Umubano gorilla family derives its name from local word ‘Umubano’ which is translated as living together. This gorilla family originally was part of Amahoro gorilla group but split up with Charles silverback gorilla forming his own group called Umubano. Umubano gorilla group is among the 13 habituated families of Volcanoes National Park Rwanda and has a composition of about 13 family members.
Trekking Umubano gorilla family.
The gorilla family is trekked only in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. It accommodates up to only 8 visitors per day and this is to prevent spread of human infectious diseases. Gorillas have 95% of their DNA similar to humans which makes them close relatives to human beings just like the chimpanzees and bonobos. A complete trek through Umubano gorilla group can cover from 2 to 6 hours although it entirely depends on your speed of hiking, nature of the habitat among the many other factors.
Umubano gorilla permits.
Umubano gorilla group represents 8 gorilla permits that are always available for booking. Each of the gorilla permits can be reserved at US $1500 per person on Rwanda gorilla safari in Volcanoes National Park. Gorilla Permits are issued by Rwanda Development Board to persons above 15 years-these are considered to be eligible to trek gorillas.
All interested trekkers on gorilla tour are advised to reserve their permits early and not to wait for the last-minute rush. Other gorilla families to trek while in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda include Bwenge, Hirwa, Karisimbi (Susa B group), Susa A, Sabyinyo, Agashya, Ugenda gorilla family, Amahoro family and Kwitonda group
Best time to visit Umubano gorilla family.
Safaris to trek this gorilla family can be planned all year-round. But the best time to be in Volcanoes National Park to have the best of your gorilla experience is during the dry season. This is recorded starting June, July, August, September or travel from December, January and February.
Tours to explore Umubano group don’t restrict holidaymakers to only dry season, which means there is possibility to also travel during the wet/rainy months although these come with heavy rains. The rainy months of the year begin in March, April, May and October to November.
Stuff to pack for your Umubano gorilla trek.
The list of the items to have for your Umubano gorilla holiday safari is endless but essentials should be considered first. These range from insect repellents, camera without flashlight, long trousers, pair of cotton socks, medical/first aid kit, waterproof daypack, good hiking boots also waterproof, gardening gloves, rain jacket or poncho, sweater, a valid passport, bottled water, some snacks, gorilla permit to long sleeved shirts.
Accommodation.
Interested holidaymakers can book any of the accommodation facilities in and around Volcanoes National Park. They include Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse, Muhabura Hotel and Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
Getting there.
Umubano gorilla family is a habituated group in Volcanoes National Park which is located in Northwestern Rwanda. Getting to Volcanoes National Park is easier by road where holidaymakers should expect to spend only 2 to 3 hours of drive to Ruhengeri region. Or cross from Southwestern Uganda via Katuna border in Kabale or Chanika border in Kisoro to Volcanoes National Park, taking approximately 3 to 4 hours of drive.
