Mountain gorillas are a sub species of Eastern low land gorillas inhabiting the tropical rainforests of the Virunga range volcanoes found in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Gorillas are the world’s largest apes sharing 98 percent DNA with humans.
Mountain gorillas are calm and gentle giants but can become extremely aggressive when they feel disturbed, a gorilla will send warning signs to its opponent by beating chest, making loud hoots, throwing vegetation, showing teeth and so much more, if the opponent doesn’t attack then it will eventually attack causing severe injuries or death.
Mountain gorillas usually have one predator in the wild and that is a leopard though humans are also a threat to gorilla population through poaching and habitat loss. Silverback gorillas normally fight with other silverbacks who may want to grab members of their families, the fights between silverbacks are always massive causing severe injuries and some members of the family can be taken to another family.
Oruzogo gorilla family
Oruzogo mountain gorilla family is found in Ruhijja sector of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, tourists trekking this family book accommodation in Ruhijja or Buhoma sector of the park. The family was opened for trekking in 2012 and it was dominated Tibirikwata.
Kyaguriro gorilla family derives its name from a local word for a plant called “Oruzogoto” a plant common within its home range area, the family was dedicated for research purposes but later opened for trekking due to high demand of gorilla permits in Bwindi in Uganda.
Oruzogo mountain gorilla family is composed of 17 individuals including 1 juveniles, 5 infants, 5 adult females, 2 sub adults, 2 black backs and 2 silverbacks making it one of the exciting groups to trek because of their playful characters. It should be noted that numbers in gorilla groups keep changing from time to time.
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is every travellers dream for those visiting Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Though the activity is expensive the reward after meeting the great apes is worth the expense. Gorilla trekking in Uganda can be done in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park or Mgahinga gorilla national park respectively.
What to bring for gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking involves tourists hiking the tropical rainforests of Bwindi and this can take several hours so tourists must come along with; plenty of drinking water, energy snacks, water proof hiking boots, insect repellents, warm and long sleeved clothes, hats, sun glasses, binoculars, cameras and so much more. Porters are always available to help you carry your luggage at a cheap price.
Best time to visit Oruzogo gorilla family
Uganda has got two dry seasons and two wet seasons in a year, the best time for visiting gorillas is during the dry season of June to August and December to February when the trekking trails are not muddy and slippery. During this time, the vegetation is also not tick making it easy to see gorillas and take clear photos. Gorilla permits must always be booked in advance of 3 months before the trekking date.
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