The Amahoro mountain gorilla family is composed of 17 members, including 1 silverback, 5 adult females, 2 sub-adult males, 2 blackbacks, 2 juveniles, and 5 babies. The name “Amahoro” comes from the Kinyarwanda word meaning “peace.”
The group’s name reflects the calm and peaceful nature of its dominant silverback, Ubumwe. However, his peaceful nature led to losing some group members to Charles, the silverback of the Umubano gorilla family. The name “Ubumwe” means “togetherness” in the local language.
The Amahoro mountain gorilla family can be trekked on the slopes of Mount Bisoke. Many travelers love visiting this family because of their peaceful behavior toward humans and other mountain gorillas.
Amahoro gorilla family is just one of the habituated gorilla families in the park. There are also other families available for trekking.
It is important to note that the number of mountain gorillas in a family can change due to deaths, births, or transfers to other groups.
If you are a calm and peaceful person, then the Amahoro gorilla family is the perfect group to trek in Volcanoes National Park.
However, group allocation often depends on age and physical fitness.
Older visitors are usually assigned to the nearest gorilla families, while younger and more energetic travelers trek to families living at higher elevations.
- Gorilla Trekking Permits: Rwanda offers a luxurious gorilla trekking experience, with permits costing $1,500 per person per trek. Gorilla permits can be obtained from the Rwanda Development Board or through a trusted travel company. Permits are often scarce, especially during the peak season.
- Best Time to Visit: Rwanda is a year-round destination, although some months are better than others. The best time to visit is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February, when the trekking trails are in good condition and the weather is favorable.
- What to Bring: Mountain gorillas live at high elevations in rainforests, which require hiking and physical fitness. You should be prepared and bring waterproof hiking boots, garden gloves, plenty of drinking water, energy snacks, insect repellents, and other essentials.
- Where to Sleep: There are various accommodation options in Volcanoes National Park, ranging from budget to mid-range and luxury lodges. Where you choose to sleep will depend on your budget.
