What a peaceful gorilla family Amahoro is! Mountain gorillas are wonderful species of primates, sharing 98% of human DNA. These mountain gorillas live in groups or families led by one dominant male called a silverback.
Mountain gorillas can be found in Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda, Virunga in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. It is in Volcanoes National Park where the Amahoro gorilla family is found.
Amahoro gorilla family is one of the 12 habituated gorilla families that are open for tourists to trek in the heart of Volcanoes National Park. The name Amahoro means peace. It was given this name because of the group’s humble nature. Since it was opened for tourists to trek, it has been recorded as the most peaceful gorilla family, as testified by its visitors.
Like other gorilla families, Amahoro also has a silverback called Ubumwe, meaning togetherness. Ubumwe is not only creating unity in the family but is also so humble that he does not fight with other upcoming silverbacks in the family, as is common among silverbacks. To become a dominant leader in a gorilla family, young silverbacks usually have to fight the current leader, and the winner takes leadership.
Because of Ubumwe’s peaceful nature, the group has lost some of its members to other gorilla groups, like Umubano gorilla family, which is led by a silverback called Charles. Umubano split from Amahoro in 2002 after the death of Amahoro, who was the leader at that time. There were disagreements between the two young silverbacks about who should take over. Charles took some members and formed a new group. The rest of the members stayed in the current Amahoro family under Ubumwe’s leadership.
Amahoro mountain gorilla family is made up of 21 members: 2 juveniles, 6 infants, 3 silverbacks, 7 adult females, 1 blackback, and 2 sub-adult females. This gorilla family lives on the slopes of Mount Bisoke and is one of the hardest gorilla families to trek because it moves high up the mountain.
To trek this gorilla family, you need to be physically fit because the trek is long and tiring. However, it is also very rewarding because the group is humble, its members are playful, and they sometimes move close to visitors, which makes them liked by everyone who treks them.
Gorilla Permits to Trek Amahoro Gorilla Family
Trekking this gorilla family, or any other family in Volcanoes National Park, requires a valid gorilla permit. This can be booked through the Rwanda Development Board or through a recognized tour operator, at least 3 months before the trekking date.
A gorilla permit allows you to join the trekking experience. In Rwanda, it costs USD 1500 per person. After obtaining the permit, you are allowed to trek any gorilla family for one hour in their presence. Only a group of 8 people is allowed to trek any gorilla family, including Amahoro. If you have an infectious disease like flu or cough, you will not be allowed to trek this humble gorilla group in Volcanoes National Park.
When to Trek Amahoro Gorilla Family
Amahoro gorilla family can be trekked throughout the year, but the dry season is the best time. The dry seasons run from June to October and from December to February. During this time, the trails in the forest are more accessible. However, if you wish, you can also trek during the rainy season, though the trails will be muddy and harder to walk through.
Things to Carry When Trekking Amahoro Gorilla Family
Some important things to carry include binoculars, a camera for taking photos, a bottle for drinking water, a rain jacket, and strong hiking shoes.
