Kabirizi gorilla family is one of the largest and most well known mountain gorilla groups in Virunga National Park. This gorilla family is found in the Bukima area of the park. The leading silverback, Kabirizi, is often called the king of the Virunga jungle because of his strength and long history within the park.
Kabirizi gorilla family was first known as the Zunguruka gorilla family. This name came from the first dominant silverback, Zunguruka. After Zunguruka died of old age, his son Ndugutse took over leadership, and the family name was changed to Ndugutse gorilla family.
Ndugutse led the family for several years until he was sadly killed during a crossfire between the Congolese army and rebel groups. After his death, the family was renamed Kabirizi gorilla family in memory of a former ICCN director who died in an accident in the 1990s.
Leadership later passed to Ndugutse’s son Buhanga. However, Buhanga faced many challenges, including fights with his brother Karateka. Karateka briefly left with three members, though Buhanga later regained control of the group. Buhanga was later badly injured after fighting with a wild silverback, and these injuries caused his death.
After this loss, the group stayed without a strong male leader for some time and was briefly led by a female gorilla called Nsekuye. She was later overthrown by a silverback named Munyaga. Munyaga was then defeated by Kabirizi, who finally became the dominant silverback of the group.
Kabirizi later fought with his son Bageni, who left with about 20 members. Kabirizi remained with 16 gorillas and slowly rebuilt the family. Today, Kabirizi gorilla family has about 19 members and is one of the most interesting groups to trek in Virunga National Park. Kabirizi is believed to be the father of many gorillas in the park.
The Democratic Republic of Congo offers the cheapest mountain gorilla trekking permits. A gorilla trekking permit costs about $400 per person. Permits should be booked at least three months in advance. Visitors should also carry proper trekking gear and follow all gorilla trekking rules.
