Gorilla Families in Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was established in 1925. It is arguably the best national park to visit for those who wish to experience Africa’s true natural beauty. It is a testament to the great beauty and biodiversity in this park that even with the sometimes volatile security situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, many tourists still desire to pay a visit. Virunga is the oldest national park in Congo and lies on 7800 Square Kilometers of land. The game park sits along the Great Albertine Rift to the East of DR Congo and borders Uganda to the West. The park is home to 10 Gorilla families which can be accessed by tourists while on a gorilla trekking safaris in Virunga National Park. These gorilla families in Virunga National Park include;
- Rugendo gorilla family
Rugendo is a remarkable gorilla group that has an important place in the history of Virunga National Park. It was one of the first groups to be habituated for human interaction alongside two other groups named Rugabo and Zunguruka back in 1985. Initially, this group was led by a powerful Silverback known as Rugendo. Sadly, he was killed by rebel forces in 2001 near the Bukima area, marking a tragic moment in the story of these magnificent animals.
Rugendo was not just a leader; he was also a father to several future Silverbacks, including Mapuwa, Humba, Ruzirabwoba, Mukunda, Nyakamwe; Mburanumwe; Baseka; Kongomani; Lubutu, and Bahati. His offspring continue his lineage and contribute to the vibrant gorilla population in the park. After Rugendo’s passing, his son Senkwekwe took over as the leader of the group, but his reign was cut short in 2007 when he and five other gorillas were tragically killed by unknown attackers.
For a few months, the Rugendo group was without a recognizable leader, which raised concerns about its stability. In 2008, a solitary Silverback named Bukima stepped up to take charge. Before this, Bukima had been part of the Buhanga group and even spent time with the Munyaga group before choosing a solitary life in 2005. His leadership brought a sense of security back to the group.
Today, the Rugendo group is made up of nine members, including 3 Silverbacks, 1 Blackback,1 Adult female, 2 Sub-August- adult females, and 2 babies. Rugendo group is fond of moving around the Mikeno sector between Bukima and Bikenge and waiting for you for the Congo Gorilla trekking safaris.
- Bageni gorilla family
In Virunga National Park, the Bageni gorilla family thrives, led by the impressive silverback, Bageni. He learned the ropes in his father Kabirizi’s group, earning his silverback status in 2010. Three years later, he fought his father for dominance and got away with 20 individuals to start his own. Among the individuals he managed to snatch from his father were females, including Kamoso, his mother Mapendo, a young adult Ntamuculira, and another silverback, Kanamahalagi.
Currently, the Bageni family has 46 members strong, including three silverbacks, thirteen adult females, one Blackback, seven sub-adult females, one sub-adult male, and 10 Infants.
- Kabirizi gorilla family
Kabirizi Family was habituated in 1994 in the Bukima sector. Most of the family members left the Zunguruka troop to join Kabirizi. Its first leader, after habituation, died of old age, leaving the son Ndungutse to take on leadership until he lost his life to poachers in 1997. This group is also found near the Goma area and it’s headed by the dominant silverback Kabirizi. The group has 34 members with two silverbacks. The Group derives its name from the ICCN director who died in a fatal car accident in the 1990s. The group was formerly known as Ndungutse led by Ndungutse himself who died during a rebel war in the area. The family has 19 members.
- Baraka gorilla family
The Baraka family is a remarkable group of gorillas in Virunga National Park, and their name carries a powerful story. This family is named after Rachel Baraka, a courageous woman who was one of the 26 female rangers dedicated to protecting the park’s wildlife. Tragically, Rachel lost her life while guiding a group of British tourists on a gorilla trekking adventure to Mikeno Lodge last year. Her commitment and bravery in the face of danger made her a true hero in the eyes of many.
In honor of her legacy, the park decided to name this gorilla family after Rachel. This is more than just a name; it’s a tribute to her dedication and spirit. The leader of this family is a magnificent silverback named Baraka. Baraka is known to be the father to many Silverbacks in Virunga National Park.
- Munyaga family
The Munyaga family lives in the Bukima area of Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Back in 1998, Munyaga was a solitary Silverback gorilla. That February, he joined the Buhanga group led by a female named Nsekuye, seizing the chance to become its leader since there was no dominant Silverback around. Eventually, Munyaga lost his females to the Kabirizi group and vanished for two years. After he returned, Mawazo became the new leader. Today, the Munyaga group has nine members, including 3 Silverbacks, 2 Adult females, 2 Juveniles, and 2 babies. All of them are ready to receive you in the Congo Gorilla trekking.
- Lulengo group
Lulengo group, in Virunga National Park, was initially led by Silverback Rugabo. This group’s habituation started in 1985 and was known as the Rugabo group, named after their leader, the silverback Rugabo. Sadly, tragedy struck in 1994 when Rugabo and some of his family were killed.
After Rugabo’s death, his son Lulengo stepped up to lead the group, which had about a dozen members then. Over the years, some gorillas moved between groups. For example, some joined the Mapuwa family. Today Lulengo group is led by the Silverback Lulengo and composed of 9 individuals including;1Silverback, 3 Adult females, 1 Sub-adult male, 1 juvenile and 3 babies.
- Nyakamwe gorilla family
The Nyakamwe gorilla family consists of 15 members. This includes 3 silverbacks, 4 adult females, 2 sub-adults, 3 juveniles, and 3 infants. They split from the Humba group in 2014.
- Wilungula gorilla family
The Wilungula gorilla family is a group of 42 individuals, consisting of four mighty silverbacks, living in the Kikereri area of Virunga National Park, with their identities still being documented.
- Humba family
The Humba family, led by the calm silverback Humba, lives near Goma. This group of 16 gorillas is known for its peaceful nature, making it a favorite for gorilla trackers in Congo’s Mikeno sector. Humba is the dominant silverback and he heads this group himself. This is the calmest family in this park is it is preferred to be tracked by everyone. Humba split from Rugendo his father in 1998. The group is visited by visitors tracking gorillas in the Mikeno southern sector during the Congo gorilla trekking.
- Mapuwa gorilla family
This group is found in the Jomba area of the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mapuwa group was formed in 1998 by Mapuwa Silverback. He was once part of another group but left to start his own with two females. Now, the Mapuwa group has 22 gorillas and welcomes visitors.
