Gorilla families in volcanoes national park Rwanda
Gorilla families in volcanoes national park Rwanda: Rwanda is one of the premier destinations for gorilla trekking, situated within the renowned Virunga massif alongside Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rwanda is home to 10 habituated gorilla groups, detailed below:
Eight individuals are permitted to monitor each of the Gorilla Families in Rwanda. Two Rwandan mountain gorilla families are designated for research purposes, while others are allocated for tourism activities. The gorilla groups exclusively accessible to scientists and researchers are the Pablo, Shiva, and Beetsme families, which are the largest among all groups. The following are habituated groups of gorillas:
List of Gorilla families in volcanoes national park Rwanda
Bwenge Group
The term Bwenge originates from a local word signifying wisdom; this group consists of 11 members and one silverback. This group is located on Mount Bisoke and is named after its dominant member, Bwenge, who endured a tragic period during the group’s early formation when six of its infants perished.
Susa Group
This is the most captivating assemblage of Gorilla Families in Rwanda and the largest within Volcanoes National Park, comprising two twins named Impano and Byishimo, born to Nyabintondore. In 2008, this group experienced an internal conflict, resulting in a split of 15 individuals from a total of 42, including 2 silverbacks. This was the inaugural group in which Dian Fossey, the renowned primatologist, conducted her research on mountain gorillas. This group is the most favored by tourists and is also among the most challenging to monitor. They reside at the base of Mount Karisimbi. The name Susa originates from the River Susa, which flows through the Susa family residence. The Susa group is also home to the oldest gorilla, born in 1976, known as Poppy.
Agashya Group
The Agashya group was the inaugural habituated group, consisting of 27 members, including one silverback. This group cohabits with the Sabinyo group. The name Agashya translates to “News.” Initially, the group was established by 13 individuals, led by a silverback named Nyakarima, who was subsequently usurped by a dominant gorilla named Agashya, from whom the group’s name is derived. Agashya is described as highly authoritative and protective; he consistently instructs his group to ascend the hill whenever he perceives a threat from the foothills.
Hirwa Group
This group primarily inhabits the foothills of Mount Sabinyo and Mount Gahinga, consisting of 16 members, including two twins born in 2011 and one silverback. The name Hirwa originates from a local term meaning “Lucky one.” It was established by members of Group 13 and the Sabinyo group. The Hirwa group was established in 2006.
Karisimbi Group
This group, separated from the Susa group, consists of 16 members, including 2 Silverbacks, located on Mount Karisimbi, which stands at 4,507 meters. It is the most challenging area to trek due to the gorillas’ habitation on the upper mountain slopes. The group is occasionally referred to as Susa B. The formation of this group occurred in 2008.
Ugenda Group
The Ugenda group consists of 11 members, including 2 silverbacks; the group’s name is derived from the term meaning “Mobile.” This group resides on Mount Bisoke and is perpetually nomadic.
Kwitonda Group
The name Kwitonda originates from a local term meaning “Humble one.” The group comprises 23 members, including four silverbacks, and is named after the dominant silverback, Kwitonda. They reside on the slopes of Mount Muhabura. The Kwitonda group originally resided in Congo before migrating to Rwanda. Kwitonda was celebrated for his modest demeanor.
Sabinyo group
This group includes the largest silverback in Volcanoes National Park, known as Guhonda, and consists of 13 members and 2 silverbacks. This group traverses the slopes of Mount Sabinyo and Gahinga, led by a renowned silverback from group 13. This group is among the most accessible for trekking.
Umubano Group
The term Umubano translates to “Live together.” It was established by members of the Amahoro family, named after one of its silverbacks, Charles, who separated to form his own group, which comprises 13 members, including 2 silverbacks. It is reported that Charles severed ties due to incessant conflicts with Ubumwe.
Amahoro Group
The term Amahoro translates to “Peaceful.” This group consists of 18 individuals, including 2 silverbacks, and is recognized for its tranquility, residing on the slopes of Mount Bisoke. The group is somewhat challenging to traverse due to the steepness of the Bisoke mountain slope.
Titus Group
The group obtained its name from a gorilla named Titus, who has a tragic history as his entire family was killed during Dian Fossey’s research, leaving him as the sole survivor of poachers. The Titus group can be trekked on the slopes of Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi.
The maximum duration for observing gorillas is strictly one hour. Tourists may stay at various hotels in Volcanoes National Park, including Gorillas Nest Lodge, Mountain View Gorilla Lodge, and Hotel Muhabura, among others. Gorilla trekking is also available in Uganda and Congo within the Virunga massif. Certain mountain ranges are challenging to traverse, necessitating rangers to scout them a day prior to tourist expeditions.