Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is home to several habituated mountain gorilla families, allowing visitors to experience one of the world’s most unforgettable wildlife encounters. The park, part of the larger Virunga Conservation Area, provides a sanctuary for these critically endangered primates, with strict conservation measures ensuring their survival. Currently, Rwanda has over a dozen habituated gorilla families available for trekking, each with unique dynamics, personalities, and social structures. Understanding these gorilla families enhances the trekking experience, as each group offers a different glimpse into the lives of these magnificent creatures.

One of the most famous gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park is the Susa family, originally studied by renowned primatologist Dian Fossey. This group, known for its large size and deep history, once had over 40 members, though it has since split into smaller groups. The Susa family is famous for having a set of rare twin gorillas, a phenomenon rarely observed in the wild. Trekking to find the Susa group can be challenging due to their preference for higher altitudes, making it an ideal choice for physically fit trekkers seeking an adventurous hike.

The Amahoro family, meaning “peace” in Kinyarwanda, is known for its gentle and calm nature. Led by a dominant silverback, this group offers a more relaxed trekking experience compared to other families that frequently move through dense vegetation. Similarly, the Umubano family, which split from the Amahoro group, is another peaceful and smaller group. Their split was due to power struggles between silverbacks, a common occurrence in gorilla family dynamics.

The Sabyinyo family is one of the most easily accessible groups, making it a popular choice for trekkers who prefer a shorter hike. Led by the powerful and charismatic silverback Guhonda, this group is known for its large but gentle leader who has successfully maintained control over his family for many years. The Sabyinyo group is often found in the lower slopes of the park, providing an excellent opportunity for visitors who may not be able to undertake strenuous hikes.

Another well-known family is the Agashya group, also referred to as “Group 13” due to the number of members when it was first habituated. Over time, the group has grown significantly under the leadership of its dominant silverback, Agashya, who took over leadership after dethroning the previous alpha male. The group is known for its mobility, often moving to different parts of the park, making trekking to find them an unpredictable but exciting experience.

The Kwitonda family, originally migrating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is another fascinating group known for its elusive nature. Led by a silverback named Kwitonda before his passing, the group now has multiple males competing for leadership. Their movements across the forested slopes of Mount Muhabura make them one of the more challenging groups to track.

Other notable families include the Hirwa group, which was once known for having twins, and the Titus group, named after a silverback that was closely studied by researchers. Each gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park has a distinct character, making every trek a unique and memorable experience. Whether encountering a dominant silverback, playful juveniles, or protective mothers, trekking to see these majestic creatures remains one of Rwanda’s most remarkable wildlife adventures.