Mountain gorillas are an endangered species of primates that live in the Virunga Range volcanoes, which span Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda.
Mountain gorillas are unique apes because they share 98% of their DNA with humans, making them close relatives. This is why thousands of tourists travel to Africa every year to encounter these endangered animals.
Susa Gorilla Family
The Susa mountain gorilla family is one of the groups studied by the famous primatologist Dian Fossey during her research on mountain gorillas in Rwanda.
Dian Fossey and her team first discovered the group in 1978. The Susa gorilla family gets its name from the Susa River in Bwindi, which flows through the area where the family lives.
The Susa mountain gorilla family is one of the hardest gorilla families to trek because they sometimes move to higher elevations, making it challenging to find them.
This group is often seen interacting with the Pablo mountain gorilla family because some females from the Pablo family joined the Susa family, and some females from the Susa family joined the Pablo family.
If you are looking for a physical challenge during gorilla trekking, this is one of the groups you can trek.
The Susa mountain gorilla family is also one of the luckiest groups to have twins. If you have twins in your family or are a twin yourself, you might find it interesting to visit this gorilla family.
Gorilla Permits
Mountain gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1,500 per person per trek. These permits can be obtained from the Rwanda Development Board or through a trusted tour company.
People with infectious diseases and children under 15 years old are not allowed to trek mountain gorillas.
Where to Sleep
There are various accommodation options in Volcanoes National Park, ranging from camping to budget, mid-range, and luxury lodges.
Where you choose to sleep will depend on your budget and the availability of space in a hotel on your chosen date.
Volcanoes National Park can be visited all year round, but the best time is from June to September and December to February, when the weather is favorable.
It should be noted that the Susa mountain gorilla family stays at higher elevations, making trekking harder. Visiting during the dry season is recommended, as the trekking trails are in better condition.
Trekking mountain gorillas is an exciting experience, unlike game drives where you watch wildlife from a car. Gorilla trekking requires physical fitness, and you should come prepared with waterproof hiking boots, garden gloves, plenty of drinking water, energy snacks, warm long-sleeved clothes, raincoats, a walking stick, a backpack, insect repellents, sunglasses, hats, and other essentials. Porters are also available at the park headquarters to help carry your luggage.
