How many gorilla families are in Rwanda?
How many gorilla families are in Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park? While on a Rwanda safari to see the mountain gorillas, travelers are supposed to visit Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda. This park is within the Virunga region at the border of Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda. Volcanoes National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Africa. More so, the park holds a history of gorilla conservation efforts that were pioneered by Dian Fossey. When you visit Volcanoes National Park, you see her grave alongside other graves of the conservationists who were killed by poachers. There are over 13 gorilla families in Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) Tourists on Rwanda safaris get a chance to see at least one of the mountain gorilla families in Rwanda.
Names of gorilla families in Rwanda
Are you passionate about seeing the gorilla families in Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park? Native Africa Tours pride in offering amazing Rwanda gorilla trekking and wildlife tours. These allow tourists to enjoy exceptional moments as they watch a gorilla family in Rwanda. Below are the names of the gorilla families in Rwanda;
Karisimbi gorilla family
This gorilla family was initially part of the Susa gorilla family which had to split due to the conflicts between the silverbacks in the family. The Karisimbi gorilla family had to separate away from the Susa family with 13 members under the leadership of the silverback Nyagakangaga in 2009. It was named Susa B group and later in 2010, it was named the Karisimbi after migrating to Mount Karisimbi.
Sabyinyo gorilla group
The Sabyinyo gorilla group originates its name from the Mount Sabyinyo since it is where it stays and sometimes in the areas of the Gahinga Mount. It is under the leadership of silver back Guhonda considered to be the largest and strongest silver back in the park. While in his family, he has had conflicts with Ryango. This family is made up of 18 members.
Umubano gorilla family
Umubano is a Rwandese word meaning “living together” and this family was part of the Amahoro family where the two silverbacks in the family had conflicts between Charles and Ubumwe. The conflicts between the 2 were not settled and then Charles decided to live with part of the family to form the Umubano family. This family has about 13 members and Charles is known for his protective nature.
Susa A gorilla family
The Susa A gorilla family is most liked to be tracked by travelers since it is known for which Dian Fossey used to conduct her research about the mountain gorilla conservations. This was the largest family which was comprised of 42 members but due to conflicts the group currently has 21 members. It originates its name from the river Susa which is within the park where the gorillas live. This family holds a history of several twins like Impano and Byishimo.
Bwenge gorilla group
This group is made up of 11 members which are among the less populated families of the gorillas and live in areas of the mountain Bisoke and Karisimbi. It was formed in 2007 under the leadership of Bwenge Silver back and it was also featured in a movie of The Gorillas in the Mist.
Kiswanga gorilla family
This group was started up in 2021 and it was initially part of the Kwitonda gorilla family where the current leader Kigoma of the Kiswanga gorilla family split. Currently, the family is made up of 17 members.
Agashya gorilla family
The family originates the name from their dominant male Agashya and this family is also called group 13. In the conflicts, the Agashya had a deadly fight with the Nyakairima who was a dominant silver back in the former family. Agashya decided to migrate to the far highlands of the park to avoid further conflicts. Currently, Agashaya focuses on good leadership that enables his family to keep in good contact since the family increased in number.
Igishi gorilla family
Igishi family had to split from the Karisimbi or Susa B in 2014 due to the conflicts in the family and it fled away under the leadership of Silver Back Igishi in the park. It has the highest number of members about 34 in number.
Kwitonda gorilla family
The family migrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo from the Virunga National Park and the silver in this family is called Kwitonda also known for its humble character. This silver is known for being the most humble in the park. Since the family migrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo, it has never had any sign of going back to the area. It is made up of 20 members and they live in the areas of Karisimbi and Muhabura.
Muhoza gorilla family
The Muhoza gorilla family was formed in 2016 and the family attained its name from the dominant silverback in the family called Muhoza. It is made up of 17 members and some of the members were from the raiding Hirwa group. Tracking the Muhoza family started in December 2016.
Isimbi gorilla family
It was formed due to the splitting of the Karisimbi family where the dominant silver back Muturengere moved with some members to form their family. It is within the Karisimbi Mountain and is made up of 16 members.
Amahoro gorilla group
Amahoro is a local Kinyarwanda word that means “peace” where the family has earned the name since it is the most peaceful group in the park. It is under the leadership of Ubumwe and the family settled in the slopes of Mount Bisoke. The family is made up of 21 members and it may reduce due to the peaceful nature since most of the other families are taking members. Reaching this family is quite a difficult hike.
Hirwa gorilla family
The Hirwa family was formed by immerging the members of group 13 and the Sabyinyo group and it is made up of 13 members who live on the slopes of the mount Sabyinyo. The family’s name Hirwa is a local Kinyarwanda word that means “lucky one”.
How much is a permit to see gorilla families in Rwanda?
As you plan a gorilla trekking safari, travelers are supposed to book a gorilla trekking permit to ensure availability during a safari. The gorilla trekking permits are limited in number where there are about 104 permits in number. Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost about 1,500 USD for foreign non-residents, 500 USD for the foreign residents and rest of Africa, and 200 USD for the East African residents.
