What Are The Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Families

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Families at the moment are approximately 12 but as the gorilla habituation process still continues, the number is expected to change. Volcanoes National Park is the only home for the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. This park lies in the ragged terrain of North western part of Rwanda. Book Now

The fate of the mountain gorillas was born in Rwanda’s in Volcanoes Nations Park by an American philanthropist Diane Fossey who was the mouthpiece of these vulnerable primates that laid at the verge of extinction. She faced unbearable resistance from the local community for siding with the mountain gorillas which led to her gruesome murder in 1985

Diane Fossey still speaks from her grave as the mountain gorilla conservation through gorilla trekking is one of the top African sought after safaris. In Rwanda, each tourist must purchase a gorilla trekking permit from the Rwanda Development Board as a means to support the gorilla conservation fund and regulate mass tourism in the fragile jungle where they thrive.

Rwanda has several gorilla families that have under gone the habituation a process that helps these primates to get accustomed to the presence of human beings without altering there nature. The population of the members of each gorilla family varies and overtime there new births and deaths in these families. Below are the Rwanda gorilla families

Sabyinyo Gorilla Family

The Sabyinyo gorilla families was named after the Sabyinyo mountain which is part of the six Virunga Volcanoes. This gorilla family is known for spending time around the areas close to the Sabyinyo mountain.

The Dominant Silverback of Sabyinyo gorilla family is currently called Guhonda and assisted by Ryango silverback. This Gorilla family has a number of other members including adult females, juveniles and infants.

Amahoro Gorilla family

Amahoro gorilla family is one of the old gorilla trekking families in Volcanoes National Park normally known to spend time at the gentle slope. The name Amahoro locally means peace and it is ideal for the characteristic of the members of this gorilla family

Ubumwe silverback is the current dominant male of Amahoro gorilla family. Other members of the Amahoro Gorilla family in Rwanda include 5 adult females, 2 black backs, some infants, about 4 juveniles and others. Getting to the Amahoro Gorilla family in Rwanda is sometimes challenging because of the steepness of the area where they are normally known to spent time.

Susa Gorilla Family

The Susa gorilla trekking family is one of the unique Rwanda gorilla families with the rare twins by the names Impano and Byishimo that are the highlight of this family. This gorilla family gets its name from River Susa where the gorilla family is known to spend most of its time.

Susa gorilla family is one of the largest gorilla families in Rwanda with over 28 family members. Susa gorilla family is historical in the Rwanda conservation as was one of the case studies of the fallen American philanthropists Diane Fossey who based her work at Karisoke. It is among the oldest gorilla trekking families of Rwanda.

The trek to Susa family is normally challenging as the family is known to spend most of the time on the steep slopes. One needs to bear some level of fitness to get to the Susa family

Umubano Gorill Family

Umubano gorilla family is a break away from the Amahoro gorilla family of Rwanda. The gorilla family came into existence after a territorial fight between Ubumwe silverbacks and Charles the current Dominant silverbacks of Umubano gorilla family.

The victory of Charles led to his departure with some females and so started a new gorillas family called Umubano.

Kwitonda Gorilla Family

Kwitonda Gorilla Family of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is under the leadership of Kwitonda the dominant silverback with more than 17 family members. locally the word Kwitonda means humble and this meaning is apt for this Gorilla family. This gorilla family is said to have migrated from the Virunga National Park in D.R.Congo to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Because of the nature of the topography of Volcanoes National Park, getting to Kwitonda gorilla family requires some level of fitness as the family spends so much time on the slopes of the highlands in Volcanoes National Park. This gorilla family also loves spending time in the thick forested areas of the park most of the time

Agashya Gorilla Family

The Agashya gorilla family was the former Group 13 and the Current Dominant silverback of this group is called Agashya leading a number of female, infant, juveniles and black backs. The dominance of Agashya silverback was a result of a terrible fight between Nyakairima the then Silverback and Agashya who won the battle and took over this leadership.

Agashya as a dominant Silverbacks us very ambitious so he has overtime expanded the number of family members of this group from about 15 members to more than 25 mountain gorillas and he is not done yet. This silverback is always on a look out for those trying to invade his territory so keeps the gorilla family moving to the upper parts of the hill.

Agashya Gorilla family is commonly known to spend time at the base of Mountain Gahinga and Mountain Sabyinyo.

Bwenge Gorilla Family

Bwenge gorilla family of Rwanda has approximately 11 family members with Bwenge as the dominant silverback. Tragedy befell the Bwenge gorilla family when it lost 6 family members. Getting to Bwenge gorilla family is challenging because it is commonly known to spend time at the steep areas of this park.

Karisimbi Gorilla family

The Karisimbi gorilla family is a break away from the Susa family. The other name for this gorilla family is Susa B. the common area occupied by Karisimbi gorilla family is at the foothills of mountain Karisimbi one of the six Virunga Volcanoes. The Karisimbi gorilla family is mobile too as at times they move up hill making it difficult to trace them. At times the rangers have to first find the Karisimbi gorilla family before tourists are led to them.

