How Many Gorilla Families Are in Rwanda?

Rwanda is one of Africa’s premier destinations for mountain gorilla trekking, attracting thousands of wildlife enthusiasts every year. If you are planning a Rwanda safari, one of the questions you may ask is: How many gorilla families are in Rwanda?

Currently, Volcanoes National Park is home to more than 13 habituated mountain gorilla families that are open for tourism and research purposes. These remarkable gorilla groups inhabit the lush bamboo forests and volcanic slopes of the Virunga Massif, a transboundary conservation area shared by Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Volcanoes National Park, located in northwestern Rwanda, is Africa’s oldest national park and remains one of the most successful conservation areas for endangered mountain gorillas. The park also carries the legacy of renowned primatologist Dian Fossey, whose groundbreaking conservation efforts helped save mountain gorillas from extinction. Visitors can even hike to her former research center and gravesite to learn more about her inspiring work.

At Experiya Tour Company, we organize unforgettable Rwanda gorilla trekking experiences that bring travelers face-to-face with these gentle giants while supporting conservation and local communities.

Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park

Each gorilla family has its own unique history, leadership structure, and personality. Although group sizes may change over time due to births, migrations, and natural family splits, the following are among the most well-known habituated gorilla families that visitors can track in Rwanda.

Karisimbi Gorilla Family

The Karisimbi Gorilla Family emerged from the famous Susa Family after internal conflicts between dominant silverbacks caused a separation. In 2009, Silverback Nyagakangaga led a section of the group away, creating what was initially known as the Susa B Group.

Later, after settling on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi, the family adopted the name Karisimbi. Today, this group remains one of the most sought-after families for trekkers who enjoy challenging hikes through higher elevations.

Sabyinyo Gorilla Family

The Sabyinyo Gorilla Family takes its name from Mount Sabyinyo, where the group frequently roams. Led by the powerful Silverback Guhonda, this family has become one of the most popular groups for visitors because it often inhabits lower slopes, making trekking relatively easier.

Guhonda is widely recognized as one of the largest silverbacks in the Virunga region. Under his leadership, the family has remained stable and continues to attract visitors seeking a memorable gorilla encounter.

Umubano Gorilla Family

The word Umubano means “living together” in Kinyarwanda. This family split from the Amahoro Group after disagreements between two dominant silverbacks, Charles and Ubumwe.

Eventually, Charles separated from the original family and formed the Umubano Group. Known for his protective nature and strong leadership, Charles helped establish a close-knit family that has become a favorite among many trekkers.

Susa A Gorilla Family

The Susa A Gorilla Family is perhaps the most famous gorilla group in Rwanda. Dian Fossey conducted much of her mountain gorilla research on this family, making it historically significant.

Originally, the family was one of the largest in the Virunga Mountains. However, over time, natural splits reduced its size. Despite these changes, Susa A remains one of the most fascinating groups due to its rich conservation history and the presence of notable twin gorillas that have drawn international attention.

Because the family often ranges at higher altitudes, tracking Susa A typically involves a longer and more demanding trek.

Bwenge Gorilla Family

The Bwenge Gorilla Family was officially habituated for tourism in 2007. Its founder, Silverback Bwenge, successfully formed the group despite facing significant challenges in the early years.

The family usually occupies areas around Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi. Visitors often appreciate the group’s calm behavior and fascinating social interactions.

Kiswanga Gorilla Family

The Kiswanga Gorilla Family is one of the newer habituated groups in Volcanoes National Park. It originated from the Kwitonda Family when Silverback Kigoma broke away with several members to establish a separate group.

Today, Kiswanga continues to grow and contributes to Rwanda’s expanding gorilla conservation success story.

Agashya Gorilla Family

The Agashya Family, formerly known as Group 13, derives its name from its dominant silverback, Agashya.

Following leadership struggles within the original group, Agashya assumed control and moved the family to higher elevations. His ability to protect and unite the group has enabled it to thrive over the years.

Trekkers often enjoy observing Agashya’s confident leadership style and the strong bonds among family members.

Igisha Gorilla Family

The Igisha Gorilla Family was formed after splitting from the Karisimbi Group. Led by Silverback Igisha, the family has grown steadily and is now considered one of the larger gorilla groups in Rwanda.

Because of its size and active social dynamics, this family offers visitors excellent opportunities to observe gorilla behavior up close.

Kwitonda Gorilla Family

The Kwitonda Gorilla Family originally migrated from Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo into Rwanda.

Its leader, Silverback Kwitonda, became known for his calm and gentle temperament. Since settling in Rwanda, the family has adapted well to its new environment and continues to thrive within Volcanoes National Park.

Trekkers frequently encounter this group near the slopes of Mount Karisimbi and Mount Muhabura.

Muhoza Gorilla Family

The Muhoza Gorilla Family became available for tourism in 2016. It formed when Silverback Muhoza separated from another group and established his own family.

Since then, the family has expanded and become one of the notable trekking groups in Volcanoes National Park. Visitors appreciate the group’s active youngsters and engaging social interactions.

Isimbi Gorilla Family

The Isimbi Gorilla Family emerged from a split within the Karisimbi Group. Under the leadership of Silverback Muturengere, the family established itself in the mountainous regions surrounding Mount Karisimbi.

Today, Isimbi remains one of the exciting groups available for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

Amahoro Gorilla Family

The name Amahoro means “peace” in Kinyarwanda, perfectly reflecting the group’s generally calm nature.

Led by Silverback Ubumwe, this family occupies the slopes of Mount Bisoke. Although reaching the group often requires a challenging hike, visitors who make the journey are rewarded with remarkable sightings and peaceful interactions among family members.

Hirwa Gorilla Family

The Hirwa Gorilla Family formed when individuals from the Sabyinyo Group and Group 13 joined together.

The word Hirwa translates to “the lucky one,” a fitting name considering the unique circumstances that led to its formation. The family frequently inhabits the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo and remains one of the most interesting groups to track.

Gorilla Trekking Experience in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda begins early in the morning at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi. After a briefing by park rangers, visitors are assigned to a specific gorilla family based on fitness levels, trekking preferences, and group availability.

Treks can last anywhere from one to six hours depending on the location of the gorilla family. Once trekkers find the gorillas, they are allowed to spend one unforgettable hour observing them in their natural habitat.

Watching mountain gorillas feed, groom, play, and care for their young creates memories that last a lifetime.

How Much Does a Gorilla Permit Cost in Rwanda?

A gorilla trekking permit is mandatory for anyone wishing to visit a habituated gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park.

As of 2026, the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) charges:

• US$1,500 per person for international visitors
• US$500 per person for African citizens and foreign residents in Africa
• US$200 per person for East African Community citizens

Permit fees contribute directly to gorilla conservation, park management, anti-poaching efforts, and community development projects around Volcanoes National Park.

Because permits are limited and demand remains high throughout the year, travelers should book several months in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

Plan Your Rwanda Gorilla Safari with Experiya Tour Company

Tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda offers one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on Earth. With more than 13 habituated gorilla families living within Volcanoes National Park, visitors have excellent opportunities to encounter these endangered primates while supporting vital conservation efforts.

Whether you dream of visiting the historic Susa Family, meeting the famous Agashya Group, or trekking through the volcanic forests in search of the Kwitonda Family, Experiya Tour Company can help you plan a seamless and unforgettable Rwanda gorilla trekking adventure.

From securing permits and arranging accommodation to organizing transportation and expert guides, our team ensures that every moment of your safari becomes an experience worth remembering.