Rwanda Gorilla Families or Groups at the Volcanoes National Park, Africa
Rwanda gorilla families are groups of habituated mountain gorillas that reside in Volcanoes National Park. These gorilla groups have been adapted to human presence through a gradual habituation process, allowing visitors to observe them in their natural habitat. The park hosts ten habituated gorilla groups available for trekking, with each group allocated eight permits per day, translating to 80 available permits daily. A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs USD 1,500 per person, which contributes to conservation efforts, park maintenance, and community development.
Each gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park possesses unique traits, social structures, and territorial ranges. Their distribution across different areas of the park also affects the trekking experience in terms of difficulty and accessibility. The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the government body responsible for conservation and tourism management, oversees these gorilla groups and continues to expand conservation efforts, with the possibility of more families being habituated in the future.
List of Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
1. Titus Family
The Titus family is named after the legendary silverback Titus, who was born during Dian Fossey’s conservation research at the Karisoke Research Center. Titus experienced a tragic past, losing his father, uncle, and brother to poachers, while his mother and sister left to join other families. This left him to be raised by unrelated male gorillas. Initially described by Fossey as underdeveloped and struggling with respiratory issues, Titus defied the odds, growing into a strong and dominant silverback. His resilience and leadership became central to gorilla conservation studies.
2. Susa Group (Susa A)
Susa A is one of the most well-known gorilla families, originally consisting of 42 members before it split in 2008. This group was among those studied by Dian Fossey. It is famous for its twin gorillas, Byishimo and Impano, a rare occurrence in the mountain gorilla world. The group derives its name from the Susa River, which flows through its range. Today, Susa A consists of 33 individuals, including two silverbacks, and is found in the lower slopes of Mount Karisimbi.
3. Karisimbi Group (Susa B)
The Karisimbi group, also called Susa B, broke away from the original Susa group in 2008. It consists of 16 members, including two silverbacks. This group inhabits the upper slopes of Mount Karisimbi, which stands at an elevation of 4,507 meters. Due to its high-altitude habitat, Karisimbi is one of the most challenging groups to track, attracting visitors seeking an adventurous and physically demanding trekking experience.
4. Amahoro Group
Amahoro, meaning “peace” in Kinyarwanda, is known for its gentle and peaceful nature. It comprises 17 members, led by the dominant silverback Ubumwe. The group includes two blackbacks, five juveniles, five adult females, and four infants. However, Ubumwe’s peaceful nature led to some members breaking away to form the Umubano group. Tracking Amahoro requires ascending Mount Bisoke, making the trek moderately challenging.
5. Umubano Group
Umubano, meaning “living together,” was formed after the silverback Charles challenged and separated from Ubumwe, the leader of the Amahoro group. The group has 13 members, including two silverbacks. Charles’ determination to establish dominance led to the split, showcasing the dynamic social structures within gorilla families.
6. Sabyinyo Group
The Sabyinyo group is one of the easiest gorilla families to track due to its location on the gentle slopes between Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Gahinga. This family is famous for Guhonda, the largest silverback in Volcanoes National Park, weighing approximately 220 kg. Guhonda has kept his main rival, Ryango, at bay, preventing him from gaining dominance within the group. The Sabyinyo name originates from the Sabinyo volcano, meaning “old man’s teeth.”
7. Agashya Group (Group 13)
Initially consisting of 13 members, this group was named after its original leader, Nyakarima, who was later overthrown by Agashya. The name “Agashya” means “news” in Kinyarwanda. The group has since grown to 27 members, with Agashya as the dominant silverback. Though it shares a habitat with the Sabyinyo group, Agashya often leads its members deeper into the mountains when sensing potential threats.
8. Kwitonda Group
The Kwitonda group migrated from Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and is named after its dominant silverback, Kwitonda, meaning “humble one.” The group consists of 23 individuals, including four silverbacks. It roams the lower slopes of Mount Muhabura but can be challenging to track due to its frequent movements into higher elevations.
9. Hirwa Group
The Hirwa group was formed in 2006 when individuals from the Sabyinyo and Agashya groups came together. The group has since grown to 16 members, including one silverback. It resides at the foothills of Mount Sabyinyo and is known for its unique composition, with gorillas coming from multiple lineages.
10. Ugenda Group
The name “Ugenda” means “movement” or “mobility” in Kinyarwanda, reflecting this group’s wandering nature. It consists of 11 members, including two silverbacks. Since Ugenda does not have a permanent home range, tracking it can be difficult, as it moves frequently around the Karisimbi area.
11. Bwenge Group
Formed in 2007 by the silverback Bwenge, this group includes 11 members. Bwenge left his original family, attracting several females to form a new unit. The group resides on the slopes of Karisoke, located between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. Bwenge has faced challenges, including losing six infants in the past, but the group has remained resilient. Due to its strong presence in conservation narratives, Bwenge group was featured in the renowned movie Gorillas in the Mist.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers a unique opportunity to observe these majestic primates in their natural habitat. Each gorilla family has distinct traits, making every trekking experience different. The conservation efforts by the Rwanda Development Board and various stakeholders continue to ensure the survival and protection of these endangered species. With more gorilla groups being habituated over time, Rwanda remains one of the top destinations for sustainable wildlife tourism.