Nkuringo Gorilla Group
The Nkuringo Gorilla Group found in Nkuringo sector of Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park. And opened for tourism in 2004. The word “Nkuringo” is a Rukiga word to mean round hill. The group was first spotted and targeted for habituation at the Nkuringo Hill. However, this hill not peaked and distinguished by its rounded crest.
Nkuringo gorilla group the first gorilla group habituated in the entire southern sector of the park in 1997. This Group among the most challenging treks within Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in the Nkuringo Area.
The group composed of 15 individuals including; 2 silverbacks (1Silverback Rafiki brutally murdered by poachers in June 2020), 1 black back, 2 adult females, 2 sub-adults, 3 juveniles and two infants. Initially, this group had 17 members but with time, some members kept leaving up to the current size of 15 members.
The Nkuringo gorilla group also the first group to record the birth of gorilla “twins” in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in December 2004. The family celebrated the birth of twins, Muhozi and Katungi to adult female “Kwitonda”. Sadly, Katungi passed away. Because of some illness at a tender age of one and half years.
This gorilla groups famously known for foraging outside the park for most of their time. This continuous practice led to the displacement of the former local human settlers within the frontline villages in the Nkuringo sector.Done in order to create a buffer zone to minimize human-wildlife interface. In response to local complaints and to also protect both the gorillas and the community’s interests. The Nkuringo Gorilla group underwent habituation for tourism purposes. This initiative not only safeguarded the gorilla family. But also gave an opportunity to the local communities to benefit from gorilla tourism revenue.
This displacement followed an outbreak of Scabies within the Nkuringo group in December 2000. Nkuringo gorilla family has always been headed by Silverback “Rafiki,”. However in June 2020, a group of 4 hunters speared down Rafiki leading to his death.
In the first few months of contact with this group. The habituating trackers noted the group was under the leadership of an elderly silverback whom they naturally named Nkuringo. However, Nkuringo’s son ‘Safari” also had begun calling the shots and as heir-apparent. He had now taken over most of the leadership responsibilities.
The aged Nkuringo died in April 2008 leaving behind 2 silverbacks in the group; Safari and Rafiki. This eventually meant that the threat of a leadership showdown was expected. Rafiki (now deceased) took over power. Until he was killed by poachers who claimed, they did it in self-defense. Nkuringo gorilla group now has no silverback and UWA speculates that Wild and un-habituated silverback may take over this family making it hard to trek it.
This group also known to be demanding in terms of energy and stamina. It features among the breathtaking groups in the park. But exploring it offers the most thrilling experiences of life time. It is also a large troop in southern scenic sector and offers unforgettable encounters. The Nkuringo group recommended for youthful hikers. Therefore, visitors who opt for this family must have a reasonable degree of fitness.