Nyakagezi Gorilla Group
Nyakagezi Gorilla Group the only habituated family found within Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This family fully habituated and this means that visitors are free to visit the park. And see this wonderful gorilla family.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the smallest national park in Uganda covering an area of 33.7sqkm. The park an extension of the Virunga Mountains. Shared by two other gorilla parks which are; the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The group named after “Nyakagezi” area in Mgahinga where the group spends much of its time.
The area highly endowed with food which attracts very many gorillas to come. The Nyakagezi gorilla group is led by silverback Mark who took over power from his father Bugingo. Other members of this family include; silverback Mafia, Ndugutse and Bugingo, the former head of the family. Rukundo is the only black-back in the Nyakagezi group, Nyiramwiza an adult female, Nshuti the adult female with her two baby gorilla, ”Nshuti and Fred”. Nkanda and Furaha are juveniles, Mutagamba is an infant. Fred was named from a Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project (MGVP) doctor called “Fred” who saved him from a wire snare.
There are 2 other silverbacks in this group of 10 members who are quite big in size. The ruling silverback enjoys moving a lot and frequently the family would cross borders. Between Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda and due to their unpredictable movements, seeing this family can be difficult.
However since November 2012, the Nyakagezi group has settled within the Ugandan border and in the month of May 2013. It received a newborn baby who increased the family’s number. Because of the great mobility that this group exhibited in the past, the governing authority, “Uganda Wildlife Authority” . Decided that gorilla trekking permits to visit this family should be issued only at their headquarters within the National Park.
Visiting the Nyakagezi gorilla group is an experience that not only centers on mountain gorillas. But also an excitement that is built around the most incredible three Virunga volcano summits, the gorge and then the magnificent flora. Indeed you will appreciate taking gorilla safaris to Uganda’s smallest but most gifted national park. However, there are only 8 gorilla permits that are usually available for visitors. To trek the Nyakagezi gorilla group meaning it is also quantified to only 8 visitors per trek.
Besides trekking the Nyakagezi group, tourists can also engage in Golden Monkey tracking experience. Because Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is the only Park in Uganda where “Gold meets Silver.” They can as well engage in the interesting Batwa trail. That takes you through the life of the “People of the Forest” who were hunter-gatherers, birding and mountain hiking to Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Muhavura and also Gahinga.