Volcanoes National Park Rwanda: unique mountain gorilla trekking experience
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is renowned for its mountain gorilla trekking, but it also offers a plethora of other captivating activities. The national park is located within the Virunga volcanoes, which are jointly shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This park consists of a perennial bamboo forest, along with grassland areas, swamps, and heath in certain sections.
Mountain gorillas are the main draw at Volcanoes National Park, where gorilla trekking takes place throughout the year. Due to the elevated altitude, the weather tends to get chilly, particularly in the early morning and evenings. It is recommended to bring a lightweight sweater during these periods. The park is situated in the northern region of Rwanda, a mere 2-hour drive from Kigali.
Wildlife in Volcanoes National Park
The mountain gorillas are the most renowned residents of Volcanoes National Park. The efforts of Dian Fossey and the film “Gorilla in the Mist” have effectively brought Volcanoes National Park to international recognition. The park is also home to the exquisite, uncommon, and imperiled golden monkeys, exclusively found in the Virunga region. The forest is home to various animal species, such as forest elephants, buffaloes, bush pigs, gigantic forest hogs, duikers, spotted hyenas, bushbucks, and various primates.
Birds of Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park harbors a diverse array of more than 200 species of birds, including several exclusive to the Albertine Rift region, providing ample opportunities for birdwatching aficionados to indulge in their passion. After engaging in mountain gorilla tracking and golden monkey trekking, birding is the subsequent activity to pursue in this park. Notable species to observe include Grauer’s flash warbler, Rwenzori batis, Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori double-collared sunbird, lovely francolin, weird weaver, dusky crimson-wing, collared apalis, red-faced woodland warbler, and Archer’s ground robin.The predominant residents of Volcanoes National Park are the renowned mountain gorillas. Through the efforts of Dian Fossey and the film “Gorilla in the Mist,” Volcanoes National Park has gained international recognition. The park also houses the exquisite, few, and imperiled golden monkeys, which are exclusively found in the Virunga region. The forest is home to several animal species such as forest elephants, buffaloes, bush pigs, gigantic forest hogs, duikers, spotted hyenas, bush-bucks, and several primates.
Gorilla Group in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park is home to multiple gorilla families, some of whom have been habituated for tourism and scientific purposes, while others remain unhabituated. In order to monitor gorillas, it is necessary to acquire a gorilla permit from your tour operator, specifying the desired dates, prior to undertaking this gratifying activity on your list of things to do. Each gorilla group is assigned a name based on several conditions and is led by a dominant male gorilla known as a silverback. When a juvenile silverback confronts the alpha silverback, he must acquire several females from an established group in order to establish his own family unit.
Amahoro gorilla group
The Amahoro gorilla group, led by the tranquil Ubumwe, derives its name from the word “peaceful”. The group primarily inhabits an elevated area, necessitating a strenuous ascent to access their habitat. However, the effort is consistently rewarded.
The Hirwa gorilla group originated from various preexisting gorilla families, namely Group 13, Susa, and Sabyinyo. Munyinya, the dominant male gorilla, departed from Susa with two female gorillas and subsequently acquired other members, ultimately establishing a cohesive social group.
The Sabyinyo gorilla group is led by Guhonda, who is named after one of the volcanoes called Mt Sabyinyo. The size of this family is typically small, yet it is remarkable. If you are reluctant to travel large distances, this group, which is located closest to the park headquarters, is the one you should request, if it is available.
The Kwitonda gorilla group is headed by the dominant male known as the silverback, named Kwitonda, which translates to “humble one”. The gorilla population emigrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo and established a “permanent” residence in Rwanda. Trekking in the top slopes of Mt Muhabura can be moderately challenging.
The Agashya gorilla group, also known as Group 13, was named because its initial membership of only 13 individuals throughout the habituation process. Presently, the group consists of around 25 individuals and is under the leadership of the dominant male gorilla known as Agashya, which justifies the alteration in the group’s name.
The Umubano gorilla group is headed by the dominant male, or silverback, named Charles. Charles separated from the Amahoro gorilla group along with several females in order to establish the Umubano group. The word Umubano is translated as ‘cohabitation’.
The Uganda gorilla group derives its name from its distinctive habit of wandering over the Karisimbi region. Prepare yourself for a challenging walk up this volcano as you track this particular gorilla group.
The Susa (A) gorilla group, consisting of 41 gorillas, holds the distinction of being the largest gorilla group in the park. This particular group was the subject of study by Dian Fossey. The group is renowned for possessing exceptional twins named Byishimo and Impano. The family inhabits the elevated highlands, which pose challenges for trekking, but has the advantage of being able to observe its large size.
The Karisimbi / Susa – B gorilla group separated from the original Susa (A) group and consists of two male gorillas known as silverbacks. This particular group is considered to be one of the most challenging to hike, as they inhabit the higher regions of Mt Karisimbi. This activity is most suitable for experienced hikers who derive equal enjoyment from the act of hiking itself and the opportunity to observe gorillas.
The Titus gorilla group was named in honor of the silverback gorilla named Titus, who was born during Dian Fossey’s research period at Karisoke.
The Bwenge gorilla group was established after the silverback Bwenge separated from females in other groups. The word “Bwenge” can be rendered as “Wisdom”. The group primarily inhabits the inclines situated between the Karisimbi and Bisoke mountains.
