Rwanda.
Volcanoes National Park: This is the most popular gorilla trekking destination in Rwanda, situated in the Virunga Mountains. It’s known for its well-organized gorilla tours and picturesque scenery.
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is renowned for its mountain gorilla population and the opportunity to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. here is the overview of the parks.
Gorilla Families:
Susa Group (Susa A)
One of the largest gorilla families.
Named after the Susa River.
Notable for the large number of members, including several infants.
Originally studied by Dian Fossey.
Karisimbi Group (Susa B)
Split from the original Susa group.
Named after Mount Karisimbi, one of the volcanoes in the region.
Found at higher altitudes, so the hike to reach them is more challenging.
Sabyinyo Group
Named after Mount Sabyinyo.
Known for their playful and energetic behavior.
Relatively accessible from the park headquarters.
Amahoro Group
“Amahoro” means “peace” in Kinyarwanda.
Generally calm and peaceful.
Frequently visited by tourists due to their pleasant temperament.
Group 13 (Agasha Group)
Originally named after the number of individuals in the group.
Later named Agasha after the dominant silverback.
Led by a silverback named Agasha.
Kwitonda Group
Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Named after the dominant silverback, Kwitonda.
Known for their wanderlust and movement across borders.
Umubano Group
Formed by members from Amahoro and Group 13.
The name “Umubano” means “live together” in Kinyarwanda.
Hirwa Group
Formed by members from different gorilla families.
The name “Hirwa” means “lucky one” in Kinyarwanda.
Ugenda Group
Known for their mobility and frequent movements.
The name “Ugenda” means “mobile” in Kinyarwanda.
Routes and Habituation:
Visitors to Volcanoes National Park are guided on gorilla trekking experiences. The park rangers and guides have been involved in the habituation process, which helps familiarize the gorillas with human presence, making the interactions during treks safer and less stressful for the gorillas.
Trekking Routes.
The park offers several trekking routes, each leading to different gorilla families.
The choice of route depends on factors like fitness level, preferences, and permits available.
The trek can vary in duration and difficulty, ranging from 1 to 6 hours or more, depending on the gorilla family’s location.
Habituation.
Habituation is a process where gorillas gradually get accustomed to the presence of humans.
Researchers and park staff spend time near the gorilla groups, ensuring they become familiar with human smells, sounds, and behavior.
The habituation process is crucial to minimize stress and anxiety for the gorillas during tourist visits.
Before embarking on a gorilla trek, visitors receive a briefing to understand the rules and guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful experience for both the gorillas and humans.
It’s always advisable to check with the park authorities for the latest and most accurate information regarding gorilla families, trekking routes, and habituation status before planning your visit to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.