Gorilla families in Rwanda: (gorilla trekking in Rwanda)
Gorilla Families in Rwanda: Trekking Mountain Gorillas is arguably one of the most enthralling activities in Africa. Regrettably, it can only be accomplished in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Rwanda, it is exclusively conducted at Volcanoes National Park in Musanze (formerly Ruhengeri). There are 10 habituated Mountain Gorilla groups in the park, with 8 permits issued per group, resulting in a total of 80 permits available daily. Every group possesses distinct attributes, which may include character, size, dominance, and other factors. Certain groups are led by tranquil Silverbacks, and if you exhibit similar traits, it is advisable to connect with a harmonious family. Presented here are samples of the habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park available for visitation during your Rwanda Tours. For comprehensive information,
Susa lineage (Susa A)
The Susa group is the largest family of Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. The group presently comprises 33 members and 2 Silverbacks, having previously had 42 members prior to its division. The most intriguing aspects of Susa A are the twins within this group and, naturally, the size. This is the initial group that Dian Fossey examined during her time in Rwanda. The group is ostensibly the most challenging to monitor, however it is ultimately the most favored by the majority of gorilla trekkers. Susa A resides in the lower base of Mount Karisimbi.
Sabyinyo Family
The Sabyinyo family is one of the gorilla families. The family in Rwanda presently comprises 13 individuals and 2 Silverbacks. The Sabyinyo gorilla family was established shortly after the demise of a dominant silverback that led group thirteen. Following his demise, several females allied with others from group eleven, resulting in a total of four females and two silverbacks, thus renaming themselves the Sabyinyo gorilla group. Currently, one of the Silverback leading this group is the largest in Volcanoes National Park. The group typically traverses the slopes of Mount Sabinyo, facilitating reasonably straightforward tracking.
Amahoro family
Amahoro signifies peace in Kinyarwanda, thus this group is recognized for its peaceful methods. The family’s tranquil disposition has historically resulted in the loss of members to more aggressive silverbacks seeking to enlarge their own groups. The Amahoro Gorilla Group inhabits the slopes of Mount Visoke and comprises approximately 18 members, including 2 silverbacks. This group is difficult to monitor due to the challenging topography of the mountain slopes. If you possess a tranquil disposition and appreciate serenity, you may need to secure permission for trekking this gorilla troop.
Agashya Family
The Agashya family is one of the Gorilla Families in Rwanda, previously designated as Group 13, but has lately undergone a name change. The group derived its name from the original count of 13 members who established it. The family was initially led by a dominant silverback named Nyakarima, who was subsequently usurped by another dominant leader, Agashya, who continues to rule to this day. The name Agashya signifies ‘News,’ and intriguingly, the family was called in his honor. It evidently possesses many more members than it did previously. The group consists of approximately 27 members, including a single Silverback. They also traverse the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, akin to the Sabyinyo family.
Umubano ('Coexistence') Family
The Umubano gorilla group, consisting of 13 individuals including 2 Silverbacks, was established by members of the Amahoro family following the departure of one of its Silverbacks, named Charles, who founded his own group. Despite the tranquility inside the Amahoro group, Charles and Ubumwe engaged in incessant conflicts until Charles could no longer endure, resulting in the formation of the Umubano Group. This group evidently inhabits the same territory as the Amahoro Group.
Kwitonda family
The Kwitonda gorilla group comprises a total of 23 individuals, including 4 silverbacks. It resides on the slopes of Mount Muhabura and derives its name from the late dominating silverback named Kwitonda, a leader renowned for his humble demeanor. The group initially resided in the Democratic Republic of Congo before relocating to Volcanoes National Park. Consequently, it resides on the slopes of Mountain Muhabura.
The Hirwa family
The Hirwa family is a newly established group with 16 individuals, including one Silverback. Initially constituted by members of the Sabyinyo family and group 13, the assembly subsequently expanded to a total of 16 members. It traverses the region between Mount Gahinga and Sabyinyo. This group is among the most fortunate in the park and is one of the few that successfully obtained twins. Their twins were delivered in 2011. The term ‘Hirwa’ signifies ‘Lucky One’. Do you require luck, or are you inherently fortunate? It may be necessary to embark on a journey to visit this family.
Karisimbi lineage
This group is located on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi. The group comprises 16 individuals, including one silverback. It is a splinter group of the Susa family, which is why it is often referred to as Susa B. Karisimbi gorilla family is currently the hardest to hike since it inhabits on the upper slopes of Mount Karisimbi that is on an altitude of 4507m. The Silverback of this organization led his members to a remote location that is difficult to access in order to avoid conflict. If you need a real physical challenge or prefer some hard hiking then you ought to book your permits for this group.
Ugenda family
The group consists of 11 members, including 2 Silverbacks. Ugenda signifies mobility, which is partially associated with this group’s movement capabilities. The Ugenda gorilla troop is perpetually mobile and seldom remains in a single location. This group supposedly lives Mount Bisoke and the hike is not very challenging. If you anticipate difficulty in trekking due to your physical condition, you should secure your permits for this group.
Bwenge Family
Bwenge signifies “wisdom”. This group consists of 11 individuals, including one silverback. It often traverses the slopes of Mount Visoke, and the ascent is rather straightforward. This category is recommended for lethargic walkers. The Bwenge family was established in 2007 by Bwenge, after whom the group is named. Bwenge originally left his native group and was joined by a few female members from other households. Bwenge witnessed a terribly tragic moment 6 of its newborns perished.
Titus Family
The Titus Family derives its name from the Silverback named Titus, a monkey born while Dian Fossey conducted her studies at the Karisoke studies Center. Titus’ family was slain by poachers, rendering him the sole survivor. He had numerous hardships during his upbringing but successfully surmounted these challenges, ultimately becoming one of the most accomplished Silverbacks to inhabit Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. This group evidently resides on the slopes of the Karisimbi and Visoke volcanoes.
The population of Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda is significantly expanding due to successful conservation efforts. Nevertheless, the aforementioned groups are the sole habituated gorillas residing in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.