Mucunguzi Gorilla Group
Mucunguzi Gorilla Group is another Gorilla group located in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. However, Mucunguzi which means “Savior” was the third and youngest silverback of the Bweza gorilla group. In Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. After leaving Bweza gorilla group, it formed and led the now Mucunguzi gorilla group in Rushaga. Rushaga sector in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Known for having the highest number of habituated gorilla families in the forest.
Mucunguzi gorilla group formed by a solitary silverback, “Mucunguzi”. From which the name Mucunguzi gorilla family was derived. Information has it that after a serious fight with one of the habituated mountain gorilla families called, “Bweza” where Mucunguzi was the third in command. He was chased out of this Bweza gorilla group and thereafter he started living a solitary life.
As time went on, Mucunguzi attacked Bikingi gorilla family fighting the dominant silverback. Taking away some of the members mainly females to form a new gorilla family. Which was then named Mucunguzi gorilla family. Mucunguzi gorilla group comprised of 8 members dominantly females. And trekked from the Rushaga UWA headquarters in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Recently, the group welcomed a new baby gorilla from mother Ndinkahe gorilla. This now makes Mucunguzi group a group of 12 mountain gorillas.
Generally, mountain gorillas live in families of 5-30 or more members and each group is led by a dominant silverback. Gorillas are shy creatures, humble and massive. Trekking to see the Mucunguzi group starts from Rushaga region of Bwindi. And takes about 2-6 hours depending on their location and also 1 full hour of magical encounter. During this hour, you will get to observe the behaviours of each individual in the group, see how they go about their day to day life and also learn how they communicate with each other. Also, use this time to ask your ranger guide. As many questions as possible and take countless pictures to help you tell your memorable experience with Gorillas in Uganda.
Visitors advised to keep a distance of 8-10 meters away from these endangered apes. In order to minimize any chances of them contracting infectious human diseases or disturbing their daily activities. While taking pictures, non-flashlight cameras are more advisable. After the experience, you will then return to the briefing point. Awarded a gorilla trekking certificate. This certificate shows that you have successfully trekked the Mountain gorillas.
The Mucunguzi gorilla group provides a unique opportunity to observe the behavior and social dynamics of gorillas in their natural habitat. It also offers insights into the leadership and dominance structures. That exist within these magnificent primate communities.
Noted that gorilla permits in Uganda booked depending on availability as per sector. You can book permits for the northern sector of Buhoma, Eastern sector of Ruhija or the Southern sectors of Rushaga and Nkuringo. Once you have known the region where your gorilla permit been booked. You are therefore free to ask for a gorilla family of your choice on the trekking day. Gorilla family allocations depends on one’s interest and also their physical fitness.
Apart from the Mucunguzi group, Rushaga region also has other habituated gorilla families and they include; Mukiza gorilla group, Kutu gorilla group, Mishaya gorilla group, Kahungye gorilla group, Bweza gorilla group, Bikingi gorilla group, Nshongi gorilla group and also Busingye gorilla group.