Rushegura Gorilla Group in Buhoma Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Rushegura Gorilla Group is one of the most famous gorilla families in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda. This group offers one of the most rewarding gorilla trekking experiences for tourists visiting Uganda’s gorilla destination. For travelers staying in Buhoma, Rushegura is one of the gorilla families often allocated to trekkers by Uganda Wildlife Authority. The group’s proximity to the park headquarters makes it easily accessible, with the trailhead located only about fifteen minutes away by vehicle. Depending on conditions, the trek to reach them may take a shorter or longer time, but it always offers an unforgettable encounter with Uganda’s mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
History and Formation of the Rushegura Gorilla Group
The Rushegura Gorilla Group was formed in February 2002 when it broke away from the larger Habinyanja family, one of the oldest and most established gorilla groups in Bwindi. The name “Rushegura” comes from a place in the Buhoma area where the split occurred. The secession was led by a powerful and ambitious silverback named Mwirima, who left the Habinyanja group with seven members to form his own family.
Mwirima, who was the son of Mukurusi, had different leadership traits from his brother Rwansigazi. While Rwansigazi preferred leading the group on long expeditions, Mwirima favored shorter and more stable movements within a defined home range. This difference in leadership style led to the peaceful split and the creation of the Rushegura family. Since the group had already been habituated under Habinyanja, it was officially opened for gorilla tourism in 2002, allowing trekkers to meet this new family in Buhoma.
Leadership and Social Behavior
Under Mwirima’s strong leadership, the Rushegura Gorilla Group became well-known for its calm and sociable behavior, traits that make it a favorite among tourists. Mwirima was known for his courage, strength, and protective nature. He often displayed dominance through chest-thumping, vegetation slashing, and ground pounding — signs used by silverbacks to assert authority and warn rivals.
One of the most remarkable moments in the group’s history was when Mwirima led his family in a fierce encounter with the wild Makare group. The confrontation lasted for two full days, but Mwirima’s strength and tactical leadership ensured his group’s safety and continued feeding even during the clash.
Mwirima passed away in 2014, but his legacy remains a key part of Buhoma’s gorilla tourism history. Leadership of the group was taken over by a dominant black back, who continues to lead the family today. Despite the loss of Mwirima, the Rushegura group remains stable, active, and well habituated for tourism.
Composition of the Rushegura Gorilla Family
Currently, the Rushegura Gorilla Group is made up of several members, including adult females, juveniles, sub-adults, and infants. Although it no longer has a silverback, the family continues to thrive under the leadership of a black back. Some of the well-known individuals include:
- Kabukojo – the current black back leader
- Kyirinvi, Kibande, Buzinza, Nyamunwa, and Karungyi – adult females
- Ruterana – a young female
- Kalembezi – a sub-adult male
- Several juveniles and infants such as Kanywanyi, Kafuruka, Katabazi, and others
The family is known for its peaceful behavior and frequent interactions with nearby communities. On rare occasions, members of Rushegura wander close to Buhoma’s safari lodges and gardens, creating exciting yet controlled encounters for visitors staying in the area. Even when this happens, visitors are still taken into the forest for their official gorilla trek, as per Uganda Wildlife Authority guidelines.
Trekking Experience with the Rushegura Gorilla Group
Trekking the Rushegura Gorilla Group is one of the highlights of visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The trek begins at the Buhoma park headquarters, where visitors attend a short briefing about gorilla trekking rules and safety. The walk to meet the gorillas usually passes through dense rainforest, bamboo zones, and scenic slopes where travelers may also spot other wildlife such as forest elephants, duikers, and colorful bird species.
When visitors finally encounter the Rushegura gorillas, they are allowed to spend one full hour observing their behavior, taking photographs, and learning about their social structure. Watching the gorillas interact, feed, groom, and play is a truly emotional experience that brings travelers closer to nature and conservation.
Gorilla Tourism and Conservation Importance
Rushegura Gorilla Group plays an important role in Uganda’s gorilla tourism industry. Each gorilla permit purchased contributes directly to conservation programs, community projects, and the protection of mountain gorillas in Bwindi. The Buhoma sector is particularly special because it was the first area of Bwindi opened for gorilla trekking in 1993. Today, it remains a key hub for eco-tourism and a model for sustainable wildlife management in Africa.
Tourists are encouraged to book gorilla permits well in advance through registered tour operators such as Animal View Safaris to secure a spot for visiting the Rushegura family or other groups in Buhoma. Only eight visitors are allowed to trek each gorilla group per day, ensuring minimal disturbance to the animals and a high-quality experience for trekkers.
Access to Buhoma Sector
Buhoma can be reached both by road and air.
- By road: It is approximately a nine-hour drive from Kampala or Entebbe, with scenic stopovers at the Equator in Mpigi, Mbarara town, and local craft markets.
- By air: Daily flights operate from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kihihi Airstrip, followed by a short drive to Buhoma.
For travelers coming from Kigali, the route to Buhoma is longer compared to southern sectors like Rushaga or Nkuringo, but the journey is incredibly scenic and rewarding.
The Rushegura Gorilla Group offers a unique and unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in the heart of Buhoma, the birthplace of Uganda’s gorilla tourism. With its rich history, calm temperament, and fascinating family dynamics, Rushegura remains one of the most sought-after gorilla families to visit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A trek to meet this family is not only an encounter with mountain gorillas but also a journey into Uganda’s natural beauty and conservation success story.
Plan your Buhoma gorilla trekking safari today and create lifelong memories with the Rushegura Gorilla Group in Bwindi.