
Gorilla families in volcanoes national park
Gorilla families in volcanoes national park
A protected region called Volcanoes National Park is situated close to Rwanda’s borders with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the country’s northwest. During guided treks, tourists can witness the several gorilla families that inhabit Volcanoes National Park.
Other wildlife seen in Volcanoes National Park includes spotted hyenas, golden monkeys, and a variety of bird species. Mount Karisimbi, the park’s highest volcano and the fifth-highest mountain in Africa, is part of a sequence of dormant volcanoes that dominate the park’s scenery. Gorilla trekking, hiking, bird watching, and cultural trips to neighbouring settlements are just a few of the activities available to park visitors. The most popular activity is gorilla trekking, when tourists journey into the forest in search of gorilla families escorted by expert guides and trackers.
The following are the gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park;
SABYINYO GORILLA FAMILY: With the greatest number of members and silverbacks (adult male gorillas) in the park, the Sabyinyo Gorilla Family is one of the most popular trekking groups. One of the park’s volcanoes, Mount Sabyinyo, inspired the group’s name.

AMAHORO GORILLA FAMILY: This family is the most serene and tranquil, so it’s a perfect option for those seeking a more laid-back experience. The silverback Ubumwe is in charge of Amahoro, which translates to “peaceful” in the native tongue.
KWITONDA GORILLA FAMILY: A dominating silverback with a reputation for being kind is the inspiration behind the name of this organization. Although he passed away in 2012, his son Kwitonda is currently leading the group, carrying on his legacy.
HIRWA GORILLA FAMILY: This family is unique and uncommon in the gorilla world since it was created by combining two distinct gorilla families from Susa and Sabyinyo. According to the local language, the word “Hirwa” means “lucky,” and the organization has undoubtedly been fortunate to prosper in spite of the peculiar circumstances surrounding its information.
MUHOZA GORILLA FAMILY: The dominant silverback Muhoza, who assumed leadership of the group following the death of the former dominant Bukima silverback in 2017, is the name of this family. It is renowned for being inquisitive and lively as well.
AGASHYA GORILLA FAMILY: Volcanoes National Park is home to this habituated gorilla family. The family was formerly known as Group 13, but after Agashya, a dominating silverback, assumed leadership, the name was changed. The silverback’s serene nature and its lively juveniles are the family’s most well-known traits.
SUSA GOLRILLA FAMILY: This Family belongs to one of the gorilla families that live in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The Susa River, which flows through their home area, is the source of the group’s name. After being the focus of the film Gorillas in the Mist and the study of renowned primatologist Dian Fossey, this gorilla family became well-known throughout the world.
UMUBANO GORILLA FAMILY: This is among the several habituated gorilla families that inhabit Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. When several Amahoro family members split off to create their own A group in 2008, the group was born. There are currently about 13 members of the Umubano family, including Charles, a dominant silverback. There are also a number of females and young gorillas in the group.
IGISHA GORILLA FAMILY: is among the numerous habituated gorilla families that call Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park home. Named for a dominating silverback named Igisha, who sadly passed away, the group was initially presented to tourists in 2008. The Susa Gorilla family, from which the Igisha Gorilla family descended, broke up on November 30, 2014.
ISIMBI GORILLA FAMILY: A male silverback gorilla named Muturengere is the head of the family. The mountain Karisimbi valleys in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park are home to this family. Six youngsters, four adult females, three black backs, and one silverback make up the group’s current membership of 16.
KWISANGA GORILLA FAMILY: This family was established on May 4, 2021, and is one of the newest gorilla families in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Silverback Kigoma, who split from the Kwitonda gorilla family, is the head of this family. Following the passing of the previous silverback, Urugamba, in 2017, Kwizera, a dominating silverback, assumed leadership of the family.
NOHELI GORILLA FAMILY: This is among the many gorilla families that call Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park home. In Kinyarwanda, the indigenous language of Rwanda, “Noheli” means “Christmas.” The family was named after a newborn gorilla born on December 25, 2004. There are seven members of the Noheli gorilla family.
For gorilla trekking in Rwanda, which is a well-liked activity in Volcanoes National Park, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Explore Rwanda Tours. Permits are available for visitors to track and observe the gorillas in their natural environment.
