Mukiza Gorilla Family is the recent addition to the habituated gorilla families in Ruhija gorilla trekking region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It formed in May 2016 and after breaking away from Kyaguriro gorilla group. Its addition makes Ruhija sector, a gorilla trekking region of 4 habituated gorilla families (the other 3 groups include Kyaguriro, Oruzongo and Bitukura). This also creates additional 8 gorilla permits to be purchased by tourists on Uganda gorilla safari.
Mukiza group is comprised of 15 members and it broke off from Kyaguriro after the group was invaded by Rukara. This led Mukiza to leave the family with about 10 members to make a new gorilla group. It should be noted that for gorillas to break away is a normal behavior and it is caused by many factors including fights. This also has impact on their composition and that is why each time numbers keep changing.
What is interesting is that the more gorilla families break away, it means more gorilla permits. Each gorilla family represents 8 gorilla trekking permits, translating into 8 trekkers and in Uganda, gorilla permits are sold at $700. Mukiza group which is also popular as Kyaguriro B family is under the leadership of Mukiza silverback. Unlike other gorilla families, Mukiza group is famous for spending most of their time within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and on rare occasions do they go to the forest’s boundaries.
In October 2020, Mukiza group of Ruhija sector welcomed its new baby gorilla from Mwijukye mother gorilla. This increased on the number of its members to 15. Today, a group of 8 eligible trekkers can participate on gorilla trekking adventure to explore Mukiza gorilla group in Ruhija area of Bwindi.
Treks begin early with briefing at Ruhija trailhead from park official and at 8:00am, you can begin your search. Spending an hour with Mukiza gorilla group is undoubtedly a magical experience of a lifetime and you should be part of this thrilling experience on Uganda safari.
Gorilla safari permits
Yes, it is a must to have a valid gorilla permit if you are to track Mukiza gorilla family or any habituated gorilla group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Each of the Uganda gorilla permits are available for purchase for foreign non-residents above 15 years at $700, foreign residents $600 and shs. 250000 in case of citizens within East Africa community. You can book your gorilla permit and have opportunity to track Mukiza group through our reservation team or directly with reservation from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Alternatively, you can take up our gorilla habituation experience safaris offered only in Rushaga region of Bwindi. Gorilla habituation permits are available for purchase at US Dollars 1500 for foreign non-residents above 15 years, $ 1000 foreign residents and citizens within East Africa shs. 750,000. Note, gorilla habituation is generally a process of initiating/making the wild/semi habituated gorillas used to human presence before they are opened for gorilla tourism. It is a process that takes time, about 2 years, less or more as it may depend on how fast they can get used to human presence.
What carry on gorilla Safari in Bwindi?
What carry on gorilla Safari in Bwindi?Whether you plan to trek Mukiza gorilla family or any of Bwindi’s habituated gorilla groups, you must pack well. Not everything deserves to be carried but have essentials such as long-sleeved shirts, water proof hiking boots/shoes, enough drinking water, rain jacket/poncho, camera with no flashlight, gardening gloves, first aid kit, snacks, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and others.
Best time to come to track gorillas in Bwindi
Bwindi is generally considered to be an all-year-round Uganda safari destination. But gorilla trekking is best done during the dry season of June, July, August, September or December, January, February.