Mubare Gorilla Family Bwindi’s Trailblazing Group.
The Mubare Gorilla Family, located in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, holds a special place in gorilla trekking. It was the first group to undergo habituation in Bwindi, laying the foundation for Uganda’s ecotourism and conservation efforts.
Today, the family attracts visitors from around the world, offering a unique and intimate connection with these majestic creatures.
History of the Mubare Gorilla Family
The Mubare Gorilla Family’s story began in 1993 when it became the first group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to be habituated for human interaction. Its name comes from the Mubare Hills, a series of forested ridges where the group was first spotted.
Initially, the family was led by Ruhondeza, a powerful and charismatic silverback. Under his leadership, the group grew to a size of 18 members.
However, the family’s journey has been marked by challenges, including territorial battles with wild gorillas and natural attrition due to old age and illness. Despite these struggles, the group has maintained its resilience and cohesion.
Ruhondeza passed away in 2012, and a younger silverback took over as the family’s leader. The group has since stabilized and now consists of 9 to 12 members, including a dominant silverback, females, juveniles, and infants.
The Mubare Gorilla Family’s Current Composition.
The Mubare family is one of the smaller habituated groups in Bwindi, with its size ranging between 9 and 12 members. Its close-knit social structure offers visitors a more intimate and up-close experience, where they can observe gorilla behavior, including playful juveniles, nurturing mothers, and the powerful silverback leading the group.
Location and Habitat.
The Mubare Gorilla Family resides in the Buhoma sector, the northern gateway to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Buhoma is renowned for its accessibility, scenic trails, and diverse ecosystems.
The family’s home range encompasses dense montane forests, steep ridges, and valleys teeming with biodiversity. Visitors to the Buhoma sector often encounter not just gorillas but also other wildlife, including forest elephants, monkeys, and colorful bird species.
Trekking the Mubare Gorilla Family.
Trekking the Mubare Gorilla Family is a bucket-list experience for wildlife enthusiasts. The journey begins early in the morning at the Buhoma Park headquarters, where trekkers receive a briefing from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers. The briefing covers safety guidelines, trekking etiquette, and what to expect during the encounter.
The Trekking Experience.
Duration
The trek can last anywhere from 1 to 5 hours, depending on the location of the gorillas. Mubare is known for being relatively close to the trailhead, making it suitable for first-time trekkers or those looking for a less strenuous hike.
Terrain
Trekkers navigate through a mix of steep ridges, dense undergrowth, and misty valleys. The forest’s beauty, combined with the anticipation of meeting the gorillas, makes the trek exhilarating.
Observation Time
Visitors spend one hour observing and photographing the gorillas after locating the group. During this time, the Mubare gorillas captivate with their interactions, foraging, and natural behaviors.
Unique Aspects of the Mubare Gorilla Family Trek.
Historical Significance: Being the first habituated group, the Mubare family offers a connection to the early days of gorilla tourism in Uganda
Intimacy: The smaller size of the group allows for a more personal experience, ideal for close observations and photography.
Accessibility: Located close to Buhoma’s headquarters, the Mubare family’s range is one of the easiest to access in Bwindi.
Accommodations in the Buhoma Sector.
Visitors trekking the Mubare Gorilla Family can choose from a range of accommodations catering to different budgets.
Luxury accomdations
Buhoma Lodge offers high-end comfort with breathtaking views of the forest.
Mid-Range acommodation
Silverback Lodge provides modern amenities with an authentic safari feel.
Budget-Friendly
Buhoma Community Rest Camp is an affordable option that supports local community initiatives.
Conservation and Community Impact.
Trekking the Mubare Gorilla Family contributes directly to gorilla conservation and local community development. A significant portion of the gorilla permit fees (currently $700 for foreign non-residents) supports anti-poaching efforts, habitat protection, and initiatives that uplift communities living around Bwindi.
