Kwitonda group, a fully habituated gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, takes its name from Kwitonda silverback. “Kwitonda,” a Kinyarwanda word, means “Humble one.” Originally, Kwitonda and its members lived in Virunga National Park, D.R. Congo, but later crossed to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park around 2003.
Migrating from Virunga National Park to Volcanoes National Park made it one of the 12 habituated gorilla families to visit during Rwanda safaris. It is now a permanent gorilla group in Rwanda. In 2012, their leader, Kwitonda, died and was succeeded by Akarevuro. Kwitonda died at 40 years old and was known for his humble character, unlike other silverbacks.
As a leader, Kwitonda allowed other adult males to mate with adult females in the family, something that does not usually happen in most gorilla groups. Kwitonda family lives around the slopes of Mount Muhabura. For adventure seekers interested in a more challenging gorilla trek, this is one of the best families to visit. The highest peak of Mount Muhabura is 4127 meters, and it is the third highest among the 8 Virunga Volcanoes.
Tracking Kwitonda family
Tracking the Kwitonda gorilla family begins at Kinigi, where Volcanoes National Park offices are found. The briefing is done at Kinigi, and at 8:00 am, visitors leave for the actual trek to see the Kwitonda group. This adventure is expected to take 2 to 6 hours. Physical fitness is important for the exciting Kwitonda gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Kwitonda family permits
Only 8 people are allowed to track the Kwitonda gorilla family each day. This means 8 gorilla trekking permits are issued per day, and each costs USD 1500 per person. Kwitonda gorilla permits can be obtained directly through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) reservation team or indirectly by contacting our reservation team.
Booking a Kwitonda gorilla permit should be done early. We recommend booking 2 to 6 months before your planned visit to allow proper safari planning. Planning a gorilla tour not only involves booking permits but also arranging accommodation, transportation, and other important services that make the trip complete.
When to track Kwitonda family in Rwanda
The dry seasons—June, July, August, September, and December to February—are the best times to visit the Kwitonda group in Volcanoes National Park. During these months, rainfall is low, and the ground is usually drier, making trekking through the forest easier. However, it is also possible to trek Kwitonda gorillas at any time of the year, even during the wet season.
Things to carry for Kwitonda gorilla trekking
Essentials for Kwitonda gorilla trekking include long trousers, a pair of socks, bottled water, snacks, a waterproof daypack, long-sleeved shirts, gardening gloves, sunglasses, long pants, sweaters, rain jackets, insect repellents, waterproof hiking boots, toiletries, a first aid kit or medical kit, and more.
You may also visit other habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park, including Sabyinyo, Umubano, Karisimbi, Amahoro, Group 13 (Agashya), Hirwa, Susa A, and others.
