Gorilla Families in the Park: What to Know

May 1, 2025
Volcanoes National Park Insights

Gorilla Families in the Park: What to Know

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and understanding the different gorilla families in the park enhances the appreciation and value of the journey. Each gorilla family has its own dynamics, personalities, and stories. Whether you’re trekking through the misty forests of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda or the thick jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, knowing which family you’re likely to visit helps set expectations and build anticipation.

This guide from Gorilla Rwanda Safaris introduces you to the various habituated gorilla families, how they are organized, the rules of assignment, and what makes each group unique.

1. What Are Gorilla Families?

A gorilla family or group consists of a dominant silverback male, several females, juveniles, and infants. In some cases, families may have multiple silverbacks or blackbacks (younger males), but leadership typically lies with the most dominant silverback.

Gorilla families are tightly knit, social units with strong bonds maintained through grooming, play, vocal communication, and protective behavior. Tourists can only visit habituated families—groups that have undergone a careful process to get accustomed to human presence without altering their natural behavior.

2. Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park—Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park is home to around 12 habituated gorilla families that are available for tourism. The park also houses other groups dedicated to research and conservation.

a. Susa A Family (Susa Group)

The largest and most famous family
Originally studied by Dian Fossey
Known for twins Byishimo and Impano
Located high in the mountains (challenging trek)

b. Karisimbi Family (Susa B)

A splinter group from the Susa A family
Inhabits the slopes of Mount Karisimbi
Trekking can be strenuous but rewarding

c. Amahoro Family

Known for its peaceful demeanor (Amahoro means “peace”)
Led by a gentle silverback named Ubumwe
Often found on Mount Bisoke

d. Umubano Family

Split from Amahoro due to leadership competition
Led by Charles, a young and assertive silverback
Relatively easier trekking terrain

e. Sabyinyo Family

One of the easiest groups to trek
Led by Guhonda, the largest silverback in the park
Often located near the park headquarters

f. Agashya Family (Group 13)

Named after a silverback who took over leadership
Frequently changes location
Agile and mobile group

g. Kwitonda Family

Migrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo
Known for being elusive and covering long distances
Often found on Mount Muhabura

h. Hirwa Family

Formed from members of different groups
Name means “lucky,” due to its rare formation
Occasionally crosses into Uganda’s Mgahinga Park

i. Bwenge Family

Known for several infants and young gorillas
Was featured in the film “Gorillas in the Mist”

j. Ugenda Family

The name means “mobile” due to their constant movement
Habituated in the Karisimbi area

k. Muhoza Family

A relatively new group
Frequently found around Mount Sabyinyo

l. Pablo Family

Named after a long-standing silverback leader
One of the largest families in the region

Related Blog: Overview of Volcanoes National Park

3. Gorilla Families in Uganda

Uganda is home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population. These gorillas reside in:

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

There are over 20 habituated families available for trekking in Bwindi,, while Mgahinga has only one habituated gorilla family.

a. Families in Bwindi (Four Sectors)

i. Buhoma Sector

Mubare: The first habituated group in Uganda
Habinyanja: Famous for its large numbers
Rushegura: Easy to trek and great for beginners

ii. Ruhija Sector

Bitukura: Known for calm behavior
Oruzogo: Large group, very playful juveniles
Kyaguriro: Used for research purposes but sometimes available to tourists

iii. Rushaga Sector

Nshongi: Once the largest group
Mishaya: Aggressive silverback leadership
Bweza, Bikingi, Kahungye, and Busingye: All accessible and offer rich trekking experiences

iv. Nkuringo Sector

Nkuringo Family: Toughest trek but rewarding views
Christmas Family: Small but close-knit
Bushaho Family: Newer group, habituated recently

b. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

There is one habituated group called the Nyakagezi Family:

Consists of several silverbacks coexisting peacefully
Often crosses into Rwanda but largely stable
Easiest trek among Ugandan options

4. Gorilla Habituation Experience

In Uganda’s Rushaga sector, visitors can participate in the unique gorilla habituation experience, spending up to four hours with a semi-habituated group. This immersive activity is ideal for photographers, researchers, and enthusiasts.

More time in the wild
Learn about gorilla behavior
Led by trackers and researchers

5. How Are Tourists Assigned to Gorilla Families?

The park authorities, in collaboration with licensed tour operators like Gorilla Rwanda Safaris, assign tourists to specific families based on:

Fitness level (some families require strenuous hikes)
Age and health conditions
Group size
Preference (if available)
Availability and permit quotas

Each gorilla group is limited to 8 visitors per day to minimize stress and ensure sustainability.

6. Permit Booking and Importance

Knowing the gorilla family you’re likely to visit depends on timely booking of permits. Rwanda charges $1,500 per permit, while Uganda charges $800. Advance booking ensures availability in your preferred sector and group.

7. Ethical Considerations and Conservation

Gorilla trekking directly contributes to the conservation of these majestic animals. With your permit fee:

Rangers are employed to protect the gorillas
Communities receive income for healthcare and education
Poaching is deterred through awareness and economic alternatives

Organizations like the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and the International Gorilla Conservation Programme continue to study and protect gorilla families in the wild.

More Web Resources:

8. Gorilla Family Etiquette During Treks

Maintain a 7-meter distance from gorillas
Do not eat or drink in front of them
Avoid sudden movements or loud noises
Wear masks to prevent disease transmission
No flash photography
Leave no trace behind

9. Which Family is Right for You?

If you’re unsure which group to request or prefer, here’s a quick guide:

Experience Level	Recommended Family	Country
First-time visitors	Sabyinyo, Rushegura, Nyakagezi	Rwanda/Uganda
Photographers	Oruzogo, Nshongi, Susa A	Rwanda/Uganda
Fit hikers	Karisimbi, Nkuringo	Rwanda/Uganda
Families with kids	Buhoma or Rushaga groups	Uganda
Cultural enthusiasts	Visit Hirwa or Sabyinyo with cultural village tour	Rwanda

10. Final Thoughts

Each gorilla family in Rwanda and Uganda tells a story—of resilience, adaptation, and the enduring strength of nature. Choosing which family to visit is not just about convenience, but also about aligning with your trekking ability, expectations, and interests.

At Gorilla Rwanda Safaris, we help travelers connect with these extraordinary primates through tailored experiences that emphasize conservation, comfort, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re intrigued by the legendary Susa Group or drawn to the accessible Rushegura family, you’re guaranteed a transformative journey.

Gorilla Families in the Park: What to Know