About Rwanda Gorillas – A Deep Dive into Mountain Gorillas of Volcanoes National Park
Read more about Rwanda Gorillas found in the Volcanoes National Park in the north of the country. Rwanda is one of the few privileged countries in the world where the rare and critically endangered mountain gorillas can be observed in their natural habitat. Nestled in the lush, mist-covered slopes of the Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s gorillas are a national treasure and a global conservation success story. These majestic primates, sharing about 98% of their DNA with humans, draw thousands of visitors each year who come to witness one of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters on Earth — a close-up meeting with a wild gorilla family.
Introduction to Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) are a subspecies of the eastern gorilla and are found only in two isolated populations: the Virunga Mountains (shared by Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo) and Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Rwanda’s population of these gentle giants resides in Volcanoes National Park, which spans the Rwandan portion of the Virunga massif.
Unlike lowland gorillas, mountain gorillas have thicker fur to withstand the cold, high-altitude climate of the mountains. Adult males, known as silverbacks, are named after the distinctive silvery hair that develops on their backs as they mature. These massive yet peaceful creatures can weigh up to 220 kilograms (485 lbs) and stand over 1.6 meters (5.2 feet) tall when upright. Despite their strength, mountain gorillas are primarily non-aggressive and display high levels of intelligence and social cooperation within their groups.
Thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, including Rwanda’s strict ecotourism model and anti-poaching measures, mountain gorilla numbers have steadily increased. Today, Rwanda is home to more than a third of the remaining mountain gorilla population, making it one of the best places in the world to experience gorilla trekking.
Gorilla Families in Rwanda
Mountain gorillas live in tight-knit family groups led by a dominant silverback who serves as the protector and decision-maker for the group. There are over 10 habituated gorilla families in Rwanda are available for tourism, each with its own story, personality traits, and dynamics. These groups range in size from 8 to over 20 individuals, often including females, juveniles, infants, and sometimes more than one silverback.
The gorilla families in Rwanda include:
Susa Gorilla Family (Susa A)
The Susa family is one of the most iconic and historic gorilla groups in Rwanda, famously studied by the legendary primatologist Dian Fossey. This group is renowned for its large size, at one point exceeding 40 members, and for producing a rare set of twin gorillas named Impano and Byishimo. Susa A typically ranges on the upper slopes of Mount Karisimbi, making the trek to find them one of the most challenging but equally rewarding experiences in Volcanoes National Park. Their complex social dynamics and large number of individuals offer a captivating window into gorilla society. Trekkers should be prepared for a demanding hike, but those who make the journey are often rewarded with one of the most unforgettable gorilla encounters in the region.
Sabyinyo Gorilla Family
Named after Mount Sabyinyo, where they are frequently found, the Sabyinyo family is one of the most accessible groups for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. It was led for many years by Guhonda, the largest known silverback in the park, whose sheer size and gentle nature made him a legend among visitors and guides. The group is known for its relatively calm temperament and is often found closer to the park boundary, making it an ideal choice for older travelers or those who prefer a shorter trek. Despite its accessibility, the Sabyinyo family offers an equally rich and memorable viewing experience.
Amahoro Gorilla Family
The Amahoro family, whose name means “peace” in Kinyarwanda, is a symbol of tranquility and gentleness. Found on the slopes of Mount Bisoke, this group is led by a silverback named Ubumwe, meaning “unity.” The group is known for its peaceful nature and close social bonds, making it one of the most beloved among trekkers. However, the trek to see Amahoro can be moderately strenuous due to the group’s preference for higher elevations, but the serene behavior and playful infants of the group make the effort well worth it. Amahoro offers a heartwarming encounter that resonates with the spirit of Rwanda’s peaceful wildlife conservation efforts.
Group 13 (Agasha Gorilla Family)
Originally named Group 13 based on the number of individuals at the time of habituation, this group was later renamed after its dominant silverback, Agasha, whose name translates to “the news.” Agasha became famous for his assertive nature, having taken members from other groups to expand his family. Today, the group is one of the largest in the park and is known for its lively behavior and wide-ranging movements around Mount Sabyinyo. Trekkers visiting the Agasha family often witness dynamic interactions, including juveniles playing and females caring for infants, providing a vivid snapshot of daily gorilla life.
Kwitonda Gorilla Family
The Kwitonda family, meaning “the humble one,” migrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo and established itself on the slopes of Mount Muhabura. Known for its shy and elusive nature, this group tends to move deep into the forest, making the trek to reach them more physically demanding. After the death of the original silverback, Kwitonda, leadership passed to Akarevuro, who continues to guide the group through their remote forest home. Despite the challenging trek, those who encounter the Kwitonda group often describe it as a deeply moving and intimate wildlife experience.
Umubano Gorilla Family
Umubano, which translates to “togetherness,” is a splinter group that broke off from the Amahoro family. The split occurred after a young silverback named Charles challenged the dominant silverback in Amahoro and went on to form his own group. Today, Umubano is a peaceful and cohesive unit found in the Mount Bisoke region. Known for its playful juveniles and stable social structure, Umubano offers a balanced trekking experience that is neither too strenuous nor too short, making it suitable for many visitors. The family exemplifies how gorilla groups evolve over time, adapting to social changes in a natural and harmonious way.
