The Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is home to some of the world’s most famous mountain gorillas. These gentle giants live in family groups, each led by a powerful silverback. Let’s get to know these gorilla families, their unique personalities, and what makes them so special.
- Susa Family (Susa A)
The Susa family is the largest and one of the most well-known gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park. It’s famous because researcher Dian Fossey studied this group for many years. The family originally had over 40 members, but it later split into two groups: Susa A and Susa B (also called Karisimbi).
- Size: About 20 members
- Famous For: Having a set of rare twin gorillas, named Byishimo and Impano
- Personality: Playful and active, with lots of interactions between members
The Susa family usually lives in higher-altitude areas, so trekking to see them can be more challenging. But the reward is watching these lively gorillas bond, care for their young, and explore their forest home.
- Karisimbi Family (Susa B)
This family split from the original Susa group and now lives on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi.
- Size: Around 15 members
- Famous For: Living at high altitudes, making the trek more demanding
- Personality: Calm and peaceful, often resting in the dense forest
While the hike to see them is longer, their serene nature makes the experience feel magical. Watching them quietly groom each other or nap under the trees is unforgettable.
- Amahoro Family
“Amahoro” means “peace” in Kinyarwanda, and this family lives up to its name with a gentle, relaxed vibe.
- Size: About 17 members
- Famous For: Their peaceful, friendly nature
- Personality: Calm and loving, with a strong sense of unity
The silverback, Ubumwe, is known for his gentle leadership. The family’s harmony makes for a heartwarming visit as they cuddle, play, and forage together.
- Umubano Family
The Umubano family was formed when Charles, a young silverback, broke away from the Amahoro group to start his own family.
- Size: Around 13 members
- Famous For: Breaking off from the Amahoro group
- Personality: Independent and confident, with a close bond between members
Charles is a strong leader who protects his family fiercely but also shows tenderness towards the younger gorillas. The family often sticks together, moving through the forest in tight formation.
- Agashya Family (Group 13)
This family was originally called Group 13, but later renamed after its silverback, Agashya.
- Size: About 25 members
- Famous For: Being one of the easiest families to trek to
- Personality: Lively and curious, with lots of young gorillas playing around
Agashya is known for leading his family to higher ground if he senses danger. But they’re generally a playful, energetic group, making them a joy to observe.
- Hirwa Family
“Hirwa” means “lucky” in Kinyarwanda, and this family is considered fortunate because it formed naturally when members from different groups came together.
- Size: Around 16 members
- Famous For: Having twins, which is rare for gorillas
- Personality: Joyful and sociable, with lots of playful interactions
The family’s silverback, Munyinya, is protective but allows the young ones to romp and wrestle freely. Watching the twins play is an absolute highlight.
- Bwenge Family
Bwenge means “wisdom,” and this family formed when the silverback Bwenge left his original group to start his own.
- Size: About 11 members
- Famous For: Appearing in the movie Gorillas in the Mist
- Personality: Resilient and strong, with a tight-knit dynamic
They live on the slopes of Mount Bisoke, and while the hike can be steep, the reward is seeing this wise and resilient family interact.
- Ugenda Family
“Ugenda” means “on the move,” and this family is always wandering through the forest.
- Size: Around 11 members
- Famous For: Constantly moving to new areas
- Personality: Adventurous and exploratory, rarely staying in one place for long
Because they move so much, finding them can be unpredictable, but the trek feels like a real wilderness adventure.
- Kwitonda Family
Named after their silverback, Kwitonda, which means “humble,” this family migrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Size: About 18 members
- Famous For: Migrating across borders
- Personality: Shy and reserved, often staying hidden in thick vegetation
They tend to be a bit more elusive, but with patience, you can see their gentle interactions.
- Pablo Family
The Pablo family is one of the largest groups and was led by the legendary silverback Pablo.
- Size: Around 30 members
- Famous For: Being one of the largest families
- Personality: Dynamic and social, with lots of gorilla interactions
With so many members, the family is full of energy. Young gorillas tumble through the undergrowth while adults relax, eat, and bond.