Amahoro Gorilla Family
Amahoro gorilla family is one of the 12 gorilla families that inhabit the bamboo covered slopes of the Virunga Mountains within Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park. The word Amahoro means peace in the local Rwandese language. This group was named so due to the peaceful character of its members.
The Amahoro gorilla family was habituated from 1996 to 1997 and was opened for visiting by tourists in 2000. Initially, this group was led by a dominant silverback called Amahoro who was very calm and peaceful along with 2 subordinate silverbacks, Ubumwe and Charles. Later, Amahoro died at the age of 31 years to an unknown cause. After his dismissal, the subordinate silverbacks Ubumwe and Charles failed to agree on the leadership of the group causing it to split into two.
The main Amahoro family went under the leadership of the silverback, Ubumwe and the other group that came be known as Umubano meaning togetherness was led by Charles. Currently the Amahoro gorilla family is led by a dominant silverback Gahinga who took over the leadership of the group after the death/ disappearance of Ubumwe.
To-date, the Amahoro group compromises 22 individuals that include 4 silverbacks, 7 adult females, 4 sub-adult females, 3 Juveniles and 4 infants and live on the slopes of mount Bisoke. The size of the group however keeps changing due to a number of factors such as births and deaths, among others.
Trekking the Amahoro gorilla family
The hike to the Amahoro gorilla family is relatively difficult since it involves a fairly steep climb. However the magnificent encounter of different wildlife, primates, and bird species during the hike and final sight of these huge, gentle yet highly endangered creatures make it very worthwhile.
If you are interested in a calm and peaceful gorilla family, this is the perfect group for you to visit since it’s the most peaceful gorilla group in Volcanoes national park.
Just like any other gorilla group, the Amahoro gorilla family can be trekked by individuals from the age of 15 years and above and each of these individuals should possess a gorilla trekking permit. These gorilla permits cost 1500USD per person for foreign non-residents, 500USD per person for foreign residents, and 200USD per person for East African citizens and can be obtained either through a trusted tour operator or directly from RDB.
