Ugenda gorilla family is among the 13 habituated gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park, a home to about 350 mountain gorillas. Trekking Ugenda group lets you explore and experience the unique story this group has to tell the world. This gorilla family has a composition of about 11 gorilla members ranging especially on the slopes of Karisimbi Volcano slopes.
To have the best of this particular gorilla group experience, visitors have to travel to Volcanoes National Park, Northwestern Rwanda. This is 2-3 hours’ drive away from Kigali capital city of Rwanda. Before setting off on actual search for Ugenda mountain gorilla group, briefing is conducted first at Kinigi where the Rwanda Volcanoes National Park/Parc National des Volcans.
Ugenda gorilla permits
Anyone interested in trekking this gorilla family must have a valid Rwanda gorilla permit. The Rwanda gorilla permits are available for reservation at US $1500 per person. These can be reserved either through a ground/reliable tour company/operator or Rwanda Development Board (RDB) reservation teams.
The other exceptional habituated mountain gorilla families/groups include Susa group-this has unique story to tell the world. Susa A initially had a composition of up to 41 mountain gorilla members and remarkably, a distinct group which Dian Fossey studied during the time she carried out her research on gorillas in the Volcanoes region. Bwenge group, Susa B (Karisimbi), Agashya (Group 13), Umubano group named after Umubano-a local word denoting to togetherness, Kwitonda, Sabyinyo and Hirwa gorilla groups.
Etiquette for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
- Persons considered to be eligible to track Ugenda group should be above 15 years.
- A gorilla permit (must be valid) should be carried if you are to trek Ugenda gorilla family group.
- Upon finding Ugenda gorilla family, expect to spend 1 hour face to face with its members, taking pictures and have in-depth learning about their daily behaviors.
- Ugenda gorilla family like other groups is limited to 8 trekkers per day.
- A camera free from flashlight should be used for photography during a trek to see Ugenda gorilla groups.
When to visit?
A gorilla tour to explore the gorilla family is possible to be arranged anytime of the year. Rwanda Volcanoes National Park/Parc National des Volcans is known for its overall favorable weather and climatic conditions. However, trekking Ugenda gorilla family is best done during the dry season (June to September or December to February).
It is also possible for you to travel to Parc National des Volcans to trek this gorilla group during the wet or rainy season (March to May/October to November). But heavy rains/slippery steep slopes usually pose a great challenge to hikers making wet or rainy season undesirable for gorilla trekking.
Accommodation.
An ultimate gorilla safari to Volcanoes National Park isn’t complete without perfect accommodation. This park features a range of budget, mid-range and luxury lodges including among others; Virunga Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse, Garden Palace Hotel, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge and Muhabura Hotel.
