Amahoro gorilla family.

Among the habituated guerrilla groups in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the Amahoro gorilla family. The ten gorilla families that call Volcanoes National Park home have a moniker that reflects their amiable demeanor: “Amahoro,” meaning “peace” in Kinyarwanda.

Those who have journeyed with this gorilla family can attest to the fact that they are the most modest people in the area. Ubumwe, the silverback of a mahoro family, symbolizes unity and serves as a metaphor for the bringing of people together that is characteristic of this enormous mountain gorilla.

The meek and quiet silverback Ubumwe has caused loss of many members from his family to other groups because of his reserved character and can’t fight back in circumstances when he is faced by other silverbacks. Those in search of a serene and tranquil hiking experience often choose this family.

The lower slopes of Bisoke Volcano are home to the Amahoro gorilla family, however they are capable of moving to the upper slopes, which are quite a journey away. Volcanoes National Park is home to some of the most elusive families.

One silverback (Ubumwe), two blackbacks, five mature females, four newborns, and five juveniles make up the group of seventeen. Nevertheless, these figures are subject to change due to various causes such as migrations, deaths, and new births, which constantly modify the family makeup.

The Amahoro gorilla family hike: why?

Amahoro family hiking is not an easy undertaking since it is situated on the slopes of Mount Bisoke. Even if the routes are treacherous in the wet and dense vegetation of Bisoke, the contact with this modest and tranquil tribe makes the arduous ascent to the peak worthwhile.

There is a strict age restriction of no more than eight individuals (15 and older) allowed to trek with the Amahoro family of gorillas in Rwanda. Additionally, each trekker must pay $1500 for a gorilla permit in order to join the group. This family is best trekked during the dry seasons, which last from June to October and from December to February. Volcanoes National Park monkey safaris are organized by Monumental Expeditions and Safaris.