Sabyinyo Gorilla Family in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park

Mountain gorillas are regularly found in the foothills of Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Gahinga. This group is named after the Sabyinyo volcano and locally means old man’s teeth and it was formed following the demise of the leading silverback of the group thirteen in 1992 when some females from group thirteen like Ijisho, Gukunda, Kampanga were taken and afterwards got other females from group eleven. Consequently, a new group was shaped including four females and two silverbacks and the name of the family was then altered to Sabyinyo.

Initially, Sabyinyo group was known as Amavubi meaning wasps due to the hard time given during its habituation that was only entailed three silverbacks: Guhonda, Ryango and Ruhennyi. Sabyinyo gorilla family is among the groups closest to the edge of the park and easily accessible and can be reached within a two-hour stride. The group is headed by the dominant silverback Guhonda, the biggest silverback measured to date, at 220kg. The 13 member group including 2 Silverbacks.

This family has fewer members compared to those in the other groups though they are correspondingly exciting as a kinfolk. It’s indeed an entertainment observing the group gorillas for up to one hour as they play in their natural environment.

Note that the group membership composition changes with time according to the rate of birth, death and relocation or migration. Usually new members may join the group whereas others leave the unit for various reasons.

During gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, it might take like from ten minutes to over hour to bump into the primates. But in general, the slopes are walkable even though may be slippery after rain at times.

Book a Rwanda gorilla permit on time to visit and trek this gorilla group with strong history since trekking gorillas at short notice during peak season may be challenging, hence planning well ahead is highly recommended. Remember that the only gorilla park in Rwanda has 80 gorilla permits available each day at USD 1500 per each individual trekker.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is doable all through the year even though it may be tasking during rainy periods. Plan your gorilla trekking vacation during the drier months of December to February or from June to September every year for remarkable and crucial wildlife experience. While on a Rwanda gorilla trek, look straight into the eyes of a huge silverback and he will do the same to you with an intellectual gaze, watchful that you are merely another individual.