The Bweza family was once part of one of the largest habituated groups in Bwindi until silverback Mishaya split off to form his own family. In 2013, silverback Bweza also separated to start his own group.
The Bweza family can be trekked in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi. It was named after its founder, silverback Bweza. Today, the group has 12 members led by silverback Kakono. The family includes 2 silverbacks, 4 blackbacks, 3 adult females, 1 sub-adult, and 2 infants.
The Mishaya family was formed when silverback Mishaya split from the Nshongi family, taking some members with him. Mishaya was known for being ambitious and aggressive, often fighting with other groups to take more members. These fights left him with many injuries over time.
Trekking the Bweza Gorilla Group
Trekking begins in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters. Only 8 healthy visitors are allowed to trek the Bweza family in a day. The length of the trek depends on the group’s location and the speed of the hikers. Once found, tourists are given one hour to observe and take photos.
Mountain gorillas are endangered primates that live in the tropical rainforests of East, Central, and West Africa. Unlike other gorilla species, they cannot survive in zoos and live only in their natural habitats: Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks in Uganda.
Gorillas are generally gentle but can become aggressive when their group is threatened. Fights may happen when leopards, humans, or rival silverbacks try to challenge the leader or take members from the family. A silverback warns opponents by beating its chest, throwing vegetation, grinding teeth, screaming, and, if the threat continues, attacking.
Mountain gorillas are mainly herbivores. Their diet includes fruits, leaves, bamboo shoots, stems, roots, and bark. They sometimes add ants, insects, and termites. They spend most of the day feeding and rest around midday. During this time, some groom each other while others take short naps.
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