There are eight habituated mountain gorilla families in Virunga National Park, and one of the most well known groups is the Rugendo gorilla family. This family was named after its original dominant silverback, Rugendo, who was the leader at the time the group was habituated for tourism.
The Rugendo mountain gorilla family was once part of the Humba mountain gorilla family. Both groups lived together until 1997, when Rugendo’s son, Humba, broke away from his father’s group to form his own family. When Humba split, he took several members with him, leaving Rugendo with a smaller group.
Sadly, the Rugendo family faced many challenges over the years. During a clash between the Interahamwe militia group and park military forces, Rugendo the silverback was shot and killed. After his death, leadership of the family passed to his son, Senkwekwe. However, tragedy continued to follow the group. In 2007, the family was caught in a crossfire, which resulted in the death of five members, including the dominant silverback Senkwekwe.
In 2009, rangers later found a blackback named Barinyanga dead in the forest. He is believed to have died from injuries caused during a fight with an unhabituated gorilla family. After this loss, a solitary male called Bukima, who was formerly a member of the Buhanga mountain gorilla family, took over leadership. Bukima is the current dominant silverback of the Rugendo family.
Today, the Rugendo mountain gorilla family has nine members. These include three silverbacks, one blackback, two adult females, and two babies. Despite past losses, the family continues to survive under close protection by park rangers.
Another sad incident occurred in 2013 when the family entered nearby farmland. Local farmers chased the gorillas away, and during this event, one baby gorilla was fatally injured by a machete.
Rugendo mountain gorilla family can be trekked from the Bukima and Bukinge areas of Virunga National Park. A gorilla trekking permit in Congo costs 400 US dollars per person. Permits should be booked at least three months in advance.
Visitors planning to trek this family should be physically fit, as gorillas live in high rainforest areas that can be difficult to hike. Carry proper hiking gear and plan your visit during the dry months for easier trekking conditions.
