Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwestern Uganda, harbors over half the world’s mountain gorillas, more than 500 of the remaining 1,000. This 321-square-kilometer rainforest is divided into four sectors Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo each home to unique gorilla families habituated for trekking. With 20 families available as of 2025, here’s a glimpse into their lives.
Buhoma Sector
Buhoma, the northern hub, hosts five families. Mubare, the park’s first habituated group (1991), has 9 members led by silverback Maraya, named after the Mubare Hills. Habinyanja, with 18 members and 2 silverbacks, emerged near a swamp whose name means “body of water” and has a dramatic history of leadership struggles. Rushegura, a calm family of 19 under silverback Kabukojo, split from Habinyanja in 2002, often wandering near Buhoma village. Katwe (7 members) and Muyambi (6 members) are newer additions, opened in 2018 and 2019.
Ruhija Sector
In the east, Ruhija’s high altitudes shelter six families. Bitukura, with 13 members including 4 silverbacks, was named after a river and habituated quickly by 2008. Oruzogo, led by silverback Tibirikwata, has 12 playful juveniles, opening to tourists in 2011. Kyaguliro A (7 members) and Kyaguliro B (8 members) focus on research, while Mukiza (22 members) and Happy (5 members) round out this bird-rich sector.
Rushaga Sector
Rushaga, in the south, boasts eight families, the most of any sector. Nshongi, once the largest with 36 members, now has 18 after splitting into groups like Mishaya (formed 2010) and Bweza. Kahungye (17 members) and Busingye (9 members) also trace back to these splits, showcasing dynamic family shifts.
Nkuringo Sector
Nkuringo’s southwest features three families, including the eponymous Nkuringo group, with 14 members after a recent birth, known for its hilltop origins.