Oruzogo Gorilla Family in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
The Oruzogo Gorilla Family, located in the Ruhija area of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, consists of 17 gorillas and is popular among tourists due to the lively behavior of its juvenile members. For those seeking more rest and less travel, reserve your accommodation in Ruhija rather than Buhoma, which requires a longer drive and early departure for the gorilla tracking orientation.
Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is located in the northern part of the park, where this famous group that has been welcoming visitors since 2011, led by Silverback Bakwate, the group’s name is derived from their unique diet, primarily consisting of the Alchornea hitela plant. Oruzogo’s habituation began in 2008, and it currently consists of 11 members, including 1 Silverback, 6 Black backs, 2 Adult females, 1 Juvenile, and 1 Infant. The group previously had 17 members, but this number decreased after Silverback Kasimali left with 6 members. Oruzogo has neighbors, including Bitukula, Mukiza, and Kyaguriro gorilla groups.
What makes Ruhija a special sector in Bwindi- The Oruzogo Gorilla Family in Bwindi
The Ruhija sector, located in the eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, is easily accessible from Buhoma and Kabale. It is recognized for its topographical diversity and primarily used for scientific research. At an altitude just above 2,500m, it offers stunning views of the forest and the Virunga mountains. Visitors can hike to Rwamunyonyi peak (2,607m), known for its bird diversity. Ruhija is unique in the park for its elephant population, particularly the forest elephants, and hosts several monkeys and antelopes. While it has fewer gorillas and permits (16), it features four fully habituated gorilla families, making it a quieter and easier alternative to other sectors.
Trekking Mountain gorillas in Ruhija Sector
Gorilla trekking in the Ruhija sector is the primary activity that attracts visitors globally because of the magical mountain gorillas. Among the four gorilla families, including Oruzogo Gorilla Family, Kyaguriro group is designated for research, which requires advance permission from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Daily permits are limited to 16, with eight available per family, excluding Kyaguriro. Prices for permits are $800 for non-foreign residents, $700 for foreign residents, and UGX300,000 for East African citizens, and should be booked in advance. Treks can last 45 minutes to 5 hours, but provide a rewarding experience as visitors spend one hour with the gorillas.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, located in southwestern Uganda, is a dense ancient montane forest at elevations of 1,160 to 2,607 meters and houses half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Mountain gorillas, an endangered subspecies of eastern gorillas, inhabit high mountain regions and live in social family groups led by a dominant silverback male. They play a crucial role in their ecosystem as primarily herbivorous grazers, and their presence is vital for maintaining the balance of the local environment and food chain.
Mountain gorillas- The Oruzogo Gorilla Family in Bwindi
The eastern gorilla is a large hominid characterized by a broad chest, long arms, and a flat nose with large nostrils. Its fur is mainly black, with adult males featuring a silvery “saddle” on their back, earning them the nickname “silverbacks” as this saddle turns white with age. Grauer’s gorilla has thick, deep black fur, while the mountain gorilla exhibits a bluish hue and is slightly smaller than Grauer’s gorilla. Males are significantly larger than females, with full-grown males weighing between 140–205.5 kg (309–453 lb) and standing about 1.7 m (5.6 ft) tall when upright.
Background of mountain gorilla population
The population of mountain gorillas has increased in recent decades, reaching an estimated 1,063 individuals as of December 2019, thanks to improved survey methods and intrinsic growth. They are the only apes showing population growth, leading to their status being downgraded from ‘Critically Endangered’ to ‘Endangered’ in 2018 by the IUCN. Despite this improvement, mountain gorillas still require significant protection and monitoring. Physically, adult males can weigh over 180 kg (400 lbs) and develop a silver-grey saddle, earning them the name ‘silverback’, while females weigh about 90 kg (200 lbs). These gorillas inhabit two isolated populations: the Virunga Massif across DRC, Rwanda, and Uganda, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
Oruzogo group is one of the renowned and captivating gorilla families in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and promises the best experience to travellers planning to go for gorilla trekking safaris. Ruhija, one of the four gorilla trekking sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, is noted for its tranquility and isolation, featuring only four gorilla families. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks through the forest, leading to stunning views of the distant Virunga mountains and lush rolling hills.
