The Karisimbi gorilla family, also known as the Susa B gorilla family, was formed in 2008 after splitting from the Susa A gorilla family. Book a Rwanda trek to see how a Karisimbi visit fits into your safari.
It is the hardest group to trek in Volcanoes National Park and can be found around the slopes of Mount Karisimbi.
The Karisimbi mountain gorilla family is led by Nyagakangaga, an ambitious silverback known for protecting his family.
He even leads the group to higher mountain ranges when he senses danger. Trekking this mountain gorilla family requires a good level of physical fitness.
Susa A Gorilla Family
The Susa A gorilla family originally had 42 members before splitting to form the Karisimbi gorilla family. Susa A is one of the groups that Dian Fossey studied during her time in Rwanda.
It is also one of the fortunate gorilla groups to have had twins, Impano and Bwishimo.
The Susa mountain gorilla family gets its name from the Susa River, which flows near their home range. The Susa family now has 33 members, including two silverbacks.
This is one of the hardest gorilla groups to trek in Rwanda, as they live on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi.
There are also eight other habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park besides these two.
Tourists can add other activities to their itinerary, such as volcano climbing, bird watching, cultural experiences, and more.
What to Carry for Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is not like wildlife viewing in savanna parks, where you stay in a vehicle. Mountain gorillas live at high elevations, so physical fitness is important, since you’ll need to hike to reach a gorilla family.
You should bring waterproof hiking boots, as rainforest weather is unpredictable and can turn at any time. Other essentials include garden gloves, plenty of drinking water, energy snacks, long-sleeved warm clothes, insect repellent, and more.
Gorilla Permits
To trek mountain gorillas, you must have a gorilla permit. Rwanda gorilla permits cost $1,500 per person per trek.
Once you find the gorilla family during the trek, you’re allowed one hour to observe them and take photos.
Choosing Between These Two Families
Both the Karisimbi and Susa A families sit among the more physically demanding treks in Volcanoes National Park, given their preference for the higher slopes of Mount Karisimbi. Trekkers who want a genuine physical challenge, alongside the chance to follow in Dian Fossey’s footsteps with the historic Susa lineage, often request one of these two groups specifically when booking a permit.
