Journey to the jungle and uncover a tale of one of the most sought-after primates in the world; one whose origin has led to endless research and debate. Deep in the Jungle, they live, finding shelter, water, and what to eat. Gorillas are the world’s most powerful primates only found in the continent of Africa. You will want to see how unique these families associates and develop a narrative. The countries to find Gorillas include; the Republic of Uganda; the republic of Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Rushaga sector is situated in Bwindi impenetrable national park in the southwestern part of Uganda. It is one of the four sectors that host over 19 mountain Gorilla families. The other Sectors are Buhoma, Rushaga and Ruhija. Uganda is a beautiful land-locked country in East Africa, neighbored by the Republic of Rwanda, the Republic of Kenya; the Republic of Tanzania, South Sudan, Burundi and the democratic republic of Congo. A visit to Uganda is to your cousins the endangered mountain Gorillas.
The life of a gorilla is less than that of a human being. Researchers reveal that the genes of these apes are approximately 96-98% similar to man’s genes. Pay keen attention to their face, fingers, body and feet and you will realize the relation. They feed on fruits, leaves, roots, stems and insects. Water is obtained from the morning dew and the leaves.
The entire day is spent moving, with the mothers nursing their young ones and the alpha males ensuring their safety. They live in groups called troops, led by a dominant Alpha male with a silver-like lining at the back. The Gorilla families are often named after either the name of the silverback that founded it or after the region they were last spotted.
But Remember the Name! Bweza Gorilla family
The Bweza Gorilla family is led by an alpha male called Bweza. It leads a family of 12 members notably 4 blackbacks, I sub-adult Gorilla; 2 silverbacks; 3 females and 2 infants. The numbers are subject to changes as lots of things happen in the wild each day. Their daily routine is to move to safe territory; feed on vegetables, play and sleep.
This is one of the Gorilla families habituated in the Rushaga sector; in Bwindi’s impenetrable national park. It originates from Nshogi Gorilla group the largest family in the Park. However In 2012, conflicts arose among the group members, which resulted in a failed co-existence, and thus a split.
Bweza was the silverback that parted ways with those who were loyal to it and started a family. This is a very interesting family to trek in a session that lasts for approximately 1-8 hours, plus an additional hour for watching the family interaction.
The Trekking Bweza Gorilla group starts at daybreak at Rushaga headquarters. The ranger guides explain the trekking dos and don’ts; the day-to-day activities of this group, and what you need to look out for once in their territory.
Trekking this group is a bit tidy yet worthwhile, as you get to watch the stunning view of the Kigezi hills, lake Bunyonyi, Virunga volcanoes, other primates in the region; the birds, unique plants and more.
To get access to the Apes, you need a valid Gorilla trekking permit, issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The trekking permits cost 700 USD for foreign non-residents; 600 USD for foreign residents, and 250,000ugx for East African residents. This money is channelled towards the conservation of the park, support to the bordering communities and the ranger pay.
Because of the limited slots and too much demand, it is often advised to book the Bweza Gorilla family at least six months before the trekking date.
What to carry.
After acquiring a Gorilla trekking permit; you are hours away from getting face-to-face with your cousins from the Bweza family. All you need is to carry what is vital for the activity and the duration you spend. You need a good camera for photography; binoculars to watch distant creatures; waterproof hiking boots, garden hand gloves; sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, drinking water, long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and enough external memory storage as a backup.
In conclusion; the Bweza Gorilla family is present in the Rushaga sector at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park all year round. All you need is to contact us for a trekking permit as well as an arrangement of your accommodation and travel documents.
