Rwanda’s gorilla families/groups have undergone habituation experience and currently, they are open for gorilla tourism. 
Over 12 habituated gorilla groups live in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
Each of these gorilla groups has a significant story worth sharing while on actual gorilla trekking adventure. Note, only one gorilla family is visited by maximum of only 8 guests on a single day.
Here is a check-list of habituated gorilla groups in Rwanda
Susa:
The Susa group is the oldest group in Volcanoes National Park and its formation dates back to 1974. At the time when this group was identified, it had only 7 members and it was from this group where Dian Fossey pioneered her gorilla studies in Volcanoes NP. The population of Susa group member kept increasing to about 42. The mass population later on reduced when some members broke away to create other families.
The Susa group further split forming about 4 sub-groups including Karisimbi (Susa B). It is an ideal group to trek especially for trekkers interested in challenging hikes. The Susa group ranges around the Karisimbi slopes.
Sabinyo group:
Sabyinyo family group has a composition of 17 individuals. This group features among Rwanda’s most accessible gorilla families and was led by Guhonda silverback gorilla. Guhonda was succeeded by Gihishwamwotsi silverback. This gorilla family ranges closely to the park boundaries.
Amahoro:
Amahoro gorilla group has a composition of 19 members. The group is known for its calmness. This group underwent habituation from 1995 and around 2001-2002, it officially opened for gorilla trekking. When the dominant leader passed on, the group split creating Umubano family led by Charles silverback. Currently, this family group has a composition of 21 members consisting of adults, juveniles, adult females, infants, and more.
Agashya:
Agashya group began habituation process in the 1980s and was referred to as Group 13. Today, this group is comprised of 19 individuals which include juveniles, black backs, adult females, infants and more.
Kwitonda:
Kwitonda group is another amazing group in Rwanda’s Volcanoes NP and is open to gorilla trekking. The group initially used to cross to the D.R. Congo side but currently, it has fully settled to Volcanoes National Park. It was originally led by Kwitonda silverback but unfortunately, he passed on in 2012 leaving Kigoma and Akarevuro the sub-dominate male gorillas.
Umubano:
This group is comprised of 13 members and originally, it was from Amahoro family. Its leader Charles split off from Amahoro forming Umubano. The group derive their name from the world Umubano meaning togetherness. It roams around the slopes of Sabyinyo and Bisoke Volcanoes.
Bwenge group:
Bwenge gorilla group consists of 11 members under Bwenge silverback. Trekking to see this group requires you to conquer the scenic Karisoke slopes of Volcanoes National Park with an experienced guide.
Karisimbi family:
Karisimbi family spilt from Susa group in 2009. It is led by Nyagaangaga silverback and the group takes its name from Karisimbi Volcano, the tallest of all the 8 Virunga Volcanoes. Karisimbi/Susa B has a composition of 10 members which include adult females, juveniles, sub-adults and others.
Igisha:
Comprising of 34 individuals, Igisha family is led by Igisha dominant gorilla. When splitting, Igisha departed with 23 members. It also ranges around the Karisimbi Volcano and features black backs, juveniles, infants and others.
Muhoza:
Muhoza group was created in 2015 and led by Marambo who departed from Kwitonda group in 2014. This group presently has a composition of 19 members which comprise of adult females, infants, juveniles and more.
Hirwa group:
Hirwa is a special group of its own and features among the newly formed groups in Volcanoes NP. It left Group 13 (Agashya) and Sabyinyo with some members under the leadership of Munyinya. Recently, this group had crossed to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda but returned to Volcanoes NP.
Ugenda
This group comprised of 11 members and its name means ‘mobile.’ The group ranges around the slopes of Bisoke Volcano.
Titus group
Titus family group together with Susa are the original groups Dian Fossey studied during her research time in the Volcanoes NP. It is named after Titus silverback, the male gorilla that was born during Dian Fossey’s stay at Karisoke.
Where to stay
Top places to consider for a night stay in or around Volcanoes NP include Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Wilderness Bisate Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Best View Hotel, Virunga Lodge, Bishops House and others.
Getting to Volcanoes NP
Volcanoes National Park is the most accessible gorilla park and takes visitors 2-3 hours to get there. The park lies in Northwestern Rwanda, Ruhengeri and is most famous for its rewarding mountain gorilla adventures.
