(2023) Full List of Gorilla Families at Volcanoes National Park
(2023) Full List of Gorilla Families at Volcanoes National Park are Susa Group, Umubano Group, Hirwa Group. (2023) Full List of Gorilla Families at Volcanoes National Park shows you the Mountain Gorilla Groups in Rwanda.
Rwanda is one of only three countries in the world where the critically endangered mountain gorillas live. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is often described as “life changing” and with good reason. With only 880 estimated Gorillas left in the world, to see these gentle creatures in their natural habitat is a truly unique moment.
Gorillas make their homes in and amongst the bamboo-covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains in the Volcanoes National Park in northern Rwanda. Trek to see them and you will be introduced by expert trackers and guides to one of the fully-habituated families of mountain gorillas. Here you can stay with them for an awe-inspiring hour, often crouching just a few feet away, whilst the gorillas go about their daily lives.
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking involves walking long or short distances by a visitor in search of a particular habituated gorilla family. Hikes in the mountains can last anywhere from an hour to 4 hours + depending on the family allocated to your group and their rental. The journey back can take just as long goal you are Often the carried along by the euphoria you feel at seeing the gorillas!
Expert guides give a pre-trek briefing on specific protocols and rules for visiting the gorillas that Live Within an altitude of 2500 and 4000m. Porters are available to help carry backpacks and cameras, as well as helping you with your footing along your hike which can be hard work, but well worth it.
Gorilla Families
There are about twelve families living in the Volcanoes National Park that are fully habituated and available for visits by the public (whilst others are habituated for scientific research purposes only). Each family consists of at least one Silverback (but sometimes as many as four), along with several females and a group of youngsters.
Here is a highlight of each of the groups;
Susa
The Largest group at the park with over 38 gorillas. They are hardest to trek as they tend to range high into the mountains. They have rare 5 year old twins named Byishimo and Impano.
Sabinyo
This group consists of 17 members. Sabyinyo is an easily accessible group led by the powerful silverback Guhonda.
Amahoro
The Amahoro gorilla family consists of 19 gorillas, led by the calm and easy going Ubumwe. To reach Amahoro, it’s usually a fairly steep climb but it is well worth it!
Agashya
Formerly known as Group 13, Agashya is a very positive sign for great conservation at Volcanoes National Park. The group has about 25 members led by Agashya.
Kwitonda
Kwitonda consists of 23 members led by Akarevuro, and was originally habituated in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This gorilla family tends to range quite far making it a moderately difficult trek.
Umubano
Umubano is a family of 13, who broke off from Amahoro with their leader, Charles.
Kwisanga
Kwisanga is one of the newest gorilla groups in Volcanoes National park. The group is led by Kigoma who left the Kwitonda group with 16 members.
Noheli
Noheli is composed of 7 individuals led by dominant silverback Noheli. It is the newest and smallest habituated group at Volcanoes national park. The group was formed in 2021 when three females left Isimbi and Susa to join the lone silverback, Noheli.
Hirwa
This group has 18 members and only fairly recently formed from former Group 13 and Sabyinyo family members. They are led by Munyinya.
Bwenge
The Bwenge gorilla family comprises 11 members led by Bwenge. To trek Bwenge, one needs to take on Karisoke slopes with the assistance of a guide.
Karisimbi
Karisimbi also known as Susa B is led by the leader Nyagakangaga. Formed in 2009, the group inhabits the slopes of Mount Karisimbi.
Igisha
The Igisha group consists of 34 members under the leadership of Igisha. The group was formed in 2014, from the originally Susa B. Igisha is one of the biggest gorilla groups at Volcanoes National Park.
Muhoza
With a total of about 17 members, Muhoza is led by the silverback Muhoza. The group is located at the centre of the park and can be easily trekked.
Isimbi
Led by the silverback Muturengera, the Isimbi group is a result of the Karisimbi group split. The group consists of 16 members who include 1 silverback, 4 adult females, 7 juveniles and 4 infants.