The Ugyenda family is one of the 10 habituated gorilla families found in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. It is one of the most interesting gorilla families to trek, and this is because of two reasons – it is the easiest group to trek because it lives on the lower slopes of Mount Bisoke, but it can also be the hardest group to trek because of its high mobility.
The group’s constant movement makes it a bit challenging since it is always on the move. Thanks to the skilled rangers and trackers who follow the family every day, trekkers can still locate this family more easily. The group’s name, Ugyenda, comes from the local Kinyarwanda word meaning “to move.” It was named after observing how the group is always moving.
The Ugyenda family currently has 11 individuals with 2 silverbacks. Most of its members look very similar to visitors. Their body structure, including weight, height, and fur, can confuse visitors. However, your ranger guides will help you tell them apart, as they spend more time with the gorillas. They can even identify them by listening to their vocal sounds without seeing them.
This makes the trekking experience easier as you spend one hour taking photos of these peaceful giants while listening to stories about each gorilla, their experiences, and how each one got its name. After this unforgettable one-hour experience with the Ugyenda family, you will leave amazed by how wonderful it is to be in the presence of the largest primates on earth.
Ugyenda Gorilla Trekking Permits
All mountain gorilla permits in Volcanoes National Park cost 1,500 US Dollars per trekker.
For a guest to secure a gorilla trekking permit, a few rules must be followed. These include being at least 15 years old and being free from colds and flu, as gorillas are also at risk of catching human diseases, which can be fatal for them. Once you meet these two important conditions, you are eligible to get a gorilla trekking permit.
This permit allows you to trek the Ugyenda gorilla family, an experience that can last from 2 to 8 hours, including one full hour spent with the family when you find them. The trekking time depends a lot on the movement of the gorilla family since it is a highly mobile group. But once you meet the group, you are allowed one full hour to explore, observe, and take photos of these amazing and endangered apes.
Guests planning to visit the Ugyenda group are advised to reserve their permits 3 to 6 months before their arrival in Rwanda. This is because there is a high demand for gorilla permits, especially during the peak season. Booking in advance saves you time and the trouble of looking for a last-minute permit, which can be more expensive.
Best Time to Trek Ugyenda Gorilla Family
The Republic of Rwanda enjoys good weather throughout the year. This makes trekking the Ugyenda gorilla family an all-year-round activity. In addition, Volcanoes National Park has mostly bamboo vegetation, which makes it easier to see the gorillas even during the rainy season since bamboo is not very thick.
However, the best time to trek this family is during the dry seasons from December to February and during the peak season from June to September. This is when the mountain trails are less muddy, making hiking easier, and the weather is better for clear gorilla viewing.
Book a gorilla permit to visit the Ugyenda family and get the chance to explore one of the most exciting mountain gorilla families in the world.
