Meet the Bitakura Gorilla Family of Bwindi
Meet the Bitukura Gorilla Family of Bwindi: The Bitukura gorilla family is a group of mountain gorillas situated in the eastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the Ruhija region. This family was habituated between 2007 and 2008, making it the quickest group to be made accessible for trekking. Unlike most families that take 2-3 years to habituate, Bitukura was ready in just one year.
Members in this group are known for being peaceful, and this group is one of the quickest gorilla families to trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Mountain gorillas are Bwindi’s highlight and attract many visitors from different parts of the world, mainly because they share over 98% of human DNA with humans.
This group has four silverbacks who make up the Bitukura gorilla family and are led by Ndahura. In addition to Ndahura, the Bitukura gorilla family also includes Rukara, Karamuzi, and Rukumu. Its name, Bitukura, comes from the River Bitukura, which traverses through the Ruhija sector, where the family was first seen.
There are currently only about 14 members of the Bitukura gorilla family, with Ndahura at the top, compared to 24 at the time of habituation. Due to fresh births, deaths, and departing members, the size of this family is constantly changing. Trekking the Bitukura gorilla family requires a gorilla trekking permit, which may be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Bitukura Gorilla Family Trekking
Trekking with the Bitukura gorilla family is similar to trekking with any other family in the Bwindi Gorilla Park. Before being led into the bush by armed ranger guides, trekkers are briefed about the gorilla trekking activity’s rules and restrictions at the Ruhija park headquarters. Finding the gorilla family can take two to seven hours, depending on the area and trekkers’ pace.
Trekking begins at 8:00 am. Armed ranger guides lead the trekkers over difficult terrain and steep slopes. After encountering the Bitukura gorilla family, trekkers are permitted to spend an hour with the mountain gorillas.
They may watch the gorillas go about their daily activities, such as hunting, nesting, eating, mating, nursing, and much more, throughout this time. While in the jungle, hikers will spot a variety of park animals, primates, and birds.
Bitukura Gorilla Trekking Permits
Gorilla trekking permits, which are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, can also be obtained through a reputable local tour operator. This is so because it is one of the requirements in order to trek the Bitukura gorilla family.
With a gorilla trekking permit, people can spend an hour with mountain gorillas to observe their daily routines, learn about their habits, and take pictures for their home. There are only eight trekking permits available for Bitukura, and they are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
The cost of a gorilla trekking permit for the Bitukura gorilla family is shs300,000 for East African citizens, $800 for foreign non-residents, and $700 for foreign residents.
If a visitor wishes to trek with a certain gorilla family, they must make reservations in advance and let their local tour operators know about the
What to Follow During the Trekking of the Bitukura Gorilla Family
The Bitukura gorilla family tour begins early in the morning with a briefing at the Ruhija sector headquarters, where trekkers learn about the guidelines for trekking gorillas, which include
Trekkers must stay 7 meters away from the gorillas, sanitize before entering the jungle, and refrain from littering in the park. Trekkers who exhibit symptoms of infectious disorders are prohibited from trekking.
When trekking, voices should be kept low. Trekkers must remain in their group when taking pictures of mountain gorillas; flash-equipped cameras are not permitted. Trekkers should refrain from staring into mountain gorillas’ eyes.
When taking pictures of mountain gorillas, flash-equipped cameras are prohibited. A trekker must turn away from the gorillas if they wish to cough or sneeze. When a hiker needs to urinate, they must ask their ranger to dig a hole for them and then cover it.
When to Trek the Bitukura Gorilla Family?
Although trekking with the Bitukura gorilla family is possible throughout the year, some months are better than others. For trekking the Bitukura gorilla family, the dry months of June through September and December through February are ideal because there is little to no rainfall, which leaves the trekking rails dry, the vegetation is short and dispersed, providing clear views of the gorillas, and the roads leading to the park are in good condition.
Packing list for the Bitukura Gorilla Family Trekking
A pair of binoculars, a face mask, waterproof hiking shoes, cotton socks, gaiters, long-sleeved trousers, long-sleeved shirts, a rain jacket, gardening gloves, a hat, sunscreen, a camera, sanitizer, a drinking water bottle, energy-boosting snacks, and insect repellents are all recommended for trekking with the Bitukura gorilla family.
Where to Stay During Trekking with the Bitukura Gorilla Family?
Travelers planning to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and trek the Bitukura gorilla family have the chance to choose an accommodation facility in the Ruhija sector of the park. The sector has a lot of accommodation facilities ranging from budget to mid-range to luxury establishments, and these include Trekkers Tavern, Ruhija Community Rest Camp, Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Broadbill Forest Camp, Agandi Lodge, Gift of Nature Lodge, Ruhija Gorilla Friends Resort, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Ecomarvels Gorilla Lodge, and Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge.
