Meet the mountain gorilla families of Rwanda

Mountain gorilla groups are structured around a clear social hierarchy, typically led by a dominant silverback male who plays a pivotal role as both protector and leader. These groups, which can consist of anywhere from a few individuals to over 20, are usually made up of females, their offspring, and a few subordinate males. The silverback's authority is recognised and respected by all members, and he is responsible for making decisions about the group's movements, resolving conflicts, and defending against threats. Within this tight-knit community, relationships are maintained through grooming, play, and close physical contact, ensuring that the group remains cohesive. While the silverback enjoys the highest status, the social dynamics within the group are fluid, with alliances and bonds shifting over time, particularly as young males approach maturity and may eventually challenge the dominant silverback or leave to form their own groups. This intricate social structure is essential for the survival and stability of mountain gorilla communities, highlighting their complex and highly developed social behaviour. 

The Susa Group, formed in 1974, is one of the most legendary gorilla families in Rwanda. This troop was extensively studied by the renowned primatologist Dian Fossey, whose research between 1968 and 1985 played a crucial role in gorilla conservation. Named after a local stream, the Susa Group was once famous for its size, boasting 42 members at its peak, including the first surviving twins of mountain gorillas, Byishimo and Impano. These twins were named by Rwanda's First Family during the inaugural Kwita Izina ceremony in 2005, a tradition that has since become an annual event of global significance.

In 2009, the Susa Group split into four separate families: Susa, Karisimbi, Isimbi, and Igisha. Today, the Susa Group, led by the dominant silverback Impuzamahanga, consists of 19 members, including three silverbacks, five adult females, and three infants. This group continues to inhabit the slopes of the Karisimbi volcano, their ancestral home.

The Karisimbi Group, originally known as Susa B, came into existence in 2009, following its split from the Susa Group. This new troop was formed under the leadership of Nyagakangaga, who led 13 individuals to establish a new home on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi. 

In 2010, the group was officially named Karisimbi during the Kwita Izina ceremony, named for their range around Karisimbi Mountain. However, tension within the group led to another split in April 2012, when a faction broke away to form the Isimbi Group. Today, the Karisimbi Group comprises 10 individuals, including six silverbacks, and has become a cross-border troop, ranging between Volcanoes National Park and the Mikeno Sector in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Formed after splitting from the Karisimbi Group, the Isimbi Group is now led by the silverback Muturengere, who took over after the death of the previous leader, Getty, in December 2013. With the support of the influential female Poppy, Muturengere has maintained a stable and cohesive group. Currently, the Isimbi Group consists of 16 members, including four adult females and four infants. 

The Igisha Group, the most recent offshoot of the original Susa Group, was formed in November 2014. Led by the dominant silverback Igisha, this group began with 23 gorillas and has since grown to 33 members. Igisha’s leadership has ensured the group’s stability and growth, making it one of the largest gorilla families in the park.

This group, with its diverse membership, provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to observe the complexities of gorilla society, from the interactions between the dominant silverback and his subordinates to the nurturing care of mothers for their infants.

The Amahoro Group, true to its name, which means “peaceful,” is considered the most amicable troop in Volcanoes National Park. After the death of its dominant silverback in 2002, the group split into two, with one faction retaining the name Amahoro under the leadership of Ubumwe.

Today, the Amahoro Group consists of 29 members, including four silverbacks, and inhabits the slopes of Mount Bisoke. Their peaceful nature and cohesive social structure make them a favourite among visitors.

Born out of the Amahoro Group’s split, Umubano means “togetherness” and ”co-operation”, named for the collaboration needed to ensure the sustainable conservation of the species.

Led by the young silverback Charles, this group has established itself as a distinct family of 14 members, including eight silverbacks, on the slopes of Bisoke volcano. 

Led by the silverback Gihishamwotsi, who took over from his father Guhonda in 2020, this group has a long history dating back to its habituation in 1987. Originally nicknamed “Amavubi” (wasps) due to their aggressive nature, the group was later renamed Sabyinyo after the mountain where they range.

Today, the Sabyinyo Group consists of 15 members and continues to thrive under Gihishamwotsi’s leadership. Visitors to this group can witness the legacy of strength passed down through generations of silverbacks, each contributing to the group’s survival and growth.

The Agashya Group, originally known as Group 13, has a fascinating story of leadership and survival. The group was renamed after an epic battle between the resident leader Nyakairima and the challenger Agashya, who emerged victorious. Under Agashya, the group’s numbers increased from 12 to 19, who ensures their survival by leading them to the summit of Sabyinyo volcano in times of danger.

Tracking the Agashya Group can be challenging; but those who undertake the trek are rewarded with breathtaking views and an unforgettable encounter with these resilient primates.

The Muhoza Group’s story began in 2015 when the dominant silverback Marambo left his natal group, Kwitonda, wandering alone for nearly a year. He eventually formed his own group by attracting females from other troops, including Agashya and Hirwa.

Today, the Muhoza Group consists of 19 members and ranges in the valley between Sabyinyo and Bisoke volcanoes. Marambo’s journey of independence and leadership continues to shape the dynamics of this young and growing family.

Though “Hirwa” means lucky, this group’s history is marked by both tragedy and resilience. First spotted in 2005, the group was led by the silverback Munyinya, who had left the Susa Group after a poaching incident. In 2011 the group welcomed twins, a rarity among mountain gorillas. Only three sets have ever been recorded in Volcanoes National Park, including the pair born in 2016.

In 2019, the group crossed into Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where it tragically lost four members, including Munyinya, to a lightning strike.

Despite this loss, the Hirwa Group now led by Uburanga, continues to thrive, with 13 members. Their story is a powerful reminder of the challenges these gorillas face and their incredible resilience.

Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Kwitonda Group settled in Rwanda in 2004. After the death of the dominant silverback Kwitonda in 2012, the groups leadership fell to two subordinate silverbacks, Akarevuro and Kigoma. In 2021, the group amicably split into two sub-groups, each taking 20 members.

Today, the Kwitonda Group consists of 19 members and continues to thrive under the leadership of Akarevuro.

The Kwisanga Group, formed after the peaceful split from the Kwitonda Group in May 2021, embodied the spirit of “kwisanga”, meaning “welcome” or “at home”. Initially led by silverbacks Kigomo and Lisanga, this group of 19 members made the Sabyinyo volcano area their home, until Kigomo and several others left the group on 31 December 2023. The split was peaceful, with no prior interaction or conflict reported before the division.

This new group offers researchers and conservationists a fresh opportunity to observe and study the behaviour and social structure of mountain gorillas in a newly formed family unit.

Trekking to see Rwanda’s mountain gorillas can be a physically demanding but profoundly rewarding experience. Expeditions can range from 1 to 8 kilometres over steep and muddy terrain at high altitudes, and the time spent with a gorilla group is limited to an hour. The challenge of the trek is more than compensated by the unparalleled opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. 

Although a group's home range can extend up to 15 km², their daily movement is often restricted to about one kilometre, minimising competition between groups. Thanks to their adaptable diet – primarily consisting of foliage such as leaves, stems, and shoots – mountain gorillas thrive in the diverse habitats of the park, from bamboo groves to cloud forest.

As guests of Wilderness, visitors are allocated to a gorilla family by park guides based on availability, proximity, and the difficulty of the trek. Whether you are assigned to the legendary Susa Group or the peaceful Kwisanga Group, the experience promises to be among the most memorable of your life.