Nyakamwe gorilla group is one of the 8 habituated mountain gorilla group families in the Congo Virunga National Park. This group takes its name from its leader Nyakamwe silverback. It was formed in 2014 after breaking away from Humba gorilla family when Nyakamwe left with about 10 family members and Humba remained with 5 group members.
Nyakamwe silverback gorilla encountered internal conflict with Humba his brother resulting into split up on 2nd Feb 2014. Presently, Nyakamwe family has a composition of 11 members inclusive of females, sub-adults, babies, silverbacks and juveniles. It is possible to trek Nyakamwe gorilla family group starting from Bukima sector of the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Mountain gorillas are the endangered primate species protected in only the Virunga National Park Congo, Volcanoes National Park Rwanda; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda. They range within only the dense tropical rain-forests and sub-rainforests in the 4 protected areas. Mountain gorillas range in high cold altitudinal areas and they are adapted to the area’s weather conditions considering their thick and long fur on their bodies. As of today, fewer than 1063 mountain gorillas are estimated to exist on earth.
Other than trekking Nyakamwe gorilla group, gorilla safaris can also be organized for other families in the Virunga National Park. These include Kabirizi family, Rugendo gorilla group, Munyanga group, Bageni gorilla family, Lulengo family, Humba and Mapuwa gorilla family. Before setting off for actual trek to see Nyakamwe group or any of the Virunga’s habituated families, visitors first go through briefing on available guidelines to be followed while on a trek. There is only 1 hour that is allowed for you to spend with Nyakamwe group upon finding its members.
Gorilla permits for Nyakamwe gorilla group.
Trekking Nyakamwe gorilla group is possible provided that you have a valid gorilla permit. All gorilla permits in the DR Congo are issued to holidaymakers at US $450 per person. You can book your permits through a reliable ground tour operator in the Congo or park authorities.
When to go to track Nyakamwe gorilla group?
Trekking Nyakamwe gorilla family can be done throughout the year. However, the best time to get there to enjoy your trek is during the dry season/months beginning from June to September and December to February.
These are the best months because it is easier to navigate through the drier steep slopes unlike the wet/rainy season when heavy rains are recorded in the Congo Virunga National Park. The wet months begin from March to May and October to November.
Places to stay.
The accommodation options to stay in exist in the Congo Virunga National Park and they are available as budget, mid-range and luxury. They include Tchegera Island Camp, Mikeno Lodge, Lulimbi Tented Camp, Bukima Tented Camp and others.
Getting there.
Visitors with plans to trek Nyakamwe gorilla family must travel to Virunga National Park. You can travel from Rwanda via Gisenyi where you can connect to Bukima or from Uganda via Bunagana border area to get to Virunga National Park. Alternatively, flights can be arranged from Kigali Airport to Goma International Airport in DR Congo.
