Sabyinyo Gorilla Group
Sabyinyo mountain Gorilla Group family derives its name from one of the Virunga range volcanoes called Sabyinyo which is translated to mean old man’s teeth in the local Kinyarwanda language, this mountain gorilla family can be trekked from the slopes of the mountain.
Sabyinyo mountain gorilla family was at first called Amayubi gorilla family but the name was later changed to Sabyinyo gorilla family, the group was habituated in 1992 with some members from group 13 including 2 silverbacks and some from group 11 making four females and two silverbacks and is one of the closest gorilla families in volcanoes national park located at the park’s edge.
Sabyinyo mountain gorilla family is now dominated by a silverback known as Guhondo also popular for being one of the largest living silverbacks weighing 220 kgs and it’s has kept its main challenger. Sabyinyo gorilla family is also one of the easiest groups to trek as it lives around the edge of the park, the group can be accessed within 2-3 hours.
Once you find Sabyinyo mountain gorilla group, you will be given an hour to capture memorable experience of mountain gorillas in photos and also to observe mountain gorillas as they go about their day to day business.
Never forget to always follow mountain gorilla trekking rules and regulations of the armed ranger guide while with mountain gorillas to avoid being charged at by a silverback.
Gorilla permits
Gorilla permits are cards issued out by a government body in charge of tourism which is Rwanda development board that allows you to trek a particular mountain gorilla family. Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost $1500 per person per trek and children ages 15 and above are the only ones allowed to trek. People with communicable diseases like flu and diarrhea will not be allowed to trek mountain gorillas. It’s always advisable to book gorilla permits in advance of at least of 3-4 months before flying Rwanda this is due to high demand.
Gorilla groups in volcanoes national park
Susa gorilla family with 28 members including 3 silverbacks, Amahoro gorilla family with 18 members including 2 silverbacks, Agashya gorilla family with 27 members including 1 silverback, Umubano gorilla family with 13 members including 2 silverbacks, Kwitonda gorilla family with 23 members including 4 silverbacks, Hirwa gorilla family with 16 members including 1 silverback, Ugenda gorilla family with 11 members including 2 silverbacks and Bwenge gorilla family with 11 members and 1 silverback.
What to carry for gorilla trekking?
When planning to trek mountain gorillas, the first thing that should come to mind is physical fitness because mountain gorillas stay at higher elevations which will require some hiking. The next thing is good water proof hiking shoes, good quality camera, garden gloves, rain jacket, waterproof back, sun glasses, hat, long sleeved clothes, insect repellents, enough drinking water, and energy giving snacks among others.
How to get there
Travelling to volcanoes national park is an experience that gives you more sense of adventure while in Rwanda. The journey to volcanoes national park takes you through rolling hills, beautiful scenery, tea plantations, well-constructed roads with markets on the road side and towns.
For the ultimate in luxury experiences, we can’t think of something else better than the amazing helicopter flight from Kigali international airport to Musanze Airstrip, Musanze Airstrip is just a 20 minutes flight from Kigali International airport to Musanze airstrip then to Kinigi park headquarters. You can see rolling hills from the sky. You will have an aerial view of the amazing hills of Rwanda for about 20 minutes before landing at Musanze airstrip.
Volcanoes national park can be accessed from Kigali city within 3 hours drive. Trekking mountain gorillas in volcanoes national park can take from 1-7 hours depending on the movement of the gorillas and the speed at which you are trekking.
