Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes, Rwanda Gorilla Census

Being the most world’s endangered species, the mountain gorillas in Rwanda had reduced from 700 according to 2002 census to 260 according to April 22 2008 census. This was mainly due the Rwanda genocide of 1994 which exposed them to poaching and the chaotic situation then due to gunfire sound made them fail to conceive and produce the young ones. However recent discoveries have shown a tremendous increase in their numbers. As a result of this gorilla tourism in Rwanda, in particular and the Virunga Conservation Area in general has shot up to more than 20,000 visitors annually. According to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bwindi impenetrable Forest national park harbors more than half of the world population estimated to be 780 mountain gorillas.  

Rwanda has managed to habituate 5 gorilla families that are very easy to track by tourists:-

• Amahoro
• Group 13
• Sabyinyo
• Umubano
• Susa

Current statistics of the Gorilla Groups in Rwanda:

 

Group Name	Total	Males	Females	Juveniles	Infants
Amahoro	15	1 silverback & 1 blackback	5	3	2
Group 13	10	1 silverback	4	1	4
Sabinyo	9	2 silverbacks	3	2	2
Susa	39	3 silverbacks & 5 black backs	8	12	3
umubano	7	1 silverback	2	1	1

 Some important tips on Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

During rainy seasons gorillas tend to roam the forests in the lower slopes but during the dry season they ascend to higher altitudes. So, for those who would like to track the gorillas at lower altitudes should always arrange their gorilla safaris in wet seasons to avoid hiking too much. Nevertheless Rwanda gorilla tracking is easier than anywhere else in Africa.

NB:  Sabyinyo though it’s the easiest to track. The group is found in gentle slopes of mountain Sabyinyo and Gahinga while Group 13 is found in the saddle of mountain Sabyinyo but hard to reach compared to Susa and Amahoro.

The Susa group of recent has excited most of our clients because, despite being hard to trek, it has been possible to finish trekking these gorillas in time before any other group of tourists who would go for other gorilla families. Susa group is found in the slopes of mountain Karisimbi.

 

Rwanda Safari Packages: Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

• 4 day Rwanda Safari
• 4 Days gorilla tour starts from Kigali to Volcanoes national park and Lake Kivu beaches and ends in Kigali.
• 4 day Rwanda Gorilla Safari
• This gorilla package includes visiting the Dian Fossey Graveyard and tracking the mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes national park.
• 5 day PNV - Kivu Trip
• Visit gorillas in the Volcanoes national park and don't miss the fabulous Lake Kivu boat cruise.
• Uganda Rwanda Gorilla Tour
• Carry gorilla trekking in both Rwanda and Uganda. This gorilla safari package is customizable.
• 7 day Gorilla Chimps Trekking
• 7 days primates tracking safari offers you an opportunity to experience the best wildlife experience in Rwanda at affordable rates by Africa Adventure Safaris.
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