Hirwa family is one of the interesting habituated gorilla groups that you can visit, interact with, and explore during a Rwanda tour. Hirwa lives in Volcanoes National Park, one of Africa’s top gorilla trekking destinations. It is one of the 12 habituated gorilla groups that make Volcanoes National Park a good place for a gorilla safari in Africa.
Hirwa family officially opened for gorilla trekking in July 2006. It takes its name from the Kinyarwanda word “Hirwa,” which means “Lucky one.” Hirwa is among the few gorilla groups that recorded a twin birth in 2011. Its leader, Munyinya, unfortunately died on February 21, 2019, due to a long illness. He died while at Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, a gorilla safari park located in Southwestern Uganda.
After Munyinya’s death, the leadership of Hirwa family was taken over by Uburanga. The group grew larger because Uburanga managed to attract members from other gorilla families like Agashya (Group 13), Sabyinyo, and Kwitonda. Hirwa now has about 13 mountain gorillas, including one silverback leader, two blackbacks, adult females, juveniles, and infants.
Hirwa is known for its historic twin gorillas, Isango Gato and Isango Gakuru, born by Kabatwa, an adult female gorilla. It is important to note that Munyinya, the silverback, separated from the Susa family and left with two female gorillas. Other gorillas joined later, increasing the group’s size.
Munyinya’s health started to get worse, and trackers from Mgahinga National Park reported that he had a mild cough. In August 2019, Hirwa family crossed from Volcanoes National Park to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Munyinya’s condition worsened, and clinical tests showed he had a respiratory infection.
Trekking Hirwa Family
Twelve gorilla families in Rwanda have gone through a full habituation process before they were opened for gorilla trekking. Besides Hirwa, the 11 other groups include Umubano, Amahoro, Titus, Ugenda, Kwitonda, Susa A, Karisimbi (Susa B), Agashya (Group 13), Sabyinyo, Bwenge, and Muhoza families.
Tracking any of the 12 habituated families in Rwanda is limited to a maximum of 8 people. Each trekker must have a valid gorilla permit. In Rwanda, permits cost USD 1500 per person. It is best to book your permit early, 2 to 6 months or even a year before your visit. The demand for mountain gorilla permits in Rwanda, like in Uganda, is high, and it is better to avoid last-minute bookings.
In Rwanda, trekking gorillas involves hiking at high altitudes ranging from 2300 to 4500 meters. Mountain gorillas, like most primates such as chimpanzees, feed on fruits, bamboo shoots, stems, and sometimes insects. They are large in size and belong to the Eastern gorilla species.
What should you carry for Hirwa gorilla trekking?
Essential items for Hirwa gorilla trekking include a waterproof daypack, insect repellent, waterproof hiking boots, raincoat or rain jacket, high-energy snacks, sunscreen, gorilla permit, gardening gloves, and a safari hat.
When to visit Hirwa family
The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park for Hirwa gorilla trekking is during the dry season, which is also the peak season. There are two dry seasons: the first runs from June to September, and the second runs from December to February.
Getting to Volcanoes National Park to trek Hirwa family
The drive from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park takes between 2 and 3 hours. The countryside is beautiful, and along the way, you will enjoy views of the landscape and more.
