Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda
Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National park are among the rarest primates remaining the world and more than half of the remaining Gorillas are found in Virunga Mountains comprising of Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National Parks, Rwanda's Volcanoes National park and Congo's Virunga National Park.
Rwanda gorilla trekking cost US$ 750 per permit and each permit is used once therefore, if you are to trek Gorillas more than once, then book permits according to the number of treks. Gorilla trekking is the climax of all tours in Rwanda thus making Gorilla permits highly demanded especially in the peak/ high season. Therefore, it is advisable to book your permits in advance to be on safe side.
Look into the eyes of a large silver back gorilla and he'll look back with a thinking, intelligent gaze, mindful that you're another individual. Any apprehensions or nerves you might have had during your trek will melt away the minute you see your gorilla family. Gorilla trekking safaris offer a magical encounter that transcends any other 'wildlife' experience we know.
Some of the Gorilla groups in Volcanoes National park
Susa - the largest group with 41 gorillas. This family is the hardest to trek as it tends to range high into the mountains but RDB Tourism & Conservation trackers will know well in advance where the group is located. The group is also well- known for having rare 5 year old twins named Byishimo and Impano.
Sabyinyo - Sabyinyo is an easily accessible group led by the powerful silver back Guhonda. There are fewer members within this family than in the other groups however they are equally impressive as a family?
Amahoro - led by the calm and easy going Ubumwe, Amahoro is made up of 17 members and means “peaceful”. To reach Amahoro one must endure a fairly steep climb however the climb is well worth it once in contact with this tranquil group.
Group 13 - when first habituated this group had only 13 members hence its name. Now the group has approximately 25 members, a very positive sign for conservation and the efforts put forward by Rwanda Development Board Tourism & Conservation to protect the gorillas’ habitat.
Kwitonda - this 18-member group is led by Kwitonda which means “humble one” and has two silverbacks and one blackback. Having migrated from Democratic Republic of Congo, this group tends to range far making it a moderately difficult trek.
Umubano - a family of 11, Umubano were originally Amahoro members but broke off after the dominant silverback was challenged by Charles, now the leader of Umubano. When a young silverback challenges the dominant silverback he must steal some females from the existing group in order to form his own family; thus Umubano was formed.
Hirwa - this group emerged recently and was formed from different existing families, namely from Group 13 and Sabyinyo. Eventually more gorillas joined.