Mountain gorillas live in socials groups of 5 to 30 individuals dominated by an alpha male silverback that takes care of all the group activities. They are shy and gentle animals though they can become very aggressive when they are disturbed.
Mountain gorillas use about 25 ways of vocalization for communicating with each other, mountain gorillas have also known to be very intelligent animals and this is seen by their use of sticks for different things like picking termites in holes, measuring the depth of a stream and use of logs to cross rivers.
Mucunguzi gorilla family
Mucunguzi gorilla family is one of the newly habituated gorilla families in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, the name Mucunguzi is derived from a local word to mean “savoir” and it’s named after a solitary male Mucunguzi that formed the group.
Mucunguzi the silverback was part of Bweza mountain gorilla family and was the third youngest silverback of the group. Mucunguzi was chased and abandoned to become a lone male after picking up a fight with the dominating silverback of Bweza gorilla family.
After leaving a solitary life for quite some time, silverback Mucunguzi attacked Bikingi mountain gorilla family and grabbed some members especially females to start up his own gorilla family. The family is now comprised of 8 members though numbers in gorilla families keep on changing depending on births, deaths, new members and so much more.
Bweza gorilla family
Bweza mountain gorilla family is the group which Mucunguzi left to start up his own gorilla family, Bweza mountain gorilla family was initially part of Nshongi gorilla family until it separated to form Mishaya gorilla family that also separated to form Bweza gorilla family.
Gorilla trekking
Trekking Mucunguzi gorilla family can be done in Rushagga sector of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, the trek normally starts with briefing from the park headquarters early morning. The trek takes between 30 minutes to several hours depending on the movement of the gorilla family and also the phase of hikers.
Gorilla habituation
Gorilla habituation can be done in Rushagga sector of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and this involves joining researchers and rangers in their daily work of daily habituation. A group of only 4 tourists are allowed to participate in gorilla habituation process and you get to spend 4 hours in the presence of mountain gorillas unlike trekking where you spend only one hour.
Gorilla permits
Gorilla trekking permits cost $700 per person per trekking and gorilla habituation permits cost $ 1500 per person. Permits must always be booked in advance of 3 months before arriving in the country to avoid disappointment.
What to carry
Travellers planning to trek the endangered mountain gorillas should not only be physically fit but also carry water proof hiking boots, plenty of drinking water, energy snacks, insect repellents, binoculars, warm and long sleeved clothes, sun screen, hat, sun glasses and many other things you will need. There are potters available to help you carry your staff at an affordable price.
Book your dream safari below.
Do you want to customize this safari by adding more activities, days or destinations? There is a much more detailed contact form with all these details. Kindly click the book now button below.