Bwenge Gorilla Family
The Bwenge family, whose name means “wisdom,” was founded by a silverback named Bwenge after he separated from another group. This family has experienced hardships, including the loss of several members, but has continued to thrive under resilient leadership. They are often located between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke, and the trek to reach them can be challenging due to the steep terrain. Despite their trials, the Bwenge gorillas are highly engaging, and the group’s strength and survival spirit offer a compelling narrative for those interested in conservation and gorilla behavior. They were also featured in scenes from the film Gorillas in the Mist.
Hirwa Gorilla Family
Hirwa means “the lucky one,” a name that reflects the unique formation of this group in 2006 when individuals from both the Sabyinyo and Agasha families came together under a new silverback. Hirwa is particularly notable for having produced twin infants, a rare and celebrated event in the world of mountain gorillas. Although originally based in Rwanda, the group has at times migrated into Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, making them a transboundary group. When located in Rwanda, the Hirwa family offers an excellent trekking experience characterized by playfulness and strong maternal care within the group.
Ugenda Gorilla Family
The Ugenda group, whose name means “on the move,” is aptly named for its nomadic behavior. This group frequently roams the slopes of Mount Karisimbi, often covering large distances, which can make the trek to find them unpredictable and demanding. However, for trekkers seeking a more adventurous outing, the Ugenda family delivers an exciting challenge. The group tends to have fluid movement patterns and a tight-knit social structure that reflects adaptability and cooperation among its members. Seeing Ugenda requires persistence, but the reward is an off-the-beaten-path gorilla experience.
Karisimbi Gorilla Family (Susa B)
The Karisimbi group, also known as Susa B, was formed in 2008 when it split from the original Susa A family. This group settled in the upper reaches of Mount Karisimbi, the highest volcano in the Virunga range. Due to their preference for high-altitude habitats, the Karisimbi family is the most difficult to trek, often requiring a full-day hike. However, the physical effort is rewarded with breathtaking mountain views and a serene encounter with gorillas living in a remote and untouched environment. This group appeals especially to adventurous trekkers seeking solitude and an immersive jungle experience.
Each family has been habituated — a gradual process that allows gorillas to become accustomed to human presence without altering their natural behavior. This process takes about two years and is carried out by researchers and park rangers under the supervision of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and conservationists.
Behavior, Diet, and Habitat of Rwanda’s Gorillas
Behavior
Mountain gorillas are highly intelligent and emotionally complex beings with rich social lives. Their day typically begins at sunrise with foraging, followed by rest and social interaction. Afternoons are spent feeding again before constructing nests for the night using leaves and branches.
Social bonds are maintained through grooming, play, and vocal communication. Mothers are deeply caring and protective of their young, while silverbacks maintain order and safety within the group. Conflicts are rare and usually settled with non-violent displays such as chest-beating, grunting, or mock charges — actual violence is uncommon.
Gorillas communicate using more than 25 distinct vocalizations, including sounds for contentment, alarm, warning, and playfulness. Facial expressions, gestures, and body language also play a major role in gorilla interaction, showing just how emotionally sophisticated these animals are.
Diet
Mountain gorillas are herbivores, with their diet consisting almost entirely of plants. They feed on over 140 species of vegetation, including leaves, stems, fruits, bamboo shoots, nettles, and wild celery. Occasionally, they may ingest small insects or ants, but this is minimal.
On average, an adult mountain gorilla consumes up to 30 kilograms (66 pounds) of vegetation daily. Their strong jaws and specialized teeth allow them to chew tough plant materials, and their large stomachs help digest the high-fiber diet.
Unlike many other primates, mountain gorillas rarely drink water directly, as they obtain sufficient moisture from the plants they consume.
Habitat
Rwanda’s mountain gorillas thrive in the afro-montane forests of Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwestern part of the country. The park encompasses five volcanoes — Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura — providing a mix of bamboo forests, hagenia woodlands, and alpine meadows.
These gorillas are typically found at altitudes between 2,200 and 4,000 meters, where the dense vegetation offers both shelter and food. The climate is cool and damp, often shrouded in mist — which gives mountain gorilla trekking its mystical atmosphere.
Conservationists and local communities work hand-in-hand to protect this unique environment. A portion of every gorilla trekking permit fee directly supports conservation and community development projects, making gorilla tourism a sustainable model for wildlife protection and rural empowerment.
Final Thoughts
The mountain gorillas of Rwanda are not just animals — they are powerful symbols of resilience, conservation, and shared heritage between people and nature. Every trek into Volcanoes National Park is a journey into the heart of one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences.
Whether you’re an avid wildlife lover, a nature photographer, or a first-time traveler to Africa, a visit to see Rwanda’s gorillas is more than a safari — it’s a life-changing encounter with creatures that mirror our own humanity in profound and moving ways.