Nyakagezi Gorilla Family

The Nyakagezi Gorilla Family in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda

Uganda is one of the top destinations for gorilla trekking in the world, and while Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gets most of the attention, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to a unique and fascinating gorilla group—the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family. This is the only habituated gorilla family in Mgahinga, making it the park’s main attraction for visitors who want an intimate and exclusive trekking experience.

About the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family

The Nyakagezi Gorilla Family is a small but closely-knit group of mountain gorillas. Unlike many other gorilla families that have large numbers, this group has fewer individuals, usually ranging between 10 and 15 members. The family has been known to be highly mobile, often crossing the borders between Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This movement used to make tracking them unpredictable, but in recent years, they have settled more permanently in Mgahinga, making them more accessible to tourists.

The group is led by a dominant silverback, who takes charge of decision-making, protection, and movement within the forest. Over the years, the leadership within the Nyakagezi family has changed, with power shifting from one silverback to another. The family has been noted for its strong leadership structure and unique social dynamics, where multiple silverbacks co-exist peacefully, which is quite rare among mountain gorilla families.

Trekking the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family

Trekking to see the Nyakagezi family is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, which includes Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and DRC’s Virunga National Park. The terrain in Mgahinga is characterized by dense forests, bamboo vegetation, and steep volcanic slopes, which can make trekking both challenging and rewarding.

To visit the Nyakagezi family, tourists need to obtain a gorilla trekking permit, which is issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The cost of a permit in Mgahinga is the same as in Bwindi—currently $700 per person for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents, and 250,000 UGX for East African citizens. However, compared to Bwindi, where permits sell out quickly due to high demand, Mgahinga offers a less crowded and more exclusive experience.

On the day of the trek, visitors gather at Ntebeko Visitor Centre, where they receive a briefing from UWA rangers. The trek can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the movement of the gorillas. Once the family is located, tourists are allowed to spend one magical hour with them, observing their behaviors, taking photographs, and witnessing their strong family bonds.

Why Visit the Nyakagezi Gorilla Family?

  1. Less Crowded Experience – Unlike Bwindi, which has multiple gorilla groups and many tourists, Mgahinga offers a more private and intimate trek. This makes it ideal for those who want a less commercialized experience.
  2. Guaranteed Gorilla Sightings – Since the Nyakagezi family has become more settled in Mgahinga, the chances of seeing them are very high, making it a reliable trekking location.
  3. Diverse Scenery and Wildlife – Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is not just about gorillas. It is also home to golden monkeys, rare bird species, and breathtaking landscapes, including the Virunga Volcanoes. This means visitors can combine gorilla trekking with other exciting activities like golden monkey tracking and volcano hiking.
  4. Unique Gorilla Behaviors – The Nyakagezi family is known for its playful and interactive nature. The presence of multiple silverbacks also makes their group dynamics more intriguing to observe compared to other families where a single dominant silverback leads.

Best Time to Visit

Gorilla trekking in Mgahinga can be done all year round, but the best time is during the dry seasons (June to September and December to February). These months offer better hiking conditions, as the trails are drier and less slippery. However, because the park is a rainforest, rain can still occur at any time, so visitors should always be prepared.

The Nyakagezi Gorilla Family offers a special and exclusive gorilla trekking experience in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. With its fascinating social structure, scenic trekking routes, and fewer crowds, it is an excellent choice for those looking for a more relaxed and immersive experience with mountain gorillas. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning adventurer, a trek to see these magnificent creatures is a truly unforgettable wildlife experience.