The Bageni gorilla family inhabits the Gatovu and Bukima areas of Virunga National Park in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This gorilla family was formed in 2013 when the dominant silverback Bageni broke away from the Kabirizi mountain gorilla family to start his own group. The family is named after silverback Bageni, who led the split.
When Bageni left the Kabirizi family, he moved with about 20 individuals, including his own mother, Mapendo. The Bageni gorilla family was once among the few gorilla groups to give birth to twins. Sadly, the twins did not survive past a very young age. Another silverback named Mafuko within the group also fathered twins, but they too passed away at an early stage. Despite these losses, the family remains an important gorilla group within Virunga National Park.
The Kabirizi mountain gorilla family is the original group from which Bageni separated. This family was first known as the Ndugutse mountain gorilla family. The name later changed to Kabirizi, in honor of an ICCN director who died in a road accident in the 1990s. Kabirizi is well known in Virunga for producing several silverbacks, including Bageni.
Apart from gorilla trekking, there are other activities visitors can enjoy in Virunga National Park. One of these is a visit to the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage. This orphanage was established in 2010 to care for orphaned mountain gorillas rescued from poachers and illegal wildlife traders. It is the first gorilla orphanage in the world. The gorillas receive daily care from trained experts in a protected forest area near the park headquarters.
Visitors can also relax at Tchegera Island, located off the northern shores of Lake Kivu. The island is a peaceful place to rest after gorilla trekking or volcanic hikes. Tourists can reach the island by local canoe and enjoy swimming, sport fishing, and simple walks.
Volcanic climbing is another major activity. Visitors can hike Mount Nyiragongo, which stands at 3,470 meters above sea level, or Mount Nyamuragira, which rises to 3,058 meters. Mount Nyiragongo has the largest lava lake in the world, while Mount Nyamuragira is the most active volcano in Africa.
Congo offers the most affordable mountain gorilla permits. Each permit costs 400 USD per person in the peak season and 200 USD per person during the wet season, making gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park accessible even for budget travelers.
