The 12 Gorilla Families in Rwanda; Gorilla Groups Full List
Discover everything about Gorilla Families in Rwanda with our guide to these Gorilla Groups’ names, number and history. Read about their distinct characteristics and habitats of each family in Volcanoes National Park, from the accessible Sabinyo group to the challenging treks of the Kwitonda and Karisimbi groups.
You will also get a chance to know about the conservation efforts, the unique behaviors of these magnificent creatures, and tips for the best gorilla trekking experiences. Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and adventurers alike.”
The Gorilla Families in Rwanda:
Each Gorilla Families in Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park is led by a male silverback gorilla and these groups include;
Sabinyo Gorilla Group:
Named after the Sabinyo volcano, this gorilla group that is led by a silverback Guhonda is the most accessible and the closest gorilla group you can visit on your gorilla trekking trip through the park. To get to this gorilla group, it will take you only 2hrs.
Amahoro Gorilla Group:
Amahoro means “Peace” in Kinyarwanda and this implies that this gorilla group that is led by silverback Ubumwe is a peaceful family you can track. This group that consists of 17 individuals is situated on the slopes of Mt. Bisoke but it tends to move uphill in search of food which may make it hard and require some level of fitness to track and see the members of this group.
The climb is always rewarding when you get to finally see them as they play and feed in their territory.
Agashya Gorilla Group:
Initially this gorilla group used to constitute of 13 members but following the successful conservation efforts in Rwanda, the number increased to 25 individuals. This group is led by a silverback of the same name (Agashya).
Hirwa Gorilla Family:
This is another gorilla group you will find in Volcanoes National Park and was habituated for gorilla tourism. “Hirwa” means “lucky one” and this group is among the most trekked and visited gorilla groups in volcanoes National Park.
Hirwa is led by silverback Munyinga and was formed after an altercation between the Susa gorilla group. This is among the few gorilla families that has twins.
Kwitonda Gorilla Group:
This group fled Congo’s Virunga National Park and settled within Volcanoes National Park and at the time, it was being led by a male silverback Kwitonda who was found dead in 2012 after having got lost from the group for a number of weeks.
This group currently inhabits the slopes of mount Karisimbi and mount Muhabura and is considered to be among the hardest groups to trek which is attributed to the fact that it does move up the mountain and in thick forests which makes it hard to trek.
Susa (A) Gorilla Group:
This is the largest group in volcanoes National Park with about 41 individuals and this was the group that was being studied by Dian Fossey before she was killed.
This group wanders in the mountains and up hill which may seem hard to track but once you meet them, the experience is rewarding and memorable. It is also in this group that you will be able to see the rare gorilla twins known as Byishimo and impano.
Karisimbi / Susa (B) Gorilla Group:
This group resides on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi and split from the main Susan (A) gorilla group. It is among the hardest gorilla groups to trek since it can be found in the upper hill of this volcano. But if you are a seasoned hiker and would want to see gorillas, this is the best group and opportunity you can take.
Other gorilla groups that are found within Volcanoes National Park are Titus gorilla group, Bwenge gorilla group, ugenda gorilla group and umubaro gorilla group.
Best Tours to See these Gorilla Families in Rwanda:
This 2 Days Gorilla Trekking Rwanda safari takes you to the country’s leading destination – Volcanoes National Park to get an up close experience with mountain gorillas
Join us on at rip to See Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes, enjoy cultural performances in the Iby’iwacu village and also visit the Diane Fossey tombs.
This ultimate Rwanda safari itinerary in Rwanda is a primates lovers’ dream safaris as it takes to Volcanoes National Park to see