Mountain gorillas in Rwanda live in Volcanoes National Park. This park is located in the Virunga Mountain ranges, on the slopes of Mt. Karisimbi and Mt. Bisoke. These mountains are popular for gorilla trekking. The park is home to over 380 gorillas, divided into 12 fully habituated gorilla families. During gorilla treks, the park authorities assign gorilla families to tourists based on their preferences, age, and fitness levels. Some gorilla groups live deep in the forest at high altitudes, making them harder to reach and requiring longer treks that some tourists might not be able to handle. Gorilla tracking permits cost $1500 per person, as mountain gorillas are one of Rwanda’s most prestigious attractions.

Susa Gorilla Family (Susa A)

The Susa Gorilla Family was the first group to be fully habituated. It was studied by the famous primatologist Dian Fossey. Originally, it had 42 members before it split due to a conflict. This group usually stays at very high altitudes in the mountains, making trekking to see them a challenge. The members are energetic and playful, especially the young twins, Impano and Byishimo. The family’s name comes from the “Susa” river, where they lived during the habituation process.

Karisimbi Gorilla Family (Susa-B)

The Karisimbi Gorilla Family, also known as Susa-B, broke away from the original Susa group. It has around 15 members. This group lives on the steep slopes of Mount Karisimbi. Trekking to see them is challenging because they often move far away. Rangers sometimes have to go ahead to check if they are nearby. If the group has moved too far, the trek might be postponed.

Sabyinyo Gorilla Group

The Sabyinyo Gorilla Group lives on the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, which is also their namesake. This family has 18 members and is led by Guhonda, one of the largest and heaviest silverbacks in the park. Because Guhonda is very heavy, weighing around 220 kg, the group cannot go to high-altitude areas. This makes trekking to see them easier, as they stay near the park’s boundaries.

Amahoro Gorilla Family

The Amahoro Gorilla Family lives on the steep slopes of Mount Bisoke. This group has 21 members and is led by a dominant but calm silverback named Ubumwe. The group is a favorite among trekkers because of its infants and peaceful nature. The name “Amahoro” means “peace” in Kinyarwanda. However, the group faced a conflict with an aggressive silverback named Charles, which caused a split, leading to the formation of the Umubano group.

Umubano Gorilla Family

The Umubano Gorilla Family was formed when Charles, an aggressive silver back, broke away from the Amahoro group. He took some adult females with him, and they reproduced, forming a group with 11 members, including 6 infants. Despite the conflict, the Umubano and Amahoro groups stay close to each other. The name “Umubano” means “living together” in Kinyarwanda.

Agashya Gorilla Family

The Agashya Gorilla Family was initially led by Nyakarima and known as “Group 13.” After a battle, Agashya took over leadership and moved the family to the top of Mount Sabyinyo. Agashya grew the group by recruiting members in solitude and from other families. Now, the group has 25 members and stays close to the Sabyinyo group.

Igisha Gorilla Family

The Igisha Gorilla Family is led by Igisha, who split from the Susa group in November 2014 with 23 other members. The group now has 5 silver backs, a black back, 9 adult females, 5 adolescents, and 8 infants.

Kwitonda Gorilla Group

The Kwitonda Gorilla Group is known for constantly moving from place to place, making it hard to trek. This group originally came from Congo but has now settled on the slopes of Mount Muhabura. It has 18 members, including 2 silverbacks, and is led by Kwitonda, whose name means “humble one” in Kinyarwanda.

Hirwa Gorilla Family

The Hirwa Gorilla Family formed when members from the Sabyinyo family and Group 13 came together. This group lives on the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo and is led by a dominant silverback. The group, which formed in 2006, is called “Hirwa,” meaning “lucky one,” because its members joined peacefully. It now has 16 members, including rare twins.

Bwenge Group Family

The Bwenge Group Family was established in 2007 and has 11 members. It is led by Bwenge, a dominant silverback who founded the group after leaving his family. The group lives on the steep, muddy slopes of the Karisoke Volcano. The name “Bwenge” means “wisdom.” Members of this family featured in the famous movie “Gorillas in the Mist.”

Ugenda Gorilla Family

The Ugenda Gorilla Family is known for its nomadic lifestyle, constantly moving in search of better living conditions and food. This makes trekking to see them difficult. The group’s name, “Ugenda,” means “being on the move.” It has 11 members, including 2 silverbacks, and stays around the Karisimbi region.

Muhoza Gorilla Family

The Muhoza Gorilla Family was created by a dominant silverback named Muhoza in 2016. The group originally had 7 members. It has grown with the addition of two adult females from the Hirwa family. Now, the group has 14 members, including 8 adult females, 1 silverback, and 5 infants.