Rwanda is home to one of the world’s most treasured wildlife experiences—gorilla trekking. Deep within the lush bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park, visitors have the chance to encounter habituated families of endangered mountain gorillas. Currently, the park hosts about 12 habituated gorilla groups available for tourism, with each family offering a unique trekking experience depending on its size, temperament, and location within the park.
The Susa A group is perhaps the most famous. Once studied by Dian Fossey, it’s one of the largest families, sometimes containing over 30 members. The group includes playful youngsters and powerful silverbacks, making the trek incredibly rewarding. However, the hike to reach Susa A is among the most strenuous, as the group usually stays at higher altitudes.
The Sabinyo group is ideal for trekkers looking for a shorter and less demanding hike. This group often stays in the lower slopes of the park and is led by Guhonda, one of the largest and most impressive silverbacks in Rwanda. Sabinyo is known for its stability and calm demeanor, making it a favorite for first-time visitors.
The Amahoro group offers a peaceful and serene trekking experience. The group’s name means “peace” in Kinyarwanda, which reflects their gentle nature. The dominant silverback, Ubumwe, is admired for his calm leadership. While the hike is moderate, the experience is highly rewarding.
The Umubano group, which split from Amahoro, is led by Charles, a former Amahoro silverback. This group is known for its strong social bonds and interesting family dynamics, which trekkers often find captivating. Their location is moderately easy to reach, making it accessible for many visitors.
The Agashya group, also known as Group 13, is a dynamic and adventurous family led by a dominant silverback also named Agashya. This group moves frequently and tends to be found in varying elevations, offering a slightly more challenging trek. Agashya’s leadership style makes this group particularly interesting to observe.
Other noteworthy families include the Kwitonda group, which originally migrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo and now thrives in the park’s eastern areas. The Hirwa group, although it sometimes crosses into Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, is still associated with Volcanoes National Park and offers an exceptional cross-border conservation story. Families like Ugenda and Bwenge are less predictable in movement but offer intimate, quieter encounters due to their more remote locations.
Each gorilla family in Rwanda offers a distinct window into the lives of these intelligent, social primates. Whether you’re looking for an easier hike, a larger group, or a quiet forest encounter, there’s a family that matches your interests. Trekkers are assigned to groups based on fitness level, trekking difficulty, and availability to ensure the best experience for both visitors and the gorillas. With the guidance of expert rangers and trusted safari companies, visiting any of Rwanda’s gorilla groups promises to be an unforgettable, life-affirming journey into the heart of the wild.