Habituated Gorilla Families in Virunga National Park, Congo

Gorilla Tracking

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Get advice and suggestions to make this your perfect trip. or call us on:
+255 755 003116

Overview

Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo is home to several habituated mountain gorilla groups, all of which are found within the park’s protected area. As of 2016, there are eight gorilla families that visitors can track, with one set aside for research.

The park has a rich history of gorilla conservation but faced significant instability in the past due to armed conflicts and poaching. Despite this, Virunga has since reopened and is now a safe destination for tourists. Poaching has been greatly reduced, and the park is heavily guarded to ensure both the safety of tourists and the mountain gorillas.

The Democratic Republic of Congo may have only eight gorilla groups, but it offers a unique advantage as the only destination where you can see both mountain and lowland gorillas. A combined experience of mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga, hiking the Nyiragongo volcano, and exploring lowland gorillas is an unforgettable adventure.

For travelers looking to track gorillas in Virunga, the experience is both affordable and unique. Gorilla permits in Congo are priced at $400, making it a more economical choice compared to Uganda ($600) and Rwanda ($1500). The following are the habituated gorilla families found in Virunga National Park:

Gorilla Groups in Virunga National Park

Kabirizi Gorilla Group

Located in the Bukima sector near Goma, this group is led by the powerful but humble silverback, Kabirizi. Initially known as the “Ndungutse” group, it was renamed after Kabirizi took over following the tragic death of the former leader, Ndungutse, in 1997.

Kabirizi’s leadership has recently been challenged by a new, younger silverback named Masibo.

Humba Gorilla Group

This calm and peaceful group of 10 members is also based in the Bukima sector. The group is led by Humba, who separated from his father, Rugendo, in 1998.

While the group has experienced a split over the years, it remains one of the most loved by tourists. New births and acquisitions have helped the group grow in size.

Rugendo Gorilla Group

Once led by the great silverback Rugendo, the group is now under the leadership of Bukima, a silverback originally from the Buhanga group. The group is one of the oldest habituated groups in Virunga, having been established in 1989.

Though the group has faced significant turmoil, including a split and the tragic death of Rugendo during a violent conflict, it continues to survive with 9 members.

Mapuwa Gorilla Group

Comprising 22 members, this group is located in Jomba near the Uganda border. Led by Mvuyekure, Mapuwa’s son, the group has faced many challenges, including frequent battles to maintain leadership and protect its members.

Despite these struggles, the group has grown with new births and the addition of new members.

Lulengo Gorilla Group

This group, consisting of 9 members, is led by the silverback Lulengo. Found near the Congo-Uganda border in Jomba, Lulengo came into power after his father, Rugabo, was killed by poachers.

The group has a long history, originally known as the “Musekura” group, before it was renamed in honor of Lulengo and a fallen park director.

Munyaga Gorilla Group

The Munyaga group, with 7 members, is led by Gasore, the current dominant male. This group was the last to be discovered by park wardens in 2008.

Located in the Bukima sector, it is known for the playful female Bilali and her twins, as well as Kadogo, the bald-headed silverback.

Nyakamwe Gorilla Group

Formed in 2014 following a split from the Humba group, Nyakamwe is led by the dominant silverback Nyakamwe.

This group is still relatively new to habituation and is found in the Bukima area. It currently has 11 members, including juveniles and babies.

Bageni Gorilla Group

The largest group in Virunga, the Bageni group consists of 26 individuals and is located in the Gatovu and Bukima sections. Bageni, the current dominant silverback, leads the group after splitting from the Kabirizi group.

Due to its large size, the group often experiences tension and challenges to the leader, and a future split is possible.