Tracking the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family on the sides of the Virunga Volcanoes
Meet the Nyakagezi Gorilla Group, which is making their home in Mgahinga Gorilla Park.
Meet the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in Mgahinga Gorilla Park. This unique entity is the only habituated gorilla you can track in Mgahinga Gorilla Park. With their distinctive habits, these gentle giants roam the Virunga Volcanoes, also known as the “Mountains that Cook,” which are part of the Virunga Massif. On the Ugandan side of these volcanoes, there are over 80 gorillas, and they all belong to the Nyakagezi Family Group.
Currently, the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family, with its rich travel history, calls Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla Park home. This change, a significant event in their story, happened when Mark, the son and now the leading silverback, took over leadership from his father, Bugingo, and his brother, Mafia.
In the past, the Nyakagezi group had a wandering spirit, sometimes venturing into the Rwandan or DR Congo sides of the volcanoes. However, in recent years, they’ve settled in Uganda. This behavior change is believed to be influenced by [specific reasons such as food availability, safety, or social dynamics]. Despite this, you might still find outdated information online suggesting they’re in Rwanda, but that’s old news from when Bugingo was in charge. The good news for gorilla trekkers is this that currently you can meet the the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in Mgahinga Gorilla Park in Uganda.
Here is the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in Mgahina Gorilla Park!
Meet the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in Mgahinga Gorilla Park on a Gorilla Safari:
The Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in Mgahinga Gorilla Park is a fascinating group of mountain gorillas. They were first habituated in 1991 within the lush confines of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, shortly after its establishment. By 1994, visitors were granted the unique opportunity to trek alongside these majestic creatures, marking the beginning of a new era in wildlife tourism. For many years, the Nyakagezi family was led by the venerable Bugingo, a silverback now over 50 years old.
Bugingo stepped down from his leadership role in a twist of fate, passing the baton to his son, Mark. Mark, in turn, is supported by his brother, Mafia, who leads the family. Bugingo, now embracing the role of Mzee or wise elder, enjoys his retirement by playing the role of a doting grandfather—a scenario quite rare in the gorilla world, where former leaders typically become solitary figures. This unique situation not only adds a human-like touch to the gorilla family dynamics but also showcases the complexity and depth of their social structure.
Mk and Mafia, along with two other silverbacks, Ndugutse and Rukundo, were once the only blackbacks in the group. The family also includes two adult females and their offspring, making for a dynamic and diverse group. This unique composition and the interactions within the family make the Nyakagezi family a fascinating subject of study and observation.
The Nyakagezi family, currently boasting nine members, is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of multiple silverbacks in a single family. This is a remarkable feat in the gorilla world, where such coexistence is rare. The family includes two females and three young ones, creating a lively and ever-evolving social structure that is a sight to behold.
The Nyakagezi Gorilla Group, with its unique composition of silverbacks, offers a prime opportunity for a memorable wildlife experience. This is especially true given their unique silverback composition, which exceeds most other groups in Uganda’s gorilla parks, including Mgahinga Gorilla Park. The present moment is indeed a prime time to visit this unique family.
Meet the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in Mgahina Gorilla Park!
Safe and Secure Gorilla Trekking.
Tracking the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in Mgahina Gorilla Park!
Meet the Nyakagezi Gorilla Group, which makes its home in Mgahinga Gorilla Park on a Gorilla Safari.
Why Trekkers like the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family:
Why do tourists enjoy an Encounter with the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in Mgahinga Gorilla Park?
HerS is what our Clients have shared with us about trekking the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in Mhghinga Gorilla Park:
- Easy Access from Kigali, Rwanda: It is only a 3-hour Drive to Mgahinga Gorilla Park from the regional Kigali International Airport.
- Fewer Trekkers: There are fewer tourists than in Rwanda or Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda.
- More Silverbacks: Four Silverbacks in a gorilla family is a rarity.
- Open Viewing Opportunities: The terrain is more open, providing clearer views of the gorilla family with less obstruction from thick underbrush.
- Short 3-4-Hour Trek: including 1-Hour with the Nyakagezi Family.
- $750 Permits – $750 less for Permits than in Rwanda.
- Affordable Luxury Lodging with more extras at Mount Gahinga Lodge.
- You can add on Golden Monkey Trekking, Volcano Climbing, Hiking, and the Batwa Cultural Trail. Re
Meet the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in Mgahina Gorilla Park on a Safari with us!
Suppose you’re seeking an exclusive encounter with the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in Mgahinga Gorilla Park. In that case, we’re here to make it happen. Our expert team will craft a bespoke safari in Uganda featuring Mgahinga Gorilla Park and its unique attractions, including the Gorillas, Golden Monkeys, Volcano Climbs, and cultural encounters with the Batwa People.
If you would like to meet the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in Mgahinga Gorilla Park, we would be happy to assist you in planning a safari in Uganda that includes Mgahinga Gorilla Park and its many attractions, such as the Gorillas, Golden Monkeys, Volcano Climbs, and cultural encounters with the Batwa People.
We offer a variety of Safaris in Mgahinga Gorilla Park, including an up-close encounter with the Nyakagezi Group. You can stay at the luxury Mount Gahinga Lodge or a lodge along the scenic Lake Mutanda or Lake Mulehe.
In addition to Mgahinga Gorilla Park, we also offer Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which can be
combined with other activities of your choice. Since 2008, Kabiza Wilderness Safaris has been an accredited tour operator in Uganda and a proud Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) member. We hold a license from the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB/TT/82445), which allows us to be an authorized sales agent for Uganda Wildlife Authority Gorilla and Chimpanzee Permits.
We offer a variety of safari packages, including luxury and mid-range options, all designed to provide a stress-free experience reflected in our “Hakuna Matata” philosophy. Our luxury safaris feature high-end accommodations and personalized service, while our mid-range options ensure comfort and affordability. Both categories include memorable experiences such as gorilla trekking, wildlife viewing, and cultural tours.
With over 15 years of focused expertise, we specialize in creating private, worry-free safaris in Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. We live and work in Uganda, and we would love to help visitors explore Uganda and discover the Pearl of Africa on one of our luxury and mid-range safaris.
