Explore a full list of gorilla families in Rwanda, and Volcanoes National Park from their composition/size, leadership, and other interesting facts. Gorilla families or groups usually range in groups of 10 to 30 members or more. Each gorilla family group can be led by a mature male gorilla (what is described as a silverback gorilla).
Currently, Rwanda is home to over 13 habituated gorilla families (these are open for gorilla tourism) and they exist in Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes National Park is located in the North end of Rwanda and is one of the very few destinations to find endangered mountain gorillas in the wild.
Overall, there are fewer than 1063 mountain gorillas that thrive in the jungle and are distributed in the 4 parks; Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Bwindi, and Virunga National Park.
Detailed list of Rwanda gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park
The Susa gorilla family
The Susa gorilla family group was originally the biggest gorilla family at the time of habituation, comprising 38 members. However, its composition is reduced to currently 21 individuals due to the migration of its members and splitting/fights by other males to form their own groups. The Susa gorilla family is one of the best gorilla groups that is worth considering for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. This gorilla family has a record of twins named Impano and Byishimo.
Sabyinyo family
The Sabyinyo gorilla family has a composition of 17 individuals and is led by Guhonda Silverback. This habituated gorilla family in particular ranges around the slopes of Mt. Sabyinyo and Gahinga Volcanoes. It takes its name from the scenic Sabyinyo Volcano, a Virunga Volcano which derives its name from the Kinyarwanda word “Sabyinyo” meaning “Old Man’s Teeth.”
Amahoro group
The Amahoro gorilla group family is comprised of 19 individuals and is led by one silverback gorilla. The word Amahoro is translated as peace in Kinyarwanda and the group takes its name due to the unique and gentle character of its leader. Amahoro Silverback happens to be the most peaceful silverback in Volcanoes National Park. The Silverback welcomes other group members, however, a trek to explore Amahoro and its members takes you on a tough hike.
Umubano gorilla family
The umubano gorilla family features about 13 members and this group split from the Amahoro group. The term Umubano is a Kinyarwanda word translated as togetherness. This is considering the fact that regardless of the splitting, the group still lives together and peacefully.
Kwitonda group
The Kwitonda gorilla family is another special gorilla family group that is open for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, northwestern Rwanda. This group features 23 individuals under the leadership of Akarevuro and originally, it underwent habituation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Visitors with plans to explore this group should expect to have a moderately difficult trek.
Agashya gorilla family
Previously referred to as Group 13, the Agashya gorilla family is composed of about 25 individuals and is led by Agashya silverback gorilla. The word Agashya is a Kinyarwanda word denoting the news.
Hirwa gorilla family group
Located in Volcanoes National Park, Hirwa is comprised of 12 individuals and is led by one silverback gorilla –Munyinya. It takes its name from the Kinyarwanda word Hirwa which means lucky one. The group was formed after merging some individuals from the Sabyinyo group and Group 13. The Hirwa group has also recorded twin gorillas and it ranges around the slopes of Sabyinyo Volcano.
Bwenge gorilla family
The Bwenge gorilla group is a completely habituated gorilla family with 10 individuals that are led by one silverback. The word Bwenge means brightness. The group is close to the Ugenda group around Bisoke Volcano.
Ugenda gorilla family
The Ugenda gorilla family has 11 individuals led by one silverback gorilla. The term Ugenda implies “on the move.” It ranges around the slopes of Visoke Volcano in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Unlike other groups, Ugenda offers a slightly easier gorilla trekking adventure.
Karisimbi group
The Karisimbi gorilla family features 15 individuals and has 3 silverback gorillas. The group is also known as the Susa B group and was originally part of the Susa gorilla family. The Susa B group ranges around the slopes of Karisimbi Mountain.
Igisha gorilla family
Igisha gorilla family group has a composition of 34 individuals led by Igisha silverback gorilla. It was created in 2014 originating from the Susa B group. Currently, the Igisha gorilla family is among the biggest mountain gorilla families in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
Muhoza group family
Comprising 17 individuals, the Muhoza gorilla family is under the leadership of Muhoza silverback gorilla. It thrives at the heart of Volcanoes National Park and features among the easy-to-trek groups.
Isimbi gorilla family
The Isimbi gorilla group is headed by the Muturengera silverback gorilla and formed after splitting from the Karisimbi gorilla family. Currently, it features 16 individuals led by one silverback gorilla, 7 juveniles, 4 adult females, and 4 infants.
Gorilla trekking to explore the numerous habituated gorilla groups is done once a day with the park ranger guide available to lead the entire adventure. A complete trek to explore a gorilla group in Volcanoes National Park on average takes about 2-6 hours which include an hour for up close and personal encounters.
The day gorilla trek starts with a briefing session at the Kinigi area and the allocation of gorilla groups plus the park ranger guides to lead you. During the pre-trek briefing, you can also hire a porter to assist you carry heavy luggage.
Each gorilla group in Rwanda is trekked by a maximum of 8 (eight) guests. The length of the gorilla trek varies depending on the clients’ walking speed, the nature of the habitat, and the location of gorillas in the course of the day. Gorillas live in the natural wild and can move in search of food.
Requirement for trekking gorilla families in Rwanda
A valid gorilla permit is the most essential tool anyone who intends to track gorilla families in Rwanda must have. It is one tool all trekkers must present to be allowed to visit a habituated gorilla family group in Volcanoes National Park.
Other important items to pack for gorilla trekking in Rwanda include waterproof hiking boots, a sweater, a rain jacket, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, a pair of gardening gloves, insect repellents, and more.