Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park – Meet Each Group

Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is one of the most remarkable wildlife destinations on Earth. Home to a thriving population of endangered mountain gorillas, this lush rainforest allows travelers to trek into mist-covered slopes and spend a magical hour with a habituated gorilla group. Many travelers wonder how many gorilla families are in Volcanoes National Park and what makes each group unique. Understanding the Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park helps trekkers choose tours based on difficulty, family size, behavior, location, and interaction styles.

In this complete guide, you will meet every habituated gorilla group in Rwanda, explore their histories, silverbacks, character traits, and learn what to expect during a trek. For anyone planning gorilla trekking in Rwanda in 2025–2027, knowing the Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park makes your adventure even more exciting and meaningful.

 How Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park Are Formed

Mountain gorillas live in social units called “families” or “groups,” led by a dominant male silverback. A family often includes females, juveniles, infants, and sometimes several males. Some groups are gentle, others playful, and some are ruled by mighty silverbacks known for their strength and leadership. Every group is different, and that uniqueness is what makes gorilla trekking unforgettable.

Volcanoes National Park currently has more than 10 habituated families available for tourism, each tracked daily by rangers and conservationists. Let’s meet them one by one:

1. Susa A Gorilla Family

The Susa A group is one of the most famous Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park. It gained worldwide attention through Dian Fossey’s research. Susa A was originally a very large group, once reaching over 40 members. Although it has since split into smaller families, Susa A remains powerful, friendly, and fascinating.

• Location: Slopes of Karisimbi volcano

• Family Size: Varies between 15–20 members

• Highlight: Known for playful twins born years back, which amazed primatologists

• Trek Level: Challenging — long and steep hike

Trekkers love Susa A for its size, exciting interactions, and beautiful high-altitude scenery.

2. Karisimbi Gorilla Family

The Karisimbi group broke away from Susa A and lives higher up Mount Karisimbi. It is one of the highest-ranging gorilla groups, meaning the hike can be strenuous.

• Location: Upper slopes of Karisimbi

• Family Size: Around 10–15

• Highlight: Peaceful group, calm silverback, beautiful mountain views

• Trek Level: Hard — recommended for physically fit trekkers

This group offers breathtaking scenery and a sense of real wilderness.

3. Sabyinyo Gorilla Family

Sabyinyo is one of the most popular Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park because it is easier to reach and led by one of the most iconic silverbacks in Rwanda’s history — Guhonda.

• Location: Between Mt. Sabyinyo & Mt. Gahinga

• Family Size: Around 12 members

• Highlight: Former silverback Guhonda was one of the largest silverbacks ever recorded

• Trek Level: Easy to moderate

This group is ideal for trekkers who want shorter hikes without sacrificing incredible gorilla encounters.

4. Amahoro Gorilla Family

“Amahoro” means peace, and this group perfectly matches its name. The Amahoro Family is gentle, calm, and famous for relaxed behavior.

• Location: Mt. Visoke slopes

• Family Size: About 17 members

• Highlight: Known for peaceful interactions and playful youngsters

• Trek Level: Moderate

If you love observing tender family interactions, mothers nursing babies, and juveniles playing, Amahoro delivers a heart-warming experience.

5. Umubano Gorilla Family

Umubano broke away from Amahoro after a dominant silverback split the group. It is known for strong leadership and playful juveniles.

• Location: Similar range to Amahoro

• Family Size: Around 10–12 members

• Highlight: Independent family with confident silverback

• Trek Level: Moderate

The name “Umubano” means cooperation, reflecting the harmony among its members.

6. Agasha Gorilla Family (Formerly Group 13)

Once simply called Group 13, the Agasha Family is known for its adventurous history. Silverback Agasha expanded the group by taking members from other families — a true leader and empire-builder.

• Location: Low to mid-altitude slopes

• Family Size: 15–25 members

• Highlight: Many females and infants, very interactive group

• Trek Level: Easy to moderate

This group is lively, active, and fun to photograph.

7. Kwitonda Gorilla Family

Kwitonda was once known for wide home ranges, often moving deeper into the forest, making treks unpredictable. Today, it is better monitored and accessible.

• Location: Slopes of Mt. Muhabura

• Family Size: Around 15–20

• Highlight: One of the most beautiful forest areas in Volcanoes

• Trek Level: Moderate to challenging

A great choice for trekkers who enjoy a blend of adventure and scenery.

8. Hirwa Gorilla Family

“Hirwa” means lucky, and the group lived up to its name when two sets of twins joined in the past. Hirwa has moved between Rwanda and Uganda in previous years, but when present in Volcanoes National Park, trekking is allowed.

• Location: Mt. Sabyinyo areas

• Family Size: 10–15

• Highlight: Known for twins and mothers with young babies

• Trek Level: Moderate

A wonderful group for photographers and travelers who love infant gorillas.

9. Bwenge Gorilla Family

Bwenge is linked to Dian Fossey’s Karisoke Research Center history. The group is named after silverback Bwenge and is often seen in peaceful forest settings.

• Location: Between Karisimbi & Bisoke

• Family Size: Around 11

• Highlight: Inspirational story — many challenges in early years, now stable

• Trek Level: Moderate to hard

Trekkers love the dramatic landscapes around Bisoke volcano.

10. Ugenda Gorilla Family

The word “Ugenda” means mobile, and this family truly fits the name. They roam widely, sometimes making tracking unpredictable — exciting for adventurous trekkers.

• Location: Slopes of Karisimbi & Bisoke

• Family Size: About 11

• Highlight: Nomadic behavior and amazing forest photography

• Trek Level: Moderate to hard

Great for travelers who enjoy a true wilderness feel.

 Why Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park Matter

Understanding the Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park helps visitors know:

 Which groups offer easier treks
 Where the most playful juveniles are
 Where large silverbacks dominate
 Where to expect babies, mothers, and peaceful dynamics
 How conservation protects family structures

Every trekking allocation is done at Kinigi Park Headquarters in the morning. Rangers assign families based on your fitness level, interest, and sometimes luck. No matter which group you receive, the experience will be magical.

 Gorilla Trekking Rules for All Families

To protect the Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park, trekkers must follow important guidelines:

 Maximum 8 tourists per family per day
 Stay 7 meters away
 No flash photography
 Sick travelers are not allowed
 One hour is allowed with the gorillas
 Respect ranger instructions at all times

These rules ensure gorilla health, safety, and continued survival.

 Best Time to See Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park

Gorilla trekking is possible year-round, but the best months are:

June – September (dry season, easy trails, peak tourism)
December – February (short dry season, clear views)

Rainy seasons offer quieter trekking and lush forests, but trails can be muddy.

 Where to Stay Near Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park

Visitors can choose lodges based on budget:

• Luxury: Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest

• Mid-range: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel

• Budget: La Palme Hotel, Garden Palace, Home Volcanoes

Staying in Musanze or near Kinigi offers quick access to trekking.

 Final Thoughts

Every group of Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park has a story — brave silverbacks, playful babies, peaceful mothers, and dramatic forest backdrops. Seeing mountain gorillas in their natural habitat is one of the world’s greatest wildlife experiences. Rwanda has invested heavily in conservation, tourism, and community support, making Volcanoes National Park a safe, organized, and unforgettable destination.

Whether you trek Susa A, Sabyinyo, Agasha, Amahoro, or any other family, the experience will change your life. Each gorilla family is unique, emotional, fascinating, and deeply human.