Meet the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family of Mgahinga – Uganda’s Exclusive Mountain Gorilla Group

Tucked away in Uganda’s smallest but most scenic park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, lives the legendary Nyakagezi Gorilla Family — the park’s one and only habituated gorilla group. Nestled in the misty foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes, this special family embodies everything magical about gorilla trekking: intimacy, adventure, and a profound connection with nature.

For travelers seeking a less crowded and truly personal gorilla trekking experience, meeting the Nyakagezi family in Mgahinga is a journey into one of Africa’s most authentic wildlife encounters.

The Story of the Nyakagezi Family

The Nyakagezi Gorilla Family is named after the Nyakagezi area — a beautiful section of the park filled with lush bamboo forests and rich feeding grounds. The group was first habituated in the early 1990s, making it one of the oldest habituated gorilla groups in Uganda.

Unlike the larger number of gorilla families found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga’s single family offers trekkers an intimate experience where the focus is entirely on one cohesive troop.

For years, the Nyakagezi family was known for its nomadic behavior, frequently crossing into Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and occasionally DR Congo’s Virunga National Park. This constant movement once made it unpredictable for tourists. However, in recent years, the family has settled permanently on the Ugandan side, allowing for consistent and reliable trekking experiences.

Composition of the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family

The Nyakagezi group is a close-knit family known for its strong social bonds and playful nature.

As of the latest records from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the group typically comprises about 9 to 10 members, including several silverbacks — a unique feature among gorilla families.

Notable Members Include:

Mark (Silverback): The dominant leader and protector of the family, known for his calm strength and watchful eyes.
Mafunzo (Silverback): The younger, more energetic silverback often seen playing or testing his authority.
Rukundo (Silverback): Gentle and affectionate, often interacting with the juveniles.
Nshuti (Adult Female): A nurturing mother and one of the core females of the family.
Nyangwe and Mutagamba: Adult females who care for the infants and maintain the group’s harmony.
Baby Fred: The group’s youngest member, often stealing the spotlight with his energy and curiosity.

The dynamic presence of multiple silverbacks makes the Nyakagezi family fascinating to observe — displaying a balance of dominance, cooperation, and social intelligence rarely seen elsewhere.

The Trekking Experience in Mgahinga

1. Starting the Trek

Treks to meet the Nyakagezi family begin early morning at the Ntebeko Visitor Centre, the main entrance to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. After a safety briefing and group allocation, trekkers set off with experienced guides and armed rangers into the misty forest.

2. The Journey Through the Virunga Slopes

The trek usually lasts 2 to 5 hours, depending on the family’s movement. The route winds through montane forest, bamboo zones, and open moorland, offering breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes — particularly Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura.

3. The Magical Encounter

Once the trackers locate the Nyakagezi group, trekkers are allowed one unforgettable hour to observe and photograph the gorillas. You’ll watch silverbacks feeding and chest-beating, juveniles tumbling through vines, and mothers cradling their young with human-like tenderness.

The experience is calm yet emotional — a silent communion between two species that share a deep evolutionary bond.

What Makes Trekking Nyakagezi Gorillas Special

Exclusivity: Only one gorilla family exists in Mgahinga, ensuring a peaceful, non-crowded trekking experience.
Scenic Beauty: The park’s landscape is a mosaic of volcanoes, bamboo forests, and high-altitude moorlands — among the most picturesque in Africa.
Stability: The group has remained permanently in Uganda for several years, making sightings almost guaranteed.
Easy Access: Treks are often shorter and less physically demanding than those in Bwindi.
Rich Biodiversity: The park also hosts golden monkeys, rare birds, and forest elephants — allowing visitors to combine multiple experiences.

Gorilla Trekking Permits for Mgahinga

Permit Cost: USD 800 per person (same as Bwindi).
Booking: Permits can be purchased through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or licensed tour operators.
Group Size: Limited to 8 visitors per trek to minimize stress on the gorillas.

Early booking is recommended, as Mgahinga allows fewer visitors compared to Bwindi.

Other Activities in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

While the Nyakagezi family is the star attraction, Mgahinga offers more incredible adventures:

1. Golden Monkey Trekking

Meet the rare and playful golden monkeys, another endemic primate species of the Virunga Mountains.

2. Volcano Hiking

Climb one of the three extinct volcanoes — Mount Sabyinyo (3,669m), Mount Gahinga (3,474m), or Mount Muhabura (4,127m) — for panoramic views of Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC.

3. Batwa Cultural Trail

Walk with the Batwa pygmies, the forest’s original inhabitants, and learn about their traditional hunting, medicine, and cultural rituals.

4. Bird Watching

Spot over 180 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics like the Rwenzori turaco, dusky crimsonwing, and blue-headed sunbird.

Getting to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

By Road: Approximately 510 km (8–9 hours) from Kampala via Kabale and Kisoro. The drive is scenic, passing through rolling highlands and Lake Bunyonyi.
By Air: Daily flights operate from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip, followed by a short drive to the park.
From Rwanda: It’s only 3–4 hours from Kigali via the Cyanika border, making Mgahinga ideal for cross-border gorilla safaris.

Where to Stay

Luxury: Mount Gahinga Lodge – an eco-luxury haven near the park entrance.
Mid-range: Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge, Traveler’s Rest Kisoro.
Budget: Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Kisoro Tourist Hotel.

All offer cozy stays with warm hospitality and incredible views of the Virunga ranges.

Conservation and Community Impact

Revenue from gorilla trekking in Mgahinga supports wildlife conservation and community development through the revenue-sharing program run by UWA. Local communities benefit from infrastructure, education, and livelihood projects, ensuring that protecting gorillas also improves human welfare.

Conclusion

The Nyakagezi Gorilla Family of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park represents one of Africa’s rarest and most rewarding wildlife experiences. In their gentle eyes, visitors witness the soul of Uganda’s conservation success — a living symbol of resilience and coexistence.

Trekking through the mist to meet them isn’t just an adventure; it’s a pilgrimage into the heart of nature, where silverbacks rule with grace and families thrive under the watchful protection of the mountains.

If you seek exclusivity, beauty, and connection, the Nyakagezi family awaits — the true guardians of Uganda’s Virunga wilderness.