Ugenda Gorilla Family

Ugenda gorilla family is commonly situated closer to the Karisimbi mountain. The local meaning of Uganda is that unsettled and indeed the name perfectly suits this gorilla family. It is a mobile gorilla family as it often moves from one areas to another.

Hirwa gorilla family

The Hirwa gorilla family was formed as a combo of member from Agashya family ( Group 13 ) and Sabyinyo gorilla family. The local meaning of Hirwa is luck one and indeed this collaboration was a lucky move.

At the moment over 9 family member have been confirmed as members of this gorilla family with one dominant silverback, the adult females, juveniles and infants. The dominant male of the Hirwa gorilla family is so determined to protect its sovereignty.

Which Is The Best Gorilla Family To Trek In Rwanda?

All Rwanda gorilla families are exciting to visit as they showcase different characteristics. Open your mind to being with the gorilla family you are allocated to if you are to enjoy the entire gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda.

Before gorilla trekking in Rwanda, tourists gather for briefing at the ORTPN and later allocated a gorilla family to trek. The criteria used to allocate Rwanda gorilla families is not easy to determine but sometimes it is done according to age, physical capability and others.

Some level of patience is necessary before finding the mountain gorillas as at times it takes about 2 hour or more to find them.

How much is the cost of Rwanda Gorilla Trekking permit

The cost of Rwanda gorilla trekking permit is currently $1500 for international nonresidents, $500 for foreign residents and $200 for East African Residents.

Inclusions in the cost of Rwanda gorilla permit are one hour gorilla trekking experience, gorilla conservation fund support, ranger guide fee, security and others. The cost of Rwanda gorilla permit excludes personal expenses, transport costs, porter hire and others.

The demand for Rwanda gorilla trekking permits increases in the dry season which is June, July, August September, December and January. Each day maximum 8 gorilla permits are open to the public so during the dry season they sell out.

How long is the Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

The time of finding the mountain gorillas in Rwanda vary with factors prevailing in the wilderness. Sometimes it takes 2 hours or more to find the mountain gorillas. Some of the determinants of the time of finding the mountain gorillas include weather conditions prevailing in the day, proximity of food source, mood of the gorilla family and others.

Try to open your mind to spotting other forest occupants instead of focusing on finding the only the mountain gorillas. The Volcanoes National Park is a rich biosphere reserve hosting several inhabitants including golden monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, grey cheeked mangabey and others.

Upon finding the mountain gorillas only one hour is allowed with them for conservation reasons. Return to your lodge to relax and enjoy the experience of fulling your dream of being just a few meters from the mountain gorillas.

Wear the appropriate gorilla trekking gears so that you are not hurt when you encounter some rough surfaces in the wilderness. You may hire a porter to help with carrying your belongings so that you can move freely in the wilderness. Ensure you wear the right gears for your gorilla trekking safari.

What accommodation to book for the Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari

The accommodation to book for Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is categorized into luxury, mid-range and basic. Some of the accommodations to use for gorilla trekking in Rwanda include Sabyinyo Silverback loge, Mountain Gorilla View lodge, Lebambou, Hotel Muhavura, Kinigi guest House and others.

During the wet season, the demand for accommodations to use during gorilla trekking increases and so options run out. It is best to book accommodation to use for gorilla trekking in Rwanda early

When us the best time to book Rwanda Gorilla trekking Permit

Booking the Rwanda gorilla trekking permit us safer atleast 90 days in advance. This is because of the high demand for Rwanda safaris from world over creating scarcity at the last minute. You may purchase the gorilla permit fully or in instalments depending on the time of booking.

What to Pack On Gorilla Trekking safari in Rwanda

Safari boots comfortable enough to protect your feet from the harsh ground and soggy trails created from flooding dense network of rivers.

A sweater or poncho warm enough to keep you warm the early morning and late afternoons

Garden gloves to help you catch a tight grip on creepers as you hike to get to the mountain gorillas.

Safari hat with a large brim to protect you from water that drips off the trees. When moving in the wilderness there are some insects that may fly into your hair so you need to protect your head.

Camera for taking memories of your adventure with the mountain gorillas as this is a dream come true experience.

Long sleeved shirt and trousers in colors that are wilderness friendly like Khaki, tan. Carrying camouflage seems more military in Rwanda so do not pack them.

A torch to use for lighting in the night because lights run out in accommodation in the safari areas because solar energy is the main source of power.

First aid kit with emergency medication that ca used for quick treatment where necessary.

Some hard cash to exchange into local currency in case you are to purchase something on ground.

Rainproof gears as it falls in this area any time without warning. The weather of this part of Rwanda is very unpredictable and when it falls, it may last an entire day. The rain gets so intense as time goes by yet you need to protect yourself from getting cold.

A waterproof backpack to carry with your gorilla safari gears.

Toiletries in case your lodge doesn’t provide.

Travel adopter to use when charging

A pair of binoculars to get a clear picture of interesting features in the wilderness.

Insect repellant to keep away stinging insects in the wilderness.