New Baby Gorilla Born in Bwindi Forest on Valentine’s Day

While people were celebrating love on Valentines Day, Bwindi Impenetrable
Forest and Uganda tourism at large were celebrating the birth of the new born
baby! The lovely baby was born on 14th February 2023 in Mukiza Gorilla group in
Ruhija sector eastern region of Bwindi impenetrable Forest National park. Our
clients at Engagi Safaris were amazed seeing the newborn baby with its mum. However
the time of this documentary, the sex of the baby gorilla is not yet known by both
baby and mother are doing superfine. The mother and mother tightly guard the
baby gorilla ensuring its safety and comfort. The baby gorilla increased the
number of mountain gorillas in Mukiza family to 19 members.

Just like newborn are celebrated in human homes, mountain gorilla families also
celebrate upon the birth of a new baby.
The birth of baby gorillas is Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park increase
gorilla population and guarantee sustainable gorilla tourism in Uganda hence
worth celebrating. we highly appreciate the conservation efforts, local
communities and government for the best work done.
Apparently, Bwindi impenetrable Forest National Park is believed to protect
over 450 mountain gorillas. These have been habituated into 20 gorilla families,
which are scattered in the four sectors of the park. Mountain gorilla families in
Bwindi Impenetrable National park include Mubare, Rushegura, Kyaguliro,
Kahungye, Oruzogo, Bweza, Nkuringo, Katwe, Mishaya, Mukiza, Christmas, Kutu.
Rwigi, and Busingye gorilla groups.

About Mukiza gorilla family

Established in 2016, Mukiza gorilla group is an interesting family to visit. Mukiza
gorilla family split from Kyaguliro gorilla group when Mukiza, one of the
silverbacks in Kyaguliro group failed to agree with Rukara the then head of
Kyaguliro family. Mukiza decided to break the boss and decided to break start his
own family. Some people call Mukiza group Kyaguliro B given the family’s
history of formation and origin. Apparently, Mukiza comprise of 15 members
inclusive of the adult females, black backs, juveniles and babies headed by
Mukiza as the lead silverback.

Ruhija Gorilla Region

Located in the eastern part of Bwindi impenetrable Park, Ruhija sector is one of
the four regions that make up this huge Forest Park. The gorilla regions is
located roughly 26 kilometers from kabale town and its one of the easy to reach
areas. If you are driving from Kigali Rwanda, Ruhija is easily accessed via Katuna
border. Ruhija is home to four habituated gorilla families open for travelers.
These are Bitukura, Oruzogo, Mukiza and Kyaguliro. Each family is visited by
eight per day, which guarantee availability of 32 gorilla permits issued everyday.

Best places to stay in Ruhija sector

A variety of luxury, midrange and budget lodges/camps have been established to
provide accommodation services in Ruhija sector. Some of the lodges in Ruhija
include Bakiga Lodge, Trekker;s Tavern Lodge, Ruhija Safari Lodge, Ruhija
Community Camp Gift of Nature Lodge. If you are staying in Kabale, Lake
Bunyonyi Rock Resort is one of the best places to stay.

Getting to Ruhija Gorilla Region

You can access Ruhija gorilla region by road or air. Driving from Entebbe
International Airport to Ruhija takes roughly 10 hours drive. This full day drive
entails several stopovers for lunch breakfast, refreshments and photography.
Equator is one of the popular stopovers for travelers headed to Bwindi Forest
National park. Alternatively, chattered flights from Kajjansi to Kihihi airstrip
make connectivity to Ruhija easy. The transfer from Kihihi to Ruhija is fast and
less difficulty. Flying to Kigali and driving to Ruhija via Katuna/Gatuna border
takes roughly 6 hours inclusive of the immigration process.

Other Gorilla regions in Bwindi Forest

They are four gorilla regions in total, which make up Bwindi Impenetrable
National park. These regions:
Buhoma– Located in the northern part of Bwindi Forest Park. The sector
harbors Mubare gorilla family, which is the oldest gorilla group in the whole of
Bwindi. Other gorilla families in Buhoma include Rushegura, Habinyanja, Katwe,
and Binyindo groups. Buhoma is easily accessed from Kabale town.

Rushaga sector: This is located in the southern part of Bwindi Forest and its
home to the highest gorilla families. Rushaga is easily accessed from Kisoro and
it’s the best region for travelers coming from Kigali Rwanda. Gorilla families in
Rushaga sector include Mishaya, Nshongi, Bweza, Kahungye and Busingye
families. Rushaga sector also offers gorilla habituation experience in which
travelers partake in the experimental training of wild gorillas making them
familiar with people. The permit for gorilla habituation costs $1500 allowing
you to spend four hours in presence of the gorillas.

Nkuringo sector. This is also locates in the southern region of Bwindi impenetrable National park. Christmas an Nkuringo are the habituated gorilla families in this sector

Other activities to do in Bwindi Forest Park

In addition to mountain gorilla trekking, travelers to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
National park can partake in other experiences. The gorilla trekking addons in
Bwindi Forest are bird watching, nature walks and batwa cultural visits among
others.
In conclusion, the birth of a new baby gorilla in Bwindi Forest is an achievement.
We applause Uganda Wildlife Authority for the continued efforts an great work