Oruzogo Gorilla Family
Oruzogo Gorilla Family is a perfect destination and an extraordinary adventure for tourists aiming at enjoying wildlife searching a thrilling experience. This family of mountain gorillas is among the most popular and often photographed within the park drawing the attention of the visitors with their fantastic behavior, unique social system and of course the magnificent natural environment. Any primate lover with an interest in the amazing world of African wildlife should ensure they spend some time with the Oruzogo Gorilla Family.
Oruzogo Gorilla Family
The Oruzogo Gorilla Family is among the eighteen groups of gorillas that have been readjusted for tourists’ visits in Bwindi National Park. Gorilla habituation is the process through which the gorillas are gradually and gently allowed to get familiar with human beings thereby being taken for visitor observation without anxiety. The whole process takes some time, researchers and trackers perform this work with great care and respect for these beautiful animals.
The Oruzogo has over fifteen members which are led by the top male known as Bakwate, the silverback. Bakwate also guarantees connection and order of the group, leading the group in search of food in the forest, rule the defense of the family against any powers and disorder within the family. Visitors are usually shocked by the jovial attitude of the group particularly the youths of the group, most of whom are seen wresting, swinging on branches and even mimicking the actions of the other adults.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
To give you an understanding of why visiting the Oruzogo family is an extraordinary experience, let’s learn more about the background of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It’s located in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi impenetrable forest was in 1994 declared as world heritage site due to the many natural treasures and products. Indeed, it is among the Africa’s densest and most bio- diversified rainforests. The park occupies more than 321 square kilometers of the spectacularly physical geography with dense vegetation, enormous trees, and many other wildlife apart from the gorillas.
Bwindi hosts more than 120 mammal species, 350 bird species and over 200 butterfly species. Exploring trekkers not only gets an opportunity to encounter the Oruzogo family but also experience richness of Bwindi forest at its best.
Gorilla Trekking Adventure to Oruzogo Family
Traveling to visit the Oruzogo Gorilla Family involves a lot of hiking as well as a lot of fun. Gorilla treks in Bwindi usually start early in the morning from one of the park headquarters, Ruhija, Buhoma, Rushaga, or Nkuringo. The Oruzogo family lives in the Ruhija sector which is a little calmer than Bwindi and has beautiful views of the landscapes that have not been affected by human interference too much.
With the assistance of guides and trackers, people move deep into the rainforest in order to track the gorillas. The trek may range from 30 minutes to several hours because the gorillas are restless, always in search of food. The landscape is rugged and the ground is hilly with tough trees and shrubs through which hikers are compelled to scrape to create paths. The anticipation grows everybody’s eagerness in an equal manner.
When the gorillas are spotted, visitors are allowed to spend one valuable hour in the company of this family. This is a wonderful time when one is able to observe how gorillas feed, groom, play and perform their daily activities. These are our close relatives, we share 98% of our genes with gorillas and their presence is wondersome.
Members of the Oruzogo Family and its Antecedent Household
While every member of the Oruzogo family has its unique traits and behaviors, a few individuals often stand out during the trek:
Bakwate, the Silverback possess a highly authoritative character with the group, although polite. Although guests would note that he is a large man who looks incredibly strong, they would be shocked that he looks so gentle when watching the family.
Kaganga and Kanywani: These two playful kids are always associated with pranks. They are frequently supervised by adults, they often carry out wrestling and playing to provide delight for observers.
Nyakina, the Mother: Out of the adult females, Nyakina is mostly drawn to nursing her young ones or catering for the young in the family. These are lovely demonstrations of how gorilla family is united.
Conservation and Tourism
Mountain gorillas in Bwindi including Oruzogo family have had so many challenges over the years, challenges such as; habitat loss and poaching. Before the gorillas were poached for their body parts that were used in traditional healings and also hunted for sport but widespread conservation through the intervention of the Uganda Wildlife Authority and international organizations, the number of the gorillas has started to increase.
This conservation success story can be attributed to tourism. All visitors to Bwindi hence finance the conservation of the gorillas and the area they exist in. Some of the generated revenues are also used to purchase other items such as vehicles for use in anti-poaching activities, renovation of damaged gorilla habitats as well as funding the livelihood projects meant for the local people in order to reduce human and wildlife conflict.
However, it is crucial to say that gorilla tracking is done very carefully so that there will be few or no negative effects on the gorillas and their habitat. Any visitors are required by law to follow certain rules which include, keeping a minimum of seven meters from the gorillas and avoid making gestures like eye contact with the gorillas besides wearing masks.
Visiting the Oruzogo Gorilla Family
Travelling to the Oruzogo family is still challenging for the fact that only a certain number of permits for gorilla trekking are issued and there is always competition for them. Here’s what you need to know;
Gorilla Trekking Permits: If you want to visit the Oruzogo family you have to have a gorilla trekking permit from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Currently it is 800 US dollars for foreign non-residents for permits.
