Rugendo Gorilla Family is one of the fascinating and pioneer Gorilla Groups in Virunga National Park, oldest Park in Africa gazetted in 1925. Set within the Eastern border of Democratic Republic of Congo, this Park is part of the great Virunga Conservation Area that also include Mgahinga Gorilla National Park of Uganda and Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda. Found close to Bukima ranger Post (Park Headquarters), Rugendo became popular long ago in 1989 when it became the first gorilla family to be successfully habituated and trekked by visitors in Virunga National Park.
This incredible gorilla group was under the leadership of two silverbacks (Rugendo and his son Humba) during the time of habituation. Very Interesting! The group together with Zunguruka (currently Kabirizi group) started their habituation process in 1985 and lasted for 3 years. However, they were later opened for trekking in 1989 making them one of the pioneer gorilla groups.
Rugendo led his group until 2001 when he was brutally murdered by rebels within Bukima sector of Virunga National Park. Besides being one of the pioneer silverbacks, he was interestingly a father to many other popular silverbacks that later became leaders of other gorilla groups in Virunga National Park. These include Bahati, Mapuwa, Baseka, Lubutu, Humba, Mukunda, Ruzirabwoba, Kongomani, Senkwekwe, Mburanumwe and Nyakamwe. Majority of these silverbacks formed their own groups/families, for instance Nyakamwe and Humba who departed in 1997 to form one gorilla group (later known as Humba) but eventually separated again to start another group known as Nyakamwe.
After Rugendo’s passing, his immediate son Senkwekwe became the leader of Rugendo Gorilla Group until 2007 when he was also savagely killed by unidentified gunmen (believed to be from Interahamwe Militia) together with other five mountain gorillas that also belonged to this family. For a number of months until 2008, this incredible gorilla family did not have a leader until a lone silverback known as “Bukima” took over leadership. Bukima was originally a member of Buhanga Group before leaving to join Munyanga Group where he lived until 2005 when he left to live a solitary life. He later found home and shelter in Rugendo group where he even rose to become the leader.
Rugendo Gorilla Group is presently comprised of 10 members that include 3 silverbacks, 2 adult females, 1 sub-adult female, 2 juveniles and 2 infants.
Other Gorilla Groups in Virunga National Park are Nyakamwe, Humba, Mapuwa, Munyanga, Kabirizi, Bageni and Lulengo.
Gorilla Permits for trekking Rugendo Gorilla Group.
Gorilla Permits for Trekking Rugendo Gorilla Group cost $400 foreign visitors and $200 for Congo Citizens. This fee is lower than the other two countries where mountain gorillas are trekked.
Best time to trek Rugendo Gorilla Family.
Virunga National Park can be visited all year round but the ideal time to trek the gorillas is the dry season-June to September as well as December to February when Park roads are easily accessible and hiking trails not muddy/or slippery and in good condition.
The wet season – March to May as well as October to early December present more challenging trekking conditions but attracts fewer visitors hence discounts are offered by most accommodation facilities. Also, it never rains the whole day and treks have never been cancelled because of rain.
