The Nyakagezi gorilla family is the only habituated group in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The name comes from the Nyakagezi area where the family usually feeds.
Habituation began in 1991, and the family was opened for trekking in 1994. At the time, Bugingo was the dominant silverback, but later his son Mark took over leadership with support from his brother Mafia. Unlike in many gorilla families where the father is forced out, Bugingo remained in the group and still lives peacefully with the other silverbacks.
Today, the Nyakagezi family has 9 members: 4 silverbacks, 2 adult females, 2 infants, and 1 juvenile. The number of individuals may change over time due to births, deaths, or movements between groups.
Golden Monkey Trekking in Mgahinga
Mgahinga is often called the place “where silver meets gold” because it is also home to golden monkeys. The park has about 3,000 to 4,000 golden monkeys, a rare and endangered species found only in the Virunga volcanic range.
Golden monkey trekking starts early in the morning, like gorilla trekking. These monkeys live in groups of 30 to 80 and sleep at night in smaller groups on top of bamboo plants. They are playful and often curious about visitors, even enjoying flash cameras, unlike gorillas.
Mountain Climbing in Mgahinga
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park has three of the eight Virunga volcanoes: Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Gahinga. Each of these mountains is inside the park and can be climbed. Every mountain offers unique views at the summit, making climbing one of the exciting activities for visitors.
Mountain gorillas live in the tropical rainforests of East, Central, and West Africa. They stay in social groups led by an alpha male called a silverback. Silverbacks get their name from the grey patch of silver hair that grows on their backs as they mature.
Gorillas can make up to 25 different sounds to communicate in the forest, including grunts, screams, and chants. They also show emotions and can laugh or cry.
Male mountain gorillas eat up to 49 pounds of vegetation daily, while females eat slightly less. Their diet includes fruits, leaves, stems, roots, bark, and bamboo shoots. They sometimes add ants, termites, and insects. Gorillas rarely drink water because they get most of their hydration from plants.
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