The Volcanoes National Park is one of the most popular destinations for gorilla tracking in the world. Located in the northern Rwanda, the Volcanoes National Park hosts almost a third of the world’s remaining population of the mountain gorillas left in the whole world.
Gorilla Families in the Volcanoes National Park
There are 14 habituated gorilla families in the Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. Here are some of the gorilla families that can be visited by tourists;
Susa Group: The largest group with 41 gorillas. This family is the hardest to trek as it tends to range high into the mountains but RDB Tourism & Conservation trackers will know well in advance where the group is located. The group is also well-known for having rare 5 year old twins named Byishimo and Impano.
Sabyinyo Group: Sabyinyo is an easily accessible group led by the powerful silverback Guhonda. There are fewer members within this family than in the other groups however they are equally impressive as a family.
Amahoro Group: led by the calm and easy going Ubumwe, Amahoro is made up of 17 members and means “peaceful”. To reach Amahoro one must endure a fairly steep climb however the climb is well worth it once in contact with this tranquil group.
Group 13: when first habituated this group had only 13 members hence its name. Now the group has approximately 25 members, a very positive sign for conservation and the efforts put forward by RDB Tourism & Conservation to protect the gorillas’ habitat.
Kwitonda Group: this 18-member group is led by Kwitonda which means “humble one” and has two silverbacks and one blackback. Having migrated from DRC, this group tends to range far making it a moderately difficult trek.
Umubano Group: a family of 11, Umubano were originally Amahoro members but broke off after the dominant silverback was challenged by Charles, now the leader of Umubano. When a young silverback challenges the dominant silverback he must steal some females from the existing group in order to form his own family; thus Umubano was formed.
Hirwa Group: this group emerged recently and was formed from different existing families, namely from Group 13 and Sabyinyo. Eventually more gorillas joined. Come witness this family continue to grow.
Gorilla Viewing Guidelines
To minimize possible transmission of human diseases, visitors are asked to maintain a distance of 7m (about 22 feet) from the gorillas. If you are sick with a cold, flu or other contagious illness, please do not visit the gorillas.
- Viewing time is limited to one hour.
- Maximum 8 visitors per group.
- Spitting in the park is strictly prohibited.
- Should you need to cough, cover your mouth and turn away from the gorillas.
- When with the gorillas, keep your voice low.
- Try not to make rapid movements that may frighten the gorillas.
- If a gorilla should charge or vocalize at you, do not be alarmed, stand still, look away from the gorilla and follow your guide’s directions.
Do not litter.
Where to Stay in Volcanoes National Park
Kinigi Guest House, Ruhengeri
Kinigi Guest House is locally known as “Village Touristique de Kinigi” and is located on the foothills of the Virungas of Rwanda about 10minutes away from Ruhengeri
The guest house rooms have electricity and warm water. For the more judicious travelers, there is 1 VIP suite.
The guest house facilities include:
Restaurant with great food
Lounge with fire place
Conference facilities available
Gorilla Nest Lodge parc nationale des volcanoes
Gorilla’s Nest Lodge is in close to the Parc National des Volcans less than a 25 minute’s drive to location where the gorilla trekking begins.
The rooms are large, each with en-suite facilities.
Nearby is a traditional Rwandese homestead for visitors to visit in their leisure time or after Gorilla trekking.
Jack Hanna house
17 newly uplifted, Heater installed and decorated rooms
Bar and Restaurant Facilities
Beverages are: Local Beers, Soft drinks and water.
Spa Facilities
Facilities
9 hole golf experience
Laundry services
Wireless internet services
Curio shop
Room service
Holistic Spa massage after tracking or upon arrival
Packed lunches for trackers
Mountain Gorilla view lodge
Mountain gorilla view lodge stands amidst real wilderness with panoramic views of Rwanda’s volcano mountains and located just 1km away from the Volcano National Park, making it the ideal choice of gorilla trekking clients.
Sabinyo silver back lodge
The lodge is only minutes away from the headquarters of the Parc National des Volcans from where gorilla trekking starts.
The lodge, situated on the foothills of the mighty Virungas, the chain of 15,000 ft volcanoes stretching through Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, commands magnificent views of the volcanoes and the beautiful surroundings.
All cottages are discretely and privately located in the foots of mountains, and each has its own to write home about spectacular view
5 cottages
2 suites
1 family suite-with ensuite bathroom
Virunga Lodge
Virunga Lodge is luxury, its set on a stunning hillside, has 8 bandas with a panoramic view of the Virunga volcanoes and the lakes Ruhondo and Bulera. It is only 3 hours’ drive from Kigali.
Centre Pastoral Notre Dame du Fatima-Ruhengeri
This is the best budget accommodation for tourists; it is accessible and only 5 minute walk to Ruhengeri town.
The gorilla trekking head office at Kinigi is only about 45 minutes’ drive away.