About what people ask of Mukiza Gorilla group, here are some of the most updated responses; those that should steer your heart to purchasing a permit and visit this very exciting family in Bwindi impenetrable national park.
Mukiza Gorilla group is a newly habituated family in the Ruhija region of Bwindi Impenetrable National park, south western Uganda. Bwindi is home to half of the total population of mountain gorillas in the world, those that are believed to be slightly different from other mountain gorillas in other destinations.
The park is situated at the foothills of the vast Virunga chain of mountains in southwestern part of Uganda. The Bwindi forest is a true jungle with giant forests, those that have been in existence for over 100 years.
Of all the four sectors in Bwindi; Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Ruhija; Mukiza gorilla family makes Ruhija one of the best sectors for Gorilla trekking. Also known as the Kyaguriro B group, this family is very lively, happy and united. It was habituated in 2016, after a split of the original Kyaguriro group. Kyaguriro Group was made up of about 21 members, under the leadership of a dominant silverback – Rukina, a very accommodative type. Most of its time was with females and infants, thus winning the trust as a good leader.
Rukina lived for 29 now years from 1984 and led the Kyaguliro family for 11 years from 2004. For the time Rukina was on the throne, one of the silverbacks in the group, Mukiza contested his leadership not until he took over the power following the sudden death of silverback Rukina.
The drama never stops as another silverback; Rukara from Bitukura group in the Ruhija region joins into the Kyaguriro family and snatched some members; an act which has caused regular fights and making Mukiza form an independent family. Though the separation could mean disunity in the jungle, to us it is a blessing since it increased the Gorilla groups for tracking as well as the number of daily permits.
This group is known for feeding from deep in the forest; a factor that makes tracking them very difficult but possible. They feed on mainly fruits, bamboo shoots, stems and leaves, though occasionally insects. Tracking Mukiza is done on foot, with the guidance of an experienced park ranger who very much understands their unique behaviors and corners of the park.
Who is eligible to track Mukiza Group?
Everybody can track gorillas as long as they are aged 15 years and above, with a valid tracking permit, not suffering from any infectious illness and with a passion for adventure. Even the elderly and disabled can track this group.
Best time for trekking Mukiza Gorilla Group.
Mukiza Gorilla group is available for visitation in the park all year round. The trekking exercise is only done in the morning hours from 8:00am. The experience commences with a pre – trek briefing by the park rangers, who verify the validity of your trekking documents as well as explain the trekking rules. For the best month, June to September and December to March can be the best.
Rules to follow while trekking Mukiza group.
Wash hands before meeting these apes, speak in a low tone, don’t look deep into their eyes, the jungle is not yours so don’t litter, create new paths, don’t use flashlights while taking photos, follow all the instructions given by the ranger guide, don’t feed the apes and don’t smoke.
Gorilla permit prices and how to get a tracking permit.
To track Mukiza gorilla family, a tracking permit is a must obtained either from UWA offices in Kampala or through a trusted tour operator. Foreign non-residents pay 700 USD, foreign residents – 600 USD, whereas east African citizens pay 250,000 UGX. This is as stated in the July 2020-2022 UWA Tariff. The money caters for park entrance, conservation fees and payment of the park rangers.
Where to stay while trekking Mukiza gorilla group.
To track Mukiza group, it is only wise that you get accommodation in Ruhija sector. This is the region where this family is hosted. This is to ensure proper time management and ease of transfers. The accommodation facilities here range from budget to luxury lodges, midrange, Bandas and campsites.
It is not until you have encountered the Mukiza Gorilla group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park that your heart will be settled with amazing memories of how the jungle looks like and what it is made of.
