Ugenda Gorilla family is among the 10 habituated Gorilla groups in Rwanda found in the Karisimbi regions of the Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans). The park is home to the Mountain Gorillas (with almost 480 primates) which were listed critically endangered by the UICN. The Volcanoes National Park is found on the Virunga Mountains, countries such as Uganda north of Rwanda and the Democratic Reppublic of Congo also have gorilla parks that are Mgahinga National Park and the Virunga National Park respectively.
In 2018, the current gorilla census shows it that the gorilla population has increased surpassing 1000 primates which is a great improvement and good news for Gorilla lovers. Gorilla tracking permits in Rwanda are issued by the Rwanda Development Board and tourists are allowed to visit these giant apes in a group of 8 people.
Trekking the animals goes for around 3 – 4 hours with the ranger guide (Rwanda Development Board ranger) who is skilled and experienced in tracking the animals. This group is found In the Karisimbi areas of park.
About Ugenda Gorilla Family
Ugenda in is a local word in Kinyarwanda which means “on the move or going.” The group is made up of 11 family members with two silverbacks. This family is very hard to track because it keeps on moving from one place to another foraging (Justifying its name); this group usually forages on the Slopes of Mt. Visoke.
In Rwanda now, they launched a baby gorilla naming ceremony known as “Kwita Izina” which has increased on Rwanda’s gorilla parks promotion on both local and the foreign tourists.
There’s a variety of accommodation facilities in the gorilla park that range from budget to luxury facilities. It’s upon one’s choice to select a hotel that suit self interests while enjoying the gorilla trekking experience In Rwanda. These include Virunga lodge, Mountain gorilla lodge, Sabinyo Silverback lodge and many more other facilities in the Volcanoes National Park.
