How to Choose Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park
How Choose Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park, The allocation of gorilla families takes into account the physical fitness of the visitor. Tourists are advised to inform their guide or park rangers about their physical condition in order to be assigned a gorilla family suitable for hiking. Mountain gorilla walks are categorized as short, moderate, or challenging, based on the level of difficulty in locating them. Certain gorilla groups inhabit lowland regions, making them more accessible and quick to locate, whilst others reside in higher altitude areas, making them more challenging to track. Physically unfit travelers are assigned shorter gorilla treks, while those who are physically fit are assigned gorilla families that are located further away. The traveler’s neglect of revealing his/her physical capabilities to the guide may result in an inability to reach the location of the mountain gorillas. Similarly aged passengers are assigned uncomplicated gorilla groups, which are readily accessible, unlike the younger ones who must trek to higher altitude locations due to their presumed physical fitness and energy.
Gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park
The gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park are distinct and exhibit individual characteristics. These differences can be identified by considering the following parameters. The specific whereabouts of the Gorilla family, challenges encountered throughout the trek, roles of management, and the extent of vegetation coverage, among other factors.
Igisha Gorilla family-Susa B
The Gorilla family consists of 24 individuals led by Igisah, the dominant male known as the silverback. Originally part of the Susa B group, they separated in 2014 to establish their own family, which was subsequently named after the male silverback, Igisha. This particular group is renowned for being the most challenging to hike in the Volcanoes National Park. Therefore, a certain level of physical strength is necessary to embark on a trip in to find this family of gorillas.
The Sabinyo Gorilla family
The Sabinyo Gorilla family consists of thirteen individuals, including 2 silverbacks. This family was formed following the demise of the predominant silverback, who previously led the group. The outcome of his death resulted in some females leaving the group and joining other females from group eleven. In total, the group now consists of 4 females and 2 silverbacks, leading to the creation of the Sabinyo Gorilla family, which was later given this name. This group typically wanders within Volcanoes National Park and is the most easily traceable.
The Agashya Gorilla family
The Gorilla group is named after the first family member who was 13 years old when they were habituated. The group was initially commanded by a dominant male gorilla known as Nyakarima. However, he was then overthrown by a gorilla named Agashya, whose name translates to “News“. Agashya is now the current leader of the group, and the family has been named after him. Currently, the family consists of 27 individuals, which includes a single dominant male known as a silverback named Agashya. The group shares the same territory as the Sabinyo group, but occasionally Agashya leads the family further into the mountains as a precautionary measure when it detects potential threats.
The Kwitonda Gorilla family
The Gorilla group, known as Kwitonda, is named after its dominant silverback. This group moved in the Democratic Republic of Congo and now resides on the lower parts of Mount Muhabura. Tracking them can be challenging as they occasionally move to the upper slopes, making it difficult to hike and locate the Gorillas. The gang consists of 23 members, including 4 silverbacks.
The Umubano Gorilla family
This group consists of 13 individuals, including 2 silverbacks. The group was established by a dominant male gorilla named Charles. Charles separated from the Amahoro family as a result of ongoing conflicts with Ubumwe. Unable to tolerate the situation any longer, Charles decided to create his own family, which he named Umubano. However, they stay together in the same geographical area alongside the Amahoro clan.
The Ugenda Gorilla family
This gang consists of 11 members, including two silverbacks. The word “Ugenda” is a native term that means “mobile”. The group acquired its name as a result of its nomadic behavior, always migrating from one location to another. Specifically, the group wanders about mt. Bisoke, and the walk to find them is not challenging, as they can be easily spotted by the hikers.
The Bwenge Gorilla family
The present composition of this group consists of 11 individuals, including one dominant male known as the silverback. The group acquired its name, Bwenge, from the local language, which translates to “Wisdom”. Bwenge was established in 2007 after the silverback left his original group. Additionally, a few female members from other families joined the group. Subsequently, the group is designated with the name “Mwenge” in reference to the dominant male gorilla known as the silverback. They roam the slopes of Mount Bisoke and are easily accessible for trekkers who are unaccustomed to long-distance treks.
Titus Gorilla family.
The Titus Gorilla family was established when the Silverback Titus was born during Dian Fossey’s research at Karisoke. This gorilla group was the focus of Dian Fossey’s study. Titus, the juvenile gorilla, tragically lost his family, including his father, uncle, and brother, to poachers. Furthermore, his mother and sister chose to join other gorilla families, leaving Titus without any immediate relatives. However, he was lucky enough to be taken in and nurtured by a kind male gorilla, despite not being biologically related. Dian Fossey observed that the infant, named Titus, appeared to be physically weak and had respiratory problems. However, Titus managed to overcome these challenges and eventually became one of the thriving silverbacks in the Volcanoes National Park. The group resides on the eastern side of Mount Karisimbi. Rwanda gorilla trek organizes excursions for trekking gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.