Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park is one of the main reasons as to why many visit Rwanda despite the other activities and reasons. Thousands storm the country every year in June for the Baby Gorilla naming ceremony “Kwita Izina which has made June a peak month in Rwanda for gorilla tracking. The gorilla trekking activity became famous with “Gorillas in the Mist” a 1988 American drama film directed by Michael Apted and starring Sigourney Weaver as naturalist Dian Fossey. It tells the true story of her research into the behaviour of the mountain gorillas, at her base at the Karisoke Research Centre who left us in December 1985 after being murdered by poachers.
It’s good to arrange a visit to Dian Fossey’s tombs together with the gorilla trek since they are both close to each other without forgetting the Golden monkey trek . Also make your afternoon after the trek busy by visiting the Ib’Iwacu Village located on the edge of Volcanoes National Park and experience the cultural aspect of Rwanda through the local community displays, the traditional ways of living, traditional dances and songs, local fire making, visit to the king’s house replica, Batwa shooting arrows, Traditional healer, grinding millet on traditional stones, banana beer making experience etc. As you plan your Gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda either by yourself or through a tour agent/safari company, you need to consider a few things.
Rwanda Gorilla Families
In Rwanda, there are currently officially 8 habituated gorilla groups that tourists are able to track while on gorilla safaris in Rwanda. Although, it is hoped that the recently ‘new’ Karisimbi group, split from the Susa Group, will be opened up for tracking increasing the total number of gorilla permits available.
Gorilla Families in Rwanda
Susa-A Group
Family size: 28 members with 3 Silverback.
The Susa Group was famously studied by Dian Fossey and was the largest gorilla group consisting of young twins named Byishimo & Impano. The group was named after the Susa River which lies within their home range. The group, however, have now split into 2 separate groups, the Susa-A Group and the Karisimbi Group-Susa-B Group. The Susa-A is now usually found relatively low down in the forest.
Karisimbi Group-Susa-B.
Family size: 15 members
The Karisimbi Group is better suited to visits from more serious hikers. It appears that they have established their home range high up on the slopes of the Karisimbi caldera. Thus, a visit to this group may well end up as a full-days trek.
Sabyinyo Group
Family size: 12 members with 1 Silverback.
The Sabyinyo Group is usually found relatively close to the edge of the forest (about 20-40mins) in the gentle slopes between Mt. Sabyinyo & Mt. Gahinga, and thus is normally easily accessible. The family is led by the powerful Silverback Guhonda. Guhonda has kept his main challenger, Ryango, out of his group as a lonely Silverback.
Agashya Group formally known as Group 13
Family size: 26 members with 1 Silverback.
Group 13 was the first habituated group. The group has expanded in number from the initial 13 members to 25 individuals. The Silverback of Agashya Group is particularly relaxed.
Amahoro Group
Family size: 17 members with 1 Silverback.
The Amahoro ‘peaceful’ Group is a tranquil family led by Ubumwe. The Amahoro Group is the most peaceful of all the gorilla groups. However, peace comes at a price. Ubumwe, the group’s Silverback is so peaceful and calm; he has lost group members to Charles in the Umubano group. The trek to see the Amahoro group can be challenging up fairly steep terrain.
Umubano Group
Family size: 12 members with 1 Silverback.
Meaning ‘neighborliness’s, the Umubano group was formed by members of the Amahoro family led by Charles, now the dominant Silverback. Charles, fed-up of being given orders by Ubumwe, of similar rank, challenged Ubumwe for leadership. Finally, Charles formed his own group snatching a number of females from the Amahoro Group. Since then, Charles has commanded respect and recognition from Ubumwe.
Both the Amahoro and the Umubano Group’s usually live between the Karisoke & Visoke peaks. Both are usually further from the park headquarters than the Sabyinyo and Agashya Groups, but easier to reach than Susa-A, the Karisimbi (Susa-B) Group.
Hirwa Group
Family size: 12 members with 1 Silverback – from the Susa Group.
Meaning ‘lucky one’, Hirwa is a relatively new group that emerged in June 2006, formed from 2 different families, the former Group 13 (now Agashya Group) and Sabyinyo Group. Despite being recently formed, Hirwa exhibits strength and holds its own amongst all the other established groups.
Kwitonda Group
Family size: 20 members with 2 Silverbacks.
The Kwitonda Group was habituated in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2005 the group crossed the border into Rwanda and has since remained there. The Kwitonda family is named after the dominant Silverback of this group and it means the ‘humble one’.
Travel Planner
Chose a Gorilla package
Choosing a tour package for your safari in Rwanda depends on the time you have, budget and things you want to do during your stay. There are many Gorilla safari packages starting from one day but if you don’t have time a one or two day gorilla tracking tour Rwanda is perfect. But if you have time and feel like visiting other parks & other Rwanda attractions it’s better to take on 3-5 days Gorilla safari so that you can have enough time to explore the places you intend to visit. After having an idea on this, you free to contact your safari Agent or expert for further preparations.
Gorilla Permits in Rwanda
This is the authorized document designed by the Rwanda park management for all guest who wish to track the habituated Gorillas .The Gorilla permit costs 750$ per days trek .Each park has limited number of permits per day so it’s advisable to book in advance at least one month to the tracking date. Permits should be the first thing to be paid for in a gorilla safari tour since any delay in payment can make you miss the trek some times. Note: to secure a permit you need to send your passport details to the safari agent/ or the park management office since they are needed in the process of Gorilla permit verification.
Lodge& Hotel in Ruhengeri
If you planning a Gorilla trek you need to book a lodge/hotel for yourself that can be either in Kigali for a night before the trek or in Ruhengeri for the night after or before the trek. Lodges and hotels in Rwanda range from budget to luxury and they cater for all budgets at a maximum price of 30$-50$ for budget option, 80$-100$ for mid-range and 300$-800$ for luxury option. Understand the beauty of Rwanda with memorable nights in vacation homes of your budget and choice.
Transport
The Gorilla Park can be accessed by road or Air means of transport. Take a bus or tax from your hotel of residence to the start hike (park office) .But in most cases Private means of transport are highly recommended due to delays caused by public transport. The scenic ride takes 2-3 hours to the park head offices and if you doing a one day Gorilla trek it’s good to set off early from Kigali 4.00am in order to register you self as early as 8.00am.