— Meeting the Gentle Giants of Volcanoes National Park
When you head for Gorilla trekking up in the misty slopes of Volcanoes National Park, something extraordinary happens every single day. A gorilla family wakes to the sound of the forest. Leaves rustle.
A young one beats his chest in playful excitement (not knowing this is only the attribute of the silverback). The silverback shifts his weight, scanning the clearing. Mothers groom their infants. Vines stretch overhead. The world feels soft, ancient, alive.
These are Rwanda’s mountain gorilla families. Not merely groups but Families—each with its own story, personality, and rhythm. And if you’re lucky enough to trek into their world, you’ll feel and understand that this is more than just wildlife viewing, its an encounter with a wild family.
Let’s take a slow walk into the heart of Rwanda’s most famous gorilla groups and discover what makes each family so unique.
All of Rwanda’s habituated mountain gorilla families live in Volcanoes National Park, a gorill park located in the northwest of the country.
Volcanoes is a part of the Virunga Mountains and it spans over 160 square kilometers and shares borders with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s home to five dormant volcanoes, dense afro-montane forests, and some of the most protected gorilla populations on Earth.
As of now (2025 July), Rwanda has about 12 habituated gorilla families that tourists like you can visit, along with several more reserved for research and conservation.
Each family is led by a dominant silverback, surrounded by several females, juveniles, blackbacks, and playful infants.
Every family you meet in Volcanoes National Park is different. Some are large and strong. Others are small and intimate. Some are adventurous, moving long distances. Others stay close to familiar valleys. But they all have names. And stories.
Here are some of the most well-known gorilla families you may encounter:
Known as the easiest family to track, the Sabyinyo group often stays close to the park’s edge. They are calm, curious, and led by a silverback kown Gihishamwotsi, a strong silverback who took over after the passing of the legendary Guhonda—once the largest silverback in the Virungas.
This family usually has fewer members, but they’re incredibly photogenic and well-known for gentle behavior, making them ideal for first-time trekkers.
Amahoro means “peace” in Kinyarwanda—and this group lives up to its name. They are peaceful, gentle, and known for their relaxed nature.
Led by the silverback Ubumbwe, this family often ranges in higher elevations, which can mean a more challenging hike. But the experience is worth it—trekking to Amahoro feels like earning a sacred moment.
Perhaps the most famous of all, Susa A was studied by Dian Fossey herself. At one time, this family had over 40 members, making it the largest known.
Although it has since split into smaller groups, Susa A is still large, lively, and full of dynamic interactions between juveniles, mothers, and silverbacks. They are known for their twins—Impano and Byishimo, rare even among gorillas.
Tracking Susa A usually means hiking higher and longer, but it offers one of the richest gorilla experiences in Rwanda.
This is a splinter group from the original Susa family. Named after Mount Karisimbi, they roam the park’s highest slopes—sometimes over 3,000 meters above sea level.
Due to the challenging terrain, this group is often reserved for experienced trekkers or those seeking a physically demanding adventure. They’re a bit more elusive but deeply rewarding to observe.
Initially known as Group 13, this family was renamed after its new silverback Agashya, meaning “the news.” He took over from the previous leader by dramatically stealing the group—earning his name for the bold move.
This family is large and active, often spotted traveling across hills and valleys, offering beautiful scenic backdrops for photos.
Umubano means “togetherness”—and you feel it the moment you meet them. This small, close-knit family moves like one. There’s no rush, no tension—just a quiet rhythm of grooming, gentle touches, and shared space.
The group was formed by silverback Charles, who stepped away from the Amahoro family when he came of age and felt the call to lead. Since then, he’s shaped a family built on peace and partnership. Their bond is strong, their trust in each other clear. Watching them feels like stepping into a moment of quiet harmony—intimate, natural, and deeply moving.
Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Kwitonda family migrated into Rwanda and made Volcanoes National Park their home. They are one of the larger groups and often range far, requiring longer treks.
The name Kwitonda means “humble one”—a fitting description for this respectful, quiet group.
Formed by members from Sabyinyo and Group 13, Hirwa (meaning “lucky”) was known for having twins—a rare event in the gorilla world. Although they originally lived in Rwanda, the family often crosses into Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park.
While sightings in Rwanda have become rare in recent years, they remain part of the country’s historical gorilla story.
This is a breakaway group from the Susa lineage. Named after its dominant silverback, Igisha, they are powerful, growing, and active. Their dynamics are thrilling to observe, especially during feeding and grooming sessions.
This group is a great choice for travelers hoping to witness strong male leadership in action.
One of the newest families available for tourism, Muhoza and his group have become increasingly habituated in recent years. They occupy lower slopes, making them more accessible, and they offer a promising trek for those with limited mobility or time.
Another offshoot from the Susa lineage, the Pablo group is one of the largest in terms of size, often ranging far through thick forest. Their wide territory makes sightings unpredictable, but when found, they offer a vivid look into gorilla life on the move.
Bwenge means “wisdom,” and this family reflects its name with a calm, observant nature. They are moderate in size and offer a solid balance between accessibility and the chance to witness fascinating gorilla interactions.
Just like human families, no two gorilla families are alike. Some are big and rowdy while others are quiet and smaller. You may find one group feasting, another playing, another resting in silence.
The personality of the dominant silverback often contribute greatly to the whole group’s energy and behavious.
The beauty of Rwanda’s gorilla trekking experience is that each trek is unpredictable—not chaotic, but beautifully unscripted. Rangers and trackers locate the families early each morning, and your assigned group is chosen based on your fitness level, interest, and trekking conditions.
Not every gorilla family can be visited. Habituation is a slow, gentle process where conservation teams gradually introduce themselves to a wild group over 2 to 3 years. The goal is simple: build trust. The gorillas are never tamed or fed—they’re simply allowed to become comfortable with human presence.
This process ensures that when you do meet them, it’s natural. Safe for them. Emotional for you.
A gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park begins early, just after sunrise. After a short briefing at the park headquarters, you’re assigned to one of the families and guided by expert rangers. Treks can last from 1 to 6 hours, depending on the family’s location.
Once you find them, you have one magical hour to watch, listen, and take it all in. No rush. No pushing. Just presence.
Expect memories you’ll carry home like precious postcards: a baby gorilla somersaulting into its brother’s lap, a mother humming while she rocks her wide-eyed infant, a silverback meeting your gaze with steady, almost thoughtful curiosity—no menace, just the quiet question of who you are and why you’ve wandered into his emerald living room.
Just like in your own family, a gorilla family is no exception. It’s a mirror of ourselves—love, structure, conflict, care and therefore watching them feels like having a reflection on our wildself.
At Friendly Gorillas, we don’t just take you to see gorillas. We bring you into their world—with respect, safety, and deep local knowledge. We help you meet the family, not just observe the animals.
Because once you’ve spent an hour with them, you won’t remember the hike. You’ll remember a small hand reaching out. A silverback’s deep, steady breath. And the feeling that, just maybe, you were always meant to be here.
Are you ready to meet Rwanda’s most remarkable families?
Step into the mist, meet mountain gorillas, and feel alive again. Start Planning your Volcanoes Park safaris today.
GET A QUOTE
Get free QUOTE today.
Speak to one of our travel experts to start planning today!
