Gorilla Family at the Volcanoes National Park
Gorilla Family at the Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda boasts one of the most famous gorilla trekking sites in the world: Volcanoes National Park. The park on a Rwanda safari is found in the Virunga Mountains, and it contains a large population of the surviving mountain gorillas in the world. These are peaceable giants, and they live in family groups, each comprising females, youngsters, and in some cases other subordinate males, each family headed by a strong male silverback. To the travellers, visiting these gorilla families is a life-transforming wildlife experience, providing a close-up view of their complicated social systems and their lives.
Gorilla Family System
Family size of mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park varies, whereby some families have five members and others have more than twenty. Every family usually has an experienced silverback that leads the group, decides on the movement, and defends the members against any danger. Females take care of the young, and juveniles are taught how to survive by playing and watching. These families are permanent groups, and the members can live together for several years, but young males, so-called blackbacks, can eventually leave to create their own families.
Tourist Conditioned Gorilla Families
Tourists do not visit all of the gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla trekking is only possible in those that have been habituated, that is, introduced to human presence with great care and gradually. This guarantees the safety of the gorillas and the visitors and reduces stress to the animals. Today, over ten habituated families are open to trekking in the park, and each of them provides a different experience depending on the group size, mix, and behaviour.
Family Susa (Susa A)
One of the most well-known gorilla families in the Volcanoes National Park is the Susa Family, which was at one time being heavily researched by Dian Fossey. It was a big club with more than 40 members initially, but now it has been divided into smaller groups. Susa A is renowned for having playful twins, which is a rare phenomenon among gorillas. It may be difficult to trek to visit this family because they usually move deep up in the mountains, but the experience is quite unforgettable as it becomes an encounter with a vibrant and historically important community.
Karisimbi Family (Susa B)
The Karisimbi Family was created as a result of a breakaway of the original Susa group. They live on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi, the highest mountain in Rwanda, so visiting them is one of the most physically challenging treks. However, one should visit it because of its beautiful nature and the chance to see these great gorillas.
Amahoro Family
The Amahoro Family is a family with a name meaning peace in Kinyarwanda, and is calm and gentle-natured. This is one of the most peaceful trekking groups in the park, headed by the silverback Ubumwe. The territory of the Amahoro Family is not so difficult to reach, so it is a good option in case a visitor wants to have a medium-level trek with a high probability of seeing the calm behaviour of gorillas.
Umubano Family
The Umubano Family separated from the Amahoro group due to conflict among the silverbacks. The term Umubano means living together, which means that the group of people is able to create a new stable family. It is a powerful and charismatic silverback named Charles, and is identified by its playful juveniles and interesting interactions.
Sabyinyo Family
The Sabyinyo Family is one of the families that can be trekked with ease since they are near the edge of the park. This group is led by Guhonda, the biggest silverback in the Volcanoes National Park, and it makes an incredible experience for travellers who would like to have a shorter hike. Its proximity and the size of its group leader make it a favourite among the photographers and first-time trekkers.
Family Agashya Group 13
The Agashya Family was initially referred to as Group 13, but the name was changed to Agashya since the silverback Agashya assumed leadership. This group has been increasing over time under his leadership, and in many cases, they combine with other lone gorillas. The Agashya Family is very mobile and may at times be found far outside its normal range, so every trek is a new adventure.
Kwitonda Family
The Kwitonda Family is a group of people who immigrated to the lower hills of Mount Muhabura in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The group is headed by silverback Akarevuro, and it is characterised by the strength of the bonds and harmonious interaction. Visits to the Kwitonda Family are moderate in difficulty, but the green scenery and calm gorilla nature make it worth the trip.
Gorilla Family at the Volcanoes National Park
The Hirwa Family or Lucky was a group formed after members of various groups met and joined. This group is also known as the group of twins. It is rare and special in mountain gorillas. Although they occasionally encroach into the Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda, they mostly inhabit Rwanda, giving trekkers an opportunity to observe a special and mixed family.
Observing Gorilla Families through Hikes
The trekking of gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park is regulated very closely in order to protect the endangered primates. Only one group of tourists can visit each gorilla family daily, and the number of people permitted per trek is eight. The permits should be booked in advance with the Rwanda Development Board or licensed Rwanda tour operators, and they are now going to cost each person $1,500. During one memorable hour, trekkers are with the gorillas, watching them in their feeding, grooming, and socialisation activities and keeping at a respectful distance.
Best Time to Visit
Although it is possible to trek gorillas throughout the year, the best seasons to visit Volcanoes National Park are during the dry seasons between June and September, as well as during December and February. These months are not so muddy and more accessible, and the trails are easier to trek, and the photography conditions are more favourable.
Conclusion
The experience of coming face-to-face with the gorilla families in the Volcanoes National Park is not just a wildlife experience, but an experience deep into the natural and cultural history of Rwanda. It is either the powerful Guhonda of the Sabyinyo Family or the noble Amahoro group, yet each family has its tale of power, leadership, and unity. To the tourists, trekking to view these gorillas is an adventure that they can never forget, as it creates a lasting impression on their lives and also helps in securing the future of one of the most endangered species in the world.
