Mountain Gorilla Families in Rwanda
Mountain Gorilla Families in Rwanda. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park hosts several habituated mountain gorilla families. These groups are monitored daily and allow visitors to experience the lives of these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Each group has a distinct history, leader, and territory.
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Susa A Group
Susa A is one of the most well-known groups in the park. It gained international fame through Dian Fossey’s studies and writings. Originally, this group had over 40 members, but it later split into two. Susa A is known for its rare twin gorillas—Byishimo and Impano—who continue to fascinate researchers and visitors alike. The group roams the high slopes of Mount Karisimbi, making the trek long and physically demanding but incredibly rewarding. It’s ideal for experienced hikers.
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Sabyinyo Group
This group ranks among the most accessible for trekkers and suits beginners well. It lives near the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, and the powerful, charismatic silverback Guhonda—one of the largest ever recorded—leads it. The Sabyinyo group maintains a stable structure, raises playful juveniles, and displays strong social bonds, offering fantastic photographic opportunities.
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Amahoro Group
“Amahoro” means “peace” in Kinyarwanda, and the group’s demeanor matches its name. It is led by the gentle silverback Ubumwe. Amahoro lives on the slopes of Mount Bisoke and is admired for its calm interactions and balanced group dynamics. However, the trek to reach this family involves steep climbs, so a moderate fitness level is advised.
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Umubano Group
This group split off from the Amahoro family due to leadership disputes. The current leader, Charles, challenged Ubumwe and took several members with him to form Umubano. Despite its origin in conflict, Umubano is now known for its harmony and social cohesion. It inhabits areas close to Amahoro’s range and offers a similarly moderate trek with the chance to observe different social structures.
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Agashya Group (formerly Group 13)
Agashya took over the original Group 13 and expanded it from 13 to over 25 members. He’s a strong and strategic silverback, known for his unpredictable movements. He often leads the group across ridges and valleys to avoid confrontations with other groups. Trekkers may find tracking Agashya challenging but exciting. The group offers a chance to observe a dynamic leadership style and diverse gorilla behaviors.
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Hirwa Group
“Hirwa” translates to “lucky one.” This group was formed in 2006 when members broke away from the Sabyinyo and Agashya groups. It gained fame for having a set of twins, which is a rare occurrence among gorillas. Hirwa once crossed into Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, showcasing the fluidity of gorilla movements across borders. Currently, the group stays mostly on the Rwandan side, but tracking may require flexibility and stamina.
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Karisimbi Group (Susa B)
This group broke away from the original Susa A due to territorial dispersion and took its name from Mount Karisimbi, where it resides. The Karisimbi group often moves to even higher altitudes than Susa A, and trekkers face the most strenuous hike in the park to reach them. This trek suits physically fit and experienced adventurers. Those who complete it often enjoy breathtaking views and observe large family dynamics in remote areas.
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Kwitonda Group
This group migrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo and settled on the slopes of Mount Muhabura. “Kwitonda” means “the humble one,” named after its former silverback. The group tends to roam in higher elevations and denser forests. Kwitonda offers a moderately difficult trek and allows trekkers to explore less frequented paths. The group remains stable, with intriguing intergenerational interactions.
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Bwenge Group
Bwenge, the dominant silverback, formed this group after leaving another family. It roams the foothills between Mounts Karisimbi and Bisoke. The name “Bwenge” means “wisdom,” which suits the group’s history of resilience. The group has experienced a few losses, particularly among infants, but continues to thrive. This trek can be steep and muddy but offers an intimate viewing experience due to the group’s size and location.
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Ugenda Group
“Ugenda” translates to “on the move,” and it reflects the group’s roaming nature. They frequently change territories, often making their home around Mount Karisimbi. Because of their movement, finding the Ugenda group can be more difficult, requiring experienced guides and flexible trekking plans. However, their unpredictable paths also make them an exciting group for adventure-seeking travelers.
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Pablo Family
Once the largest known gorilla group, Pablo’s family had over 65 members before splitting. It’s named after the dominant silverback Pablo. Today, this group mostly exists for research and conservation monitoring, not tourist tracking. It played a key role in Dian Fossey’s early studies.
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Titus Family
Named after the legendary silverback Titus, who was born during Dian Fossey’s research era, this group has a rich history. Titus lived over 30 years, fathering many gorillas and contributing significantly to conservation genetics. The Titus family continues under new leadership and remains monitored by researchers.
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Isimbi Family
Isimbi was formed from a split in the Pablo family and now functions as a stable and cohesive group. Though not always available for trekking, its habituation is being expanded for tourism access.
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Muhoza Family
This relatively newer group is led by silverback Muhoza. It is being habituated and has shown a calm and social nature. It’s expected to become a key group for future treks as tourism capacity grows.
How to Access Volcanoes National Park
By Road
From Kigali, it’s a 2–3 hour drive (approx. 110 km) to the park headquarters in Kinigi, near Musanze. The roads are in good condition.
By Air
Private helicopter charters are available from Kigali to Musanze airstrip for luxury travelers.
Start Point for Treks
All treks begin at the Kinigi Visitor Center with a pre-trek briefing at 7:00 AM. From there, you’ll be assigned a gorilla group and guided to the starting trailhead.
Planning Considerations
When choosing which group to visit, consider your physical fitness, preferred trekking length, and photographic interests. Groups like Sabyinyo and Agashya are more accessible, while Karisimbi and Susa A require more endurance. Trekkers aged 15 and above can purchase one of only 96 daily permits, so booking well in advance is essential.
Plan Your Safari With Us
Our expert guides help you select the right gorilla group based on your interests and abilities. Whether you want a relaxed encounter or a challenging hike with scenic rewards, we’ll organize the perfect gorilla trekking experience for you in Rwanda’s majestic Volcanoes National Park.
