For gorillas to be trekked, they are first trained to get used to the presence of human beings and later opened for visitors to trek. Mountain gorillas are found in the montane forests of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the national parks of Volcanoes, Bwindi, and Virunga respectively.
Susa Gorilla Family is one of the 12 habituated gorilla families found in Volcanoes National Park. This group got its name from the Susa River, which flows through the area where this gorilla family lives. It was this group that the primatologist Dian Fossey studied while she was carrying out her research on mountain gorillas in the 1970s, making it famous and historically important in the conservation of mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
Susa Gorilla Family is made up of 18 members with one silverback called Kurira. Before, it had 42 members and was the largest gorilla family among the 12. However, due to misunderstandings between the silverbacks over leadership, the group split into other groups like Karisimbi with 15 members led by Nyagakangaga, Igisha with 23 members, and Isimbi with 17 members. These four groups make up the original Susa Gorilla Family.
Susa Gorilla Group has three silverbacks and is one of the luckiest groups in Volcanoes National Park because one of its members gave birth to twins; Byishimo, which means happiness, and Impano, which means gift. They are very playful, making the group interesting and worth visiting. It is also the oldest habituated gorilla group.
Although the group is interesting, it is one of the hardest gorilla families to trek because it moves very high in the mountains. You need to be physically fit to walk long distances. Because the group moves so high up, rangers first go into the forest to search for them, and after finding them, they contact the ranger guide who will then take you there for trekking.
Susa Family lives on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi. Trekking is best done during the dry season when the trails are not slippery and the vegetation is not too thick, making your trekking experience easier.
When you finally locate the Susa group of gorillas, you will only be allowed to spend one hour in their presence as you watch them play, groom, and interact.
Travelers need gorilla permits to allow them to take part in this experience successfully without any interruptions. It is recommended to book a gorilla permit 3 months before the trekking date. A Rwanda gorilla permit costs USD 1500 per trek per person.
Spend some time enjoying the playful twins, the only gorilla twins in Rwanda. Every trekker must be over the age of 15 years to be allowed to take part in the trekking adventure. You should also be free from any infectious disease before coming into contact with the gorillas.
While preparing for trekking this gorilla group, don’t forget to bring a camera for taking photos, binoculars for better views, sturdy waterproof hiking shoes if you travel during the rainy season, and other personal requirements.
