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Some Notes on Gorilla Trekking-Rwanda
Following are some notes on trekking the tourist gorilla groups. Tourist groups are different from research
groups which are visited mostly by researchers who must be quarantined for two weeks prior to visitations.
The research groups are not habituated to strangers.
The ORTPN trackers know where the gorilla groups have slept the night before. Thus, when you arrive at park
headquarters, you will have a good idea where the different groups are located and what kind of trek you can expect.
It is of the utmost importance to have good hiking boots and gloves. You will need to tuck your slacks into your
boots or socks to prevent ants and things from crawling up your legs. Take a daypack with water and snacks, and
pack a little extra for your porter. Pack rain gear; even if your trip is during the dry season it is possible to
experience rain at anytime. When you trek, one or two guides as well as several guards will accompany you. There
are 8 permits per group and when you reach them, you are allowed just one hour with them. You must be at least 15
years of age to trek. If you have any concerns about being fit enough for the trek, let your driver know and he
will get you on one of the easy groups. The best way to get in conditions for trekking is to walk. . . walk. . . walk!!
For an up close look at what it was like in February, 2003, click here.
At this writing, there are seven gorilla families available for tourists:
- Susa Group – This is the largest group (41 gorillas). It has 4 silverbacks, and is led by one called
Kurira seconded by Nyagakangaga. The group is also known for having a set of twins (now 5 ˝ yrs old), a very rare
occurrence. Susa however ranges the furthest sometimes wandering over to Congo. Only the fittest hikers need apply.
Treks take 5 to 7 hours (sometimes longer) and may not return until late afternoon. Some days Susa is not trekked
at all since they range so far that you cannot get there and back in one day.
The Susa Group is showing trends of division into 2 groups however they continue to visit each other frequently.
If the split becomes permanent, there will be 8 groups to trek. Stay tuned.
- Group 13 – This group got its name because there were only 13 members when they were first habituated.
There are now 25. They usually don’t range too far. However, I say usually because the group has been known
to wander over to Congo, sometimes disappearing for weeks. Before trekking, find out where they are on this
particular day. Its silverback, Agashya, is very easy going making this group a favorite with the trackers.
- Sabyinyo Group – Historically this group is easiest to trek. It is lead by Guhonda who is the heaviest
silverback in the area. Guhonda is not so easy going and has been known to charge. But he is just bluffing. This
group numbers 9. Although this group is less numerically impressive, they seem more cohesive and one gets a
clearer impression of the group’s structure and interaction.
- Amahoro – Amahoro means “peaceful group”. This group has split into Amahoro the Umubano Group. The
group currently numbers 17. It’s silverback, Ubumwe, is so peaceful and calm that he has lost group members
to Charles of the Umubano Group. Typically, trekking can be of moderate difficulty with steep inclines.
- Umubano – This is led by Charles who was formerly part of the Amahoro group. As Charles matured,
he could not stand being given orders and challenged Ubumwe. The fight lasted for months. Finally, Charles
swiped a few females and formed his own group now numbering 11. Since then Charles has commanded respect from
Ubumwe. There have been subsequent interactions between the two silverbacks but no fighting. Typically,
trekking can be of moderate difficulty (somewhere between the Susa Group and the Sabyinyo Group) with
steep inclines.
- Kwitonda – This group is led by Kwitonda, which means “humble one” and has migrated from DR Congo. The
group numbers 18 with two silverbacks and one blackback. Typically, trekking can be of moderate difficulty. The
group may range far but on relatively flat terrain.
- Hirwa – This group has recently emerged from different habituated families. The group consists of 11
members with one silverback. In June 2006, trackers witnessed the group’s formation. Gorilla transfers from
group 13 and Sabyinyo joined the very small Hirwa group. Then other gorillas joined. Despite being the newest
group, Hirwa exhibits strength and holds his own.
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