has 9 members comprised of 2 sub adult females, 3 Silverbacks, 1 adult female, 1 silverback and 2 babies. Rugendo gorilla family lives in Mikeno sector of Virunga National park.
Humba gorilla family.
Named after its silverback gorilla “Humba”, Humba gorilla family is yet another interesting gorilla family in Virunga National Park. Humba family was initially part of the Rugendo family until when Humba silverback rebelled against his father Rugendo to form his independent group.
Apparently, human has 10 members inclusive of the silverback, adult females, juveniles and infants. In 2014, Humba family was split due to the misunderstandings between Humba silverback and his brother Nyakamwe.
Nyakamwe was powerful and left Humba family along with 10 members especially adult females leaving Humba family with a very limited number of members. However, the family has strived and gained new members through new births.
Bageni Gorilla Family.
Located in Gatovu and Bukima regions of Virunga National Park, Bageni is the largest gorilla family in Vrunga National Park comprised of 26 members. Bageni family split from Kabirizi family when the two brothers (Bageni and Kabirizi) failed to agree. An encounter with Bageni family gives you high chances of seeing a variety of gorillas due to its large size.
Lulengo gorilla family.
Lulengo gorilla family was initially called Musekura and us one of the not miss gorilla families to visit in Virunga National park. The gorilla family apparently has 9 members
Munyaga Gorilla Group
Residing in Bukima sector of Virunga National park, Munyaga gorilla family is an interesting gorilla group you should visit. The family is currently under the leadership of Gasore silverback who took over leadership from Mawozo who has succeeded his father Munyaga. The set of twins in this family make it a favorite for most travelers in Virunga National park.
Mapuwa Gorilla Family
Mapuwa gorilla family comprise of 22 gorilla members, which make it the second largest gorilla family after Bageni. The family is named after its founder Mapuwa who had split from his father Rugendo to form an independent family. Mapuwa was later succeeded by his son Mvuyekure is currently leading the group. Mapuwa gorilla family is located in Jomba area located near Congo’s border with Uganda.
Generally, Congo is an interesting gorilla safari destination you ought to visit. The fewer visitors to Virunga National park offer you an off-beaten kind of gorilla experience.
