The Sabyinyo mountain gorilla family gets its name from one of the Virunga Range volcanoes called Sabyinyo. The word “Sabyinyo” is translated to mean “old man’s teeth” in the local Kinyarwanda language. This mountain gorilla family can be trekked on the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo.
The Sabyinyo mountain gorilla family was initially called the Amayubi gorilla family, but the name was later changed to Sabyinyo gorilla family.
The group was formed in 1992 with some members from Group Thirteen and some from Group Eleven, making up four females and two silverbacks.
The Sabinyo mountain gorilla family is now led by a silverback named Guhondo, who is also famous for being one of the largest living silverbacks, weighing 220 kilograms.
The Sabinyo gorilla family is one of the easiest groups to trek as it lives near the edge of the park and can be reached within 2-3 hours.
Once you find the Sabinyo mountain gorilla family, you will be given an hour to capture unforgettable moments of the mountain gorillas in photos and observe them as they go about their daily activities.
Always remember to follow mountain gorilla trekking rules and the ranger guide’s instructions to avoid being charged by a silverback.
Uganda Gorilla Permits
Gorilla permits are cards issued by the Rwanda Development Board that allow you to trek a specific mountain gorilla family. In Rwanda, gorilla permits cost $1,500 per person per trek.
Children under 15 years and adults with communicable diseases like the flu are not allowed to trek mountain gorillas.
It is always advisable to book permits at least 3 months in advance before flying to Rwanda due to high demand.
What to Carry for Gorilla Trekking
When planning to trek mountain gorillas, the first thing to consider is physical fitness, as mountain gorillas live at higher elevations that require hiking.
The next important items are good waterproof hiking shoes, warm and long-sleeved clothing, insect repellents, garden gloves, plenty of drinking water, energy snacks, and other essentials.
Volcanoes National Park can be reached from Kigali International Airport with a 3-hour drive. Trekking mountain gorillas can take between 1-7 hours, depending on the movement of the gorillas and the location of the group.
