Group Name: Habinyanja Gorilla Family
Leader: Makara Silverback
Group Number: 17 (June 2016)
Location of the Group: Buhoma Sector in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Neighbours: Rushegura, Mubare Gorilla Groups, Katwe group, Muyambi gorilla family
The Habinyanja Gorilla group was one of the earlier habituated family in the Buhoma area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It’s noted that over the years has had thousands of visitors from around the world that have spent an hour with them in the ancient forest.
In addition, trekking Habinyanja group, normally takes almost a full day – it’s estimated to five hours or more to track the Habinyanja Group. They daily move and roam over a wide range in the forest. Nevertheless there are harder groups to track that take a bit more energy. It is a larger group of about 17 in size with two Silverbacks – but such figures change as gorilla babies arrive, old members die or move to another group and other factors.
The group was first discovered near a swamp in Bwindi Impenetrable forest. The name Habinyanja comes from the local name for Flooded water “Nyanja”
Gorilla Families are like human families, they split sometimes and the Rushegura family also found in Buhoma area split off from Habinyanja group some years back to form its own family. However, these two families and the Mubare Gorilla Families cross each others path and the meetings are mostly peaceful in nature.
If you are tracking the Habinyanja Gorilla Family you need to do so from Buhoma entrance to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Here is what you need to know about Habinyanja Gorilla Group;
Location: Buhoma tourism sector of Bwindi Impenetrable national park.
Difficulty level: The trek can vary in difficulty, but its generally considered manageable. It’s noted that the group’s location can change affecting the expected trekking duration.
Trek Duration: The time to spend tracking the gorillas can range from a 3 hours to over 5 hours, depending on the group’s location and movement.
Age Limit: Vistors must be 15 years old minimum.
Visitor Group size: Limited to 8 visitors per day.
Why choose Habinyanja gorilla group?
- Habituation: The Habinyanja group was one of the first gorilla family to be habituated, starting in 1991, also this make them comfortable with human presense.
- Accessibility: The group is located in Buhoma sector, which is easily accessible and offers various accommodation options.
- Experience: Trekking the Habinyanja group provides a unique opportunity to observe these magnificient creatures in their natural habitat.
Booking Tips and Recommendation.
Book in advance: Secure your permit well in advance to ensure availability, book permits atleast 3-6 months in advance, depending on the season.
Physical condition: Be prepared for a portantially challanging hike and consider you physical condition before booking.
Guided Tour: Join a guided tour to ensure a safe and successful trekking experience.
Overall, the Habinyanja gorilla group offers a rewarding trekking experience for those willing to put in effort.
How to book a gorilla permit? You can book through a registered tour operator in Uganda who will liase with Uganda Wildlife Authority reservation office to get you a permit.
Early booking are advised, especially during peak season (June to August and December to February)
What to Expect:
- A gorilla hike through the dense forest to track the gorillas.
- Observation and learning about gorilla behavior and social structures.
- Great opportunities for close photography and interaction with the guide.
- A certificate will be awarded upon completion of the trekking experience.
Lastly, If you are interested in combining this experience with other tour activities, consider 6 Days Uganda gorilla trekking and Wildlife Safari or just take a 3 Days Uganda gorilla Safari to Bwindi forest.
