Group Name: Kaguliro-Rukara & Kyaguliro-Mukiza Gorilla Families
Leaders of the Group: Rukara & Mukiza Silverbacks
Group Number: 20 (June 2016)
Location: Ruhija Area in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Neighbours: Oruzogo, & Butukura Gorilla Group.
Kyaguliro Gorilla group A & B – Mukiza Gorilla family are found in Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable national park Uganda. The Kyaguliro gorilla group habituation began in 1995 following sudden death of the principal family head Rukina who succumbed to an electric shock. This shock was due to lightening on 7th April 2015.
Later after Rukina’s demise, the family was however left under the leadership of an inexperienced young Silverback Mukiza. The Mukiza Silverback was later ambushed by an immigrating Adult Silverback (Rukara) from the Bitukura family. This fueled a split of the family into two. Here they formed the Kyaguliro A -Rukara and Kyaguliro B -Mukiza in May 2016. As a result, we have got two indipendet group names from Kyaguliro A&B. (A- is Kyaguliro Gorilla group and B – is Mukiza Gorilla group).
However this split was not yet assured since the two sub-families continued to forage within close vicinity pausing high potential for re-union – crossing back and forth by some family members. Generally, Kyaguliro family is known for spending almost all its time deep in the forest and rarely gets close to the forest’s peripherals.
Apparently Rukara is composed of 10 individuals; 1 silverback, 2 blackbacks, 3 adult females, 2 juveniles and 2 infants. Mukiza Gorilla group is also made up of 10 individuals who include; 1 silverback, 4 adult females, 1 sub-adult and 4 infants.
Here is what you need to know about Kyaguliro Gorilla Group A&B;
Location: Ruhija tourism sector of Bwindi Impenetrable national park.
Difficulty level: The trek can vary in difficulty, but its generally considered easy group to trek. It’s noted that the group’s location can change affecting the expected trekking duration.
Trek Duration: The time to spend tracking gorillas can range from 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 Kyaguliro gorilla group?
- Habituation: Kyaguliro group members was one of the first gorillas to be habituated in Ruhija sector, also this make them more comfortable with human presense.
- Accessibility: The group is located in Ruhija sector, which is easily accessible along Kabale buhoma road and offers various accommodation options.
- Experience: Trekking the Bitukura 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 Kyaguliro gorilla group A & (B Mukiza)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 Silverback Gorilla tour Uganda or just take a 3 Days Gorilla trek Uganda from Kigali to Bwindi forest.
