DISCOVER DR CONGO
Bageni Gorilla family
The group consists of 3 silverbacks, 13 adult female gorillas, 1 blackback, 7 sub adult females, 1 sub adult male, 7 juveniles and also 10 infant gorillas.
The Bageni family is another gorilla family in Virunga National Park and it can be seen around Bukima and Gatovu areas. The silverback which leads the Bageni group is Bageni and there are 48 individuals in this gorilla family. Bageni group was formed around 2013 following a split from Kabirizi group. Bageni left the Kabirizi group with 20 individuals including his mother and brother.
The Bageni group increased its members following an interaction with the Wilungula group around 2021. The females who joined the Bageni group gave birth to young ones increasing the number of the members. The group consists of 3 silverbacks, 13 adult female gorillas, 1 blackback, 7 sub adult females, 1 sub adult male, 7 juveniles and also 10 infant gorillas.
Visiting the Bageni family in Virunga national park
The Bageni family is said to be among the peaceful gorilla families to track during tours in Virunga national park. Gorilla Trekking in search of the Bageni family is easier since this family lives around the park headquarters in Virunga national park. A gorilla permit to see these gorillas costs 450 USD and advance booking of the permit is advised. When visiting the gorillas in the Bageni family, 1 hour is spent with the gorillas and during this time tourists can record videos and take photos of the gorillas as they watch them and observe their behavior during the gorilla trekking experience.
Other gorilla families which can be visited during gorilla trekking in Virunga national park include Kabirizi, Lulengo, Rugendo, Nyakamwe, Munyaga, Mapuwa, Wilulunga, Baraka and Humba. Apart from gorilla trekking other activities to take part in around Virunga national park include climbing Mount Nyiragongo, chimpanzee habituation, guided nature walks and also hikes. The best time to visit the gorillas in Virunga national park is around June to October which are the dry season. Tours to the national park however can be done at anytime of the year including the rainy season.
