Kwitonda Gorilla Family in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Kwitonda group derives its name from its founder silverback, Kwitonda. Kwitonda gorilla family is among the ten gorilla groups found in the Volxnaoes National Park Rwanda. In the local Kinyarwanda language, the word Kwitonda means “humumility” and this was the humble nature of the group’s fallen founding Kwitonda silverback. Kwitonda Gorilla group originally dwelled in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). And in 2003, the gorilla unit crossed borders to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. From that year, the family settled permanently in Rwanda. It is unfortunate that Kwitonda silverback had a natural death in 2012 and his son Akarevuro became the heir to his governance. Kwitonda silverback was 40 years old at the time of his passing away. Because of his humble nature, Kwitonda silverback accommodated and accepted other silverback gorillas to mate with adult females in the same family. This is an uncommon scenario with silverbacks in other gorilla families. Is is also said that Kwitonda had much pressure from other silverbacks and blackbucks which was unbearable to Kwitonda silverback. The pressure forced him to run away from the family into hiding until his demise. It is reported that Kwitonda’s lifeless body was discovered 10 days after his death. Kwitonda gorilla family lives on the forested slopes of Mount Muhabura and is among the highly challenging gorilla families to trek in Volcanoes National Park. But, the enchanted feeling upon bumping into this astounding gorilla family is worth the effort of hard trekking.
Trekking Kwitonda Gorilla Family
Trekking Kwitonda gorilla group begins in the morning at 7:00am. Tourists should leave beds early, take breakfast and transfer to Kinigi park head offices for registration and pre gorilla trekking briefing on the rules and regulations guiding the adventure. Taking and trek to Kwitonda group commences at 8:00 am and lasts between 30 minutes to over 8 hours basing on the day’s gorilla movements and whereabouts.
Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permit for Kwitonda Group
Every day, 8 gorilla trekking permits are available for visiting Kwitonda gorilla group just like for any other gorilla family in Rwanda. A Rwanda gorilla permit costs USD 1500 and may be purchased directly from Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or use a tour operator like Animal Safaris, a professional gorilla tour company in Rwanda and Eats Africa at large. It is advisable to book a gorilla permit at least 6 months in advance for proper trip planning and management.
Best time for Kwitonda gorilla trekking
The best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda in the same ideal time for Kwitonda group gorilla trekking. It ideal to visit the park in the dry months of June, July, August and September and then from December to February of every year. In these period, rains are less making gorilla trekking in the forest lest slippery and challenging. Despite the above mentioned period, gorilla trekking as an adventure is ideally done throughout the year and every period gives its own memorable experience.
What to pack when trekking Kwitonda Group
Trekking Kwitonda gorilla family is a vigorous but pleasant experience. Before coming, ensure to bring the right things to help you trek gorillas with less strain. Some of the items to carry include rain jackets, hiking boots, gardening gloves and sweaters. Binoculars, scarf, sunglasses, hat, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, drinking water, energy-giving snacks and insect repellents and many more are among the essential that one should leave behind on a gorilla trip to Kwitonda gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.