Gorilla Families in Virunga National Park, Congo—2025 Guide
Gorilla Families in Virunga National Park. Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest park and a haven for mountain gorillas. Tucked in eastern Congo near the Virunga volcanoes, it shelters about eight habituated gorilla families. These families allow visitors a close, respectful look into the world of endangered giants. Each group has its own story, shaped by dominance, drama, and deep social bonds. Let’s meet them.
Rugendo Group
This is one of the park’s original families. Rangers began habituating them in the 1980s. Rugendo was once led by the famous silverback Senkwekwe, who died tragically in 2007. His death sparked global outrage. His memory lives on at the Senkwekwe Center, a rehabilitation center for orphaned gorillas.
Munyaga Group
Munyaga, a bald-headed silverback, formed this group in the early 2000s. He gathered females and juveniles from Rugendo. Visitors often find them calm and approachable. The group offers a laid-back trekking experience.
Kabirizi Group
Kabirizi leads one of the park’s largest families. It often includes more than 20 gorillas. The group has seen power struggles and leadership battles. These changes keep it dynamic and fascinating to track.
Lulengo Group
Formerly called Rugabo, this group got renamed to honor a park director who died in a landmine blast. Lulengo, the silverback, leads with stability. This group remains one of the most structured in the park.
Mapuwa Group
Mapuwa, once part of Rugendo, left to form his own family. Over time, he attracted females and built a strong unit. The group lives near the Jomba region, close to the Uganda border.
Bageni Group
This is the largest habituated gorilla family in Virunga. Bageni, a son of Kabirizi, formed it after leaving his father’s group. The family includes more than 25 gorillas. You’ll see blackbacks, infants, and strong family interactions.
Nyakamwe Group
Nyakamwe, another son of Kabirizi, split from Bageni and formed his own group. Though smaller, this family stays tight-knit. Nyakamwe leads with confidence and calm.
Humba Group
Humba, also from the Rugendo line, formed this group. Known for his gentle nature, he lives near the Bukima area. This makes his group more accessible to trekkers.
Trekking Experience
Gorilla trekking in Virunga begins at Bukima Patrol Post. Each morning, guides assign visitors to a group based on trekking difficulty. The permit costs $400 per person—less than in Rwanda or Uganda.
Treks last one to four hours. Once you find the gorillas, you get one hour with them. You’ll watch them eat, groom, and play—just meters away.
All treks include a ranger and military escort. This ensures safety in a region that sometimes sees unrest. Despite the security setup, the experience feels safe and unforgettable.
Why Your Visit Matters
Every trekking permit supports conservation. It funds ranger patrols, gorilla health care, and community projects. By joining a trek, you protect one of the world’s last mountain gorilla strongholds.
