Dwelling in Buhoma sector north of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mubare is Uganda’s oldest gorilla family that was habituated in 1993. The gorilla group was first discovered in 109991, it was taken through 2 years of habituation process and opened for trekking in 1993. Mubare was the first gorilla group Habituated in 1993 Mubare is the oldest gorilla family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The gorilla family was named after Mubare hills where it was first sighted. On his formation, Mubare gorilla family was first led by Ruhondeza the giant silverback. Unfortunately, Ruhondeza died in 2012 at the age of 50 and was given a decent burial. Kanyonyi the son of Ruhondeza took over leadership and it’s the present leader of Mubare gorilla family. Mubare is an interesting gorilla family, the first priority for most travelers who book to trek Uganda gorilla families in Bwindi Forest National Park. Mubare gorilla family is home to 11 members comprised of the silverback, adult females, juveniles and infants.
How best to trek Mubare Gorilla Family
Mubare gorilla family is best visited from Kabale district. Buhoma is the easily accessible gorilla sector in Bwindi Forest National Park when driving from Kampala Masaka Mbarara and Kabale route. If crossing from Kigali Rwanda, Katuna border is the best entry point to trek Mubare gorilla family. If you have limited time, opt for a flight from kajjansi airstrip to Kihihi airfield in Kabale. From there, our driver guide will transfer you to Buhoma sector for gorilla trekking.
Gorillas permit cost to trek Mubare gorilla family
A single permit to trek gorillas in Mubare family costs $700 for foreign residents, $600 for foreign non-residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. Booking an be done directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority or through Africa Adventure safaris, your number one travel company. Due to high demand for Uganda gorilla tours, we recommend early booking at least 6 months in advance.
Other gorilla families in Buhoma sector
Besides Mubare gorilla family. Buhoma sector is home to other gorilla families, which include Habinyanja gorilla group, Rushegura gorilla family, and Katwe gorilla family. Each gorilla family is visited by 8 people per day. Whereas traveler spend strictly one hour with gorillas, the trek before meeting the gentle giants can take over 7 hours depending on where gorillas will be located that day.
Physical fitness
Yes, Buhoma sector is located on high altitude, which requires climbing uphill before meeting gorillas. Travelers are ought to be physically fit and mentally ready to deal with the hikes. Trekking to see gorillas start with registration and briefing at the park headquarters.
When is the best time to trek gorillas
The dry season between the months of June, July, August, September, December, and January is the best time to trek gorillas. During this time, there is less or no rain which makes it easy to trek through this jungle forest. However, gorilla trekking is also done in the wet season in the months of March, April, May, October and November. Trekking gorillas in low season is cheap with discounted accommodation and transport services. Also, there are fewer crowds of travelers during the wet season, which is an added advantage.
Gorilla families in Bwindi Forest
Altogether, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is home to 17 gorilla families habituated for trekking. These gorilla families are split in four gorilla sectors namely Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, Rushaga and Nkuringo in the southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Gorilla families in Bwindi Forest include:
• Mubare
• Bitukura
• Rushegura
• Habinyanja
• Oruzogo
• Nkuringo
• Nshongi
• Mishaya
• Kahungye
• Bweza
• Busingye
• Katwe
• Christmas
• Kyaguliro
Apparently, two more gorilla families (Bushaho and Bikyingi) are undergoing habituation experience and will be open for trekking anytime soon. Gorilla habituation experience costs $1500 allowing you to spend four hours with wild mountain gorillas.
Mubare gorilla group is an exceptional gorilla family to visit in Buhoma sector of Bwindi Forest National Park. Book a Uganda gorilla tour today, reserve your permit and get chance to visit Uganda’s oldest gorilla family.
You can book gorilla tours to Uganda directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority or through Africa Adventure Safaris, the number one gorilla safari company.