Habinyanja Gorilla Family is one of the interesting habituated gorilla groups in Buhoma sector, north of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The group’s name was derived from a Rukiga word “Nyanja” meaning “water body”, due to the fact that it was first spotted near a small river. Habituation of Habinyanja Gorilla Family began in 1997 and was opened for trekking in 1999, making it one of the oldest groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, in south-western Uganda.
It is one of the most breathtaking gorilla groups to trek because of the endless drama and power struggles associated with the members of the family. At the time it was first spotted, the group was led by Mugurusi meaning “old male” in the local Rukiga dialect. He led a large group comprising of up to 30 members, a rare case with gorilla groups, whether habituated or unhabituated. His reign was characterized by power struggles even after his death, the other three silverbacks that also lived in the group also fought to take control of the family. These silverbacks were Makara (meaning charcoal), Rwansigazi (youthful) and Mwirima (meaning darkness).
Rwansigazi was the most qualified candidate but because Mwirima was equally grown-up at the time of Mugurusi’s death, there were succession struggles. Surprisingly, these two silverbacks shared power for a number of years. However, this couldn’t go on forever as these two silverbacks decided to peacefully separate and divide the group into two, and this was in 2002. Gorillas that preferred to explore and adventure followed Rwansigazi whereas those that took pleasure in ranging within a small area went with Mwirima. Rwansigazi’s group maintained the name Habinyanja while Mwirima’s group became Rushegura.
As years went by, Rwansigazi became older and tired hence decided to hand over leadership of the group to Makara and together with the other 18 members range over an extensive area in Buhoma sector. The most interesting thing is that even when Habinyanja and Rushegura groups meet, they don’t fight. Other gorilla groups in Buhoma are therefore Rushegura, Mubare and Katwe.
Trekking Habinyanja Gorilla Family
It takes half an hour to over 6 hours to trek Habinyanja Gorilla Family but when found, your time with them is limited to only one hour per day. Also, only persons above the age of 15 years are allowed to trek these mountain gorillas. Gorilla permits for this group cost only $700 and booking has to be done at least 6 months in advance for advance planning.
On top of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mountain gorillas are found in other three Protected Areas – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in south-western Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in north-western Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. These three Parks together form part of the extensive Virunga Conservation Area.
Where to stay?
Unforgettable gorilla trekking experiences not only involve coming up-close with the giant apes but also finding a convenient and comfortable place to rest/spend overnight and enjoy a delicious meal. This however is not a worry because Buhoma sector features a wide range of budget, midrange and luxury places to stay and they include Jungle View Lodge, Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge, Mahogany Springs Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Eco Marvels Gorilla Resort, Buhoma Community Rest Camp, Silverback Lodge, Engagi Lodge, Lake Kitandara Bwindi Camp and many others.
Early risers can also book for accommodation facilities in the nearby Ruhija sector (about 2 hours’ drive from Buhoma sector), Kanungu district and the pristine shores of Lake Bunyonyi.
