Kahungye Gorilla Group
Kahungye Gorilla group is located in Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park where Gorilla Habituation Experience takes place. The Kahungye gorilla group opened to visitors for trekking in 2011. It got its name from the hill in Rushaga from where it was first sighted. The Kahungye gorilla family had 25 members dominated by silverback “Gwigi,”. A local word to mean door. However the number of members keeps changing. Because of certain factors like members leaving the group, death and new members joining the family among other factors.
Just like other gorilla groups in Rushaga sector, Kahungye group best trekked from Kisoro. You can as well trek the this gorilla group from Rwanda. Here travelers fly into Kigali International Airport and then cross to Uganda through Cyanika border in Kisoro district.
This group has rapidly gained reputation for being one of the most interesting groups to track. With their acrobatic antics together with a wide range of ages within the group entertaining visitors to Rushaga sector of the park.
During the time of its habituation, the group had about 27 members but of recent, Kahungye Gorilla group split to form a new Busingye group. It should be noted that the number of gorillas goes on changing with time since the primates do multiply. Kahungye group is now comprised of 17 members with 3 silver backs, 3 Adult females, 3 sub-adults, 3 juveniles and 2 infants.
The Group is currently led by silverback Gwigi, followed by Rumanzi the subordinate. This family is one of the easiest to trek. As it is located close to the Rushaga sector trail head, neighboring Busingye, Mishaya and Nshongi families. With their rich history, distinctive behavior together with their unique characteristics. The Kahungye group has become a symbol of Uganda’s commitment to gorilla conservation.
In the ongoing efforts to conserve Uganda’s gorilla families, the Kahungye Gorilla Family serves as a testament to the country’s commitment to protect and preserve its natural heritage. Their presence in the park is a testament to the delicate balance between humans and wildlife, urging us to continue our collective responsibility in safeguarding these precious ecosystems for future generations.
Other Gorilla groups trekked in this sector such as Mishaya, Bweza, Nshongi and Busingye.