Mubare Gorilla Family
Found in Buhoma sector north of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mubare gorilla family is Uganda’s oldest gorilla group. Mubare family was habituated in 1991 and fully opened for trekking in 1993 receiving the firsts et of gorilla trekkers who visited Bwindi Forest. The Mubare Gorilla Family holds a very special place in Uganda’s conservation history for the Gorillas not just a subject for wildlife encounter but the very basis upon which Uganda’s successful mountain gorilla trekking was started. Mubare family is one of the most favored gorilla groups in Uganda loved by travelers on Uganda gorilla tours
Location and Historical Significance
The Mubare group lives in the Buhoma Sector in the northern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and is the park’s most popular and accessible gorilla trekking area. The gorilla family is named after the Mubare hills where it was first seen. The process of habituating the Mubare family started in 1991 lasting for over 2 years before the family was declared free for trekking. In 1993, the family officially welcomed its first tourists, marking the beginning of commercial gorilla trekking in Uganda and establishing a vital source of funding for mountain gorilla conservation. Gorilla habituation is a gentle and long process of familiarizing them with a human presence. For eleven years, Mubare was the only group available for trekking in Bwindi.
The early history of the Mubare family is intimately linked to its founding dominant male (silverback) Ruhondeza (whose name amusingly means “the one who oversleeps”). During the powerful and protective leadership of this male, the family initially grew from 12 to a peak of approximately 18 members. His fierce territorial defense just like other Gorillas by nature was suspected of trying hard to eliminate young male rivals, securing his dominance and preventing future splits.
As Ruhondeza grew older, the group faced greater challenges. Conflicts with wild groups and natural attrition saw the family size reduce to as few as five individuals. Ruhondeza eventually succumbed to old age and was found dead in 2012 near the park boundaries. He was respectfully buried near the Buhoma park headquarters in recognition to his role in conservation.
Today, the Mubare family is one of the smallest habituated groups in Bwindi with between 7 to 9 members. The smaller size of the group offers trekkers a particularly intimate experience, where individual behaviors and interactions are easier to observe. The family is currently led by a dominant Silverback named Maraya.
The Trekking Experience of Mubare Gorilla Family
Trekking through the forest to see the Mubare group remains one of the most popular gorilla experiences in Uganda. Here are some of the things to note if you are planning to visit Mubare Gorilla Family. The group is generally considered one of the easiest families to track due to their historic home range being close to the Buhoma trailhead. However, it is essential to remember that gorillas are wild animals, and the trek can still last longer than expected depending on their movements that day
The adventure begins early at the Buhoma park headquarters with a briefing from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers. As per the policy, only eight permits are issued daily for the Mubare family to minimize stress on the animals.
Visitors are allowed to spend one unforgettable hour observing the family once spotted. This time provides an opportunity to witness the silverback leading, mothers nurturing, and juveniles engaging in playful games.The Mubare Gorilla Family is not merely another habituated gorilla group; it’s a living testimony to the success of mountain gorilla conservation. Every permit purchased contributes directly to protecting these gentle creatures and the untouched forest they call home.
Other gorilla families in Mubare sector
In addition to Mbare gorilla family, Buhoma is hoem to other gorilla groups. These include Rushegura family, Hbinyanja family. Katwe family, Binyndo family and Muyambi Gorilla group. Due to ease of access, gorilla permits in Buhoma sector normally sell out first which limit chances of last minute bookers. Travelers interested in specifically trekking gorillas in Buhoma sector are therefire advised to book in advance to secure permits
Other gorilla regions in Bwindi Forest
Altogether, Bwindi Forest is made up of four gorilla regions/sector. These regions include Ruhija sector in the East home to Bitukura family, Oruzogo Family, Kyagulito family and Mukiza gorilla group. Nkuringo sector in the south sheters Nkuringo gorilla family, Christmas family, Bushaho family and Posho family. Rushaga sector in the southern region is a popular region hosting Nsongi Family, Bweza Family, Bikyingi Family, Rwigi Family, Tindataine, Mucunguzi and Kutu gorilla groups
Book a gorilla tour to Bwindi Forest an visit the historical Mubare gorilla family with Superfine Safaris Limited