Muyambi Gorilla Family Group

Muyambi gorilla family group is a gorilla group located in Buhoma region, the northern gorilla trekking sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP). This is a new gorilla group available for visitor exploration on gorilla safari in Bwindi National Park.

Muyambi group broke out of Mubare gorilla family in 2019. The group has had newborn gorilla and breaking out of Mubare meant an increase in gorilla families in Buhoma sector for tourists on gorilla safaris to track. This group is led by Muyambi silverback who was initially a member of Mubare group in Buhoma sector, Northern Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Park.

Muyambi gorilla group and Katwe happen to be the newest families in Buhoma, and this group is comprised of 6 mountain gorillas. Visiting Buhoma to track Muyambi family is a great opportunity to experience.

Other gorilla families in Buhoma trailhead

Mubare –this is an exceptional gorilla family, Uganda’s oldest group to open for gorilla trekking. Habituation exercise began in 1991 and took 2 years for Mubare gorilla family to officially open for gorilla trekking.

Gorilla treks started in 1993 when Mubare had 18 members. The group composition reduced following fights and migration effects without forgetting other natural factors such as death. Mubare group derives its name from Mubare Hills where the group was originally spotted. Mubare family group has had family record of Malaika, Kashundwe, Kanyonyi, Muyambi and others.

Habinyanja group –Habinyanja gorilla family is found in Buhoma, and it is open for gorilla tourism. During habituation, this family had a composition size of 25 members, and was led by Mugurusi silverback group but he died as a result of old age. Mwirima and Rwansigazi led the group together after the death of their leader till 2002 when they split creating Rushegura family.

Rushegura gorilla group broke away from Habinyanja in 2002 and falls under the leadership of Mwirima silverback. As of 2010, Habinyanja had record of about 19 members.

Katwe –this is a newly launched group in Buhoma and is open for gorilla trekking. It has a composition size of 9 members which include infants, adult females, blackbucks and more.

Getting to Buhoma

Getting to Buhoma sector to track Muyambi takes 8-9 hours for tourists to drive from Kampala and from Kigali, you need between 4 and 5 hours. Starting your journey from Rwanda means crossing border points –Chanika border to Kisoro and Katuna to Kabale then proceed to Buhoma area. By air, book a flight with your local tour operator and you will fly from Entebbe airport/Kajjansi airfield to Kihihi airstrip.

Gorilla permits

Gorilla permits play a key part if you plan to go gorilla tour in Uganda in general or other gorilla destinations such as Rwanda and Congo. In Uganda, through your tour operator Maranatha Tours and Travel (info@adventureugandasafaris.com), a permit can easily be obtained without any challenged and one permit goes for USD 700 per person.

When to go

First time visiting Uganda for gorilla trekking holiday and you aren’t sure of when to travel? Well, considering our vast experience, we recommend the dry season as it guarantees excellent treks because there is less or no rain received during this period unlike during the wet or rainy season. Therefore consider spending your holiday in Buhoma from June, July, August to September or December, January to February.

Accommodation

There are several lodges distributed in and around Buhoma sector consisting of budget, midrange and luxury. They include CPTH Gorilla Conservation Camp, Silverback Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Engagi, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp,

Buhoma Lodge, Buhoma Haven Lodge, Trackers Safari Lodge, Bwindi View Bandas, Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge and others.