Kahungye gorilla family is one of the 9 habituated gorilla groups within Rushaga gorilla trekking region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It was opened for gorilla tourism in 2011 and takes its name from the hill where was originally sighted.
Kahungye broke off from Busingye group family and has a composition of about 13 family members. But it should be noted that the composition of these apes keeps fluctuating depending on the number of unavoidable factors like death, splits.
Unlike before, the group consisted of up to about 27 family members and Gwigi its dominant leader. The word Gwigi locally denotes ‘door’ and trekking Kahungye gorilla family remarkably rewards holidaymakers with thrilling experience. The others Rushaga gorilla trekking families include;
Busingye gorilla group.
Busingye gorilla family group was created in 2012 after splitting from Kahungye group and it is led by Busingye silverback. This is one of the peaceful family groups making it one of the interesting groups to interact.
Mishaya group.
Originally, Mishaya gorilla group was part of Nshongi family in Rushaga area and it broke away in 2010. Mishaya left with some of Nshongi’s group members thus reducing on its members.
Nshongi gorilla family.
Nshongi featured as biggest family group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda, comprising of 36 family members. This takes its name from a river in which it was initially sighted. In 2010, it split when Mishaya formed and later in 2013, Bweza also split to form its own group.
Gorilla permits.
Gorilla trekking permits for Kahungye group are available for purchase at US $700 for non-residents, US $600 and shs. 250,000 for East Africa Community citizens. Kahungye alone represents about 8 gorilla permits translating into 8 trekkers. These available for booking through a reliable/reputable ground tour operator/company or directly with reservation team from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
In addition to carrying a gorilla permit, carry other essentials such as long-sleeved shirt, hat, insect repellents, daypack, waterproof hiking boots, camera without a flashlight, socks, first aid kit/medical kit.
Where to stay?
Safari holidaymakers with a plan to trek Kahungye gorilla family can have overnight stay in a budget, mid-range or luxury safari lodge. The lodging choices in and around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include Gorilla safari Lodge, Ichumbi gorilla lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Haven, and so many others.
Gorilla trekking etiquette.
Always maintain a distance of 7-10m from a gorilla group family.
Do not turn on a flash when taking pictures of gorillas or filming them in the natural habitat.
The 1 hour of close encounter should be observed once you come across a gorilla family group.
A valid permit must be carried and presented before the park authorities if you are to have opportunity to go track gorillas.
You should be 15 years of age if you are to have permission to go track gorillas.
Wash your hands or use sanitizer before setting off to look for the assigned gorilla family.
