About Bikingi gorilla family in Rushaga sector.
Bikingi is one of the existing families ready for travelers to track in Rushaga sector. This family provides a one-of-a-kind experience in the Bwindi forest since it is made-up of calm and collected gorillas. The habituation processes on this family started in 2012 in the aftermath of the evacuation of some of the dissatisfied members in Mishaya group. These went ahead to form this exhilarating family that was later made ready for tourism activities by the team of researchers and conservationists in the region through thorough habituation. This gorilla group gets its name “Bikingi” from an area within Bwindi National Park where the gorillas were first seen.
Family history of Bikingi gorilla family.
The name Bikingi was passed on to the first silverback of the group which the whole family later undertook. Bikingi silverback died after a fight in the jungle which led to the separation of the group. Several members of the group joined the other established groups in the forest. The highest number became part of the Kahungye group.
Membership of Bikingi group.
Bikingi is a fairly large family that is made-up of 15 members including one silver buck, five adult females, two sub adults, two juveniles and five infants. Visitors to this family always enjoy the beautiful moments with the infants that showcase a playful character that is so adorable
The lead silverback of Bikingi family.
Bikingi is led by a strong individual called Bikingi. Information from Bwindi conservation team states that after the demise of the first silverback known as Bikingi, He was succeeded by another individual also named Bikingi. The name is hereditary in this family as it has been passed on to so far 2 generations.
Trekking Bikingi gorilla family.
For the opportunity to track the Bikingi gorilla group, one is required to have fully paid for the tracking permits. The gorilla permits are obtained through the tour operators. Tourists then embark on the journey to Bwindi and upon arrival, they continue up to Rushaga sector in the South. Tracking activities start early in the morning with a briefing that is conducted by the Rangers who equip the tourists with guidelines on the dos and don’ts while on the gorilla tracking activities.
It is after the briefing that visitors are then accompanied to the forest to embark on the gorilla tracking activity. Tourists usually start tracking the gorillas at around 8:00 AM and goes on up to the afternoon. Sometimes the gorillas go far in the forest which makes tracking them to possibly go on for hours. The tracking experience takes you through valleys, thick bushes, forests and hiking through highlands. All these activities add up to the overall memorable moments in the forest as the tourists have the opportunity to view other exciting flora and fauna along the way.
When the gorilla family is encountered, visitors are allowed to spend ample time with them admiring and taking pictures. The trackers are allowed a maximum of 60 minutes to observe the giants as they enjoy their time in their natural habitat. As the visitors watch the gorillas, the tourist guide provides additional information about the gorilla family and the members within, their history and migration patterns which makes the session more lively and beneficial.
Only visitors of 15 years and above are allowed the trek. This regulation was put mainly to get rid of interruption from the kids and also prevent the possible contagious diseases that usually affect minors that could possibly be transferred to the gorillas and cause their extinction.
For one to fully enjoy the trek of Bikingi gorilla family, they ought to pack appropriately to ensure that there are no interruptions on the exciting adventure. Visitors should therefore carry with them the needful items to ensure that they have the best of their time on the track.
These encompass a tourist day park that will help them carry personal things one can’t do without on a trek especially the first aid kits, snacks and drinking water. The visitor should also ensure to dress appropriately in a long sleeved shirt and a pair of trousers, carry a rain jacket and have hiking boots on to help them maneuver through the tricky terrain. A hiking pole is also equally important because it helps provide support as one maneuvers through the thick forests.
About Rushaga sector in Bwindi National Park.
Rushaga gorilla sector lies in the southern part of Bwindi impenetrable National Park and protects eight gorilla families that is to say Nshongi, Bweza, Mishaya, Busingye, Kahungye, Bikingi, Mucunguzi and Rwigi. All these gorilla families are fully habituated and open on a daily for tourists to enjoy trekking in the thick forests of Rushaga. This sector is associated with the stunning beautiful views of the distant virunga ranges that further make it a popular spot for adventure activities.
