The Hirwa gorilla family is one of the treasured habituated mountain gorilla groups in Rwanda. The Hirwa group of mountain gorillas is most popular among the gorilla families that wander around the Great Virunga region, an area that is shared by 3 East African gorilla safari destinations. The Virunga Area comprises the Virunga National Park in Congo, the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.
Around August 2019, the Hirwa group led by their silverback migrated to the Mgahinga Gorilla group. A group of 11 members later returned to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda where they originate from. Currently, Hirwa family has settled on Rwandan side where tourists on gorilla safaris can visit to trek it.
Unlike some gorilla groups, Hirwa is most popular for its surviving set of twins; Isango Gakuru and Isango Gato born to Kabatwa. Hirwa is headed by Uburanga silverback gorilla who took over after the death of Munyinya who was struck by lightning in 2020. The Hirwa gorilla family was officially opened for mountain gorilla trekking in July 2006. It was named the same year and its group has since increased thanks to the ability of its leadership to grab individuals from nearby families like Agashya, Sabyinyo, and Kwitonda.
Hirwa is most for showcasing its strength and maintaining its strength and respect from other groups. Today, the Hirwa group has a composition of 17 members which include 7 adult females, 1 silverback, 1 sub-adult female, 2 blackbacks, 4 infants, and 2 sub-adult males.
The Hirwa gorilla family derives its name from the Kinyarwanda word ‘Hirwa’ meaning the lucky one. This gorilla group was formed when then-leader Munyinya Silverback experienced trouble issues with the Susa group. The trouble arose due to limited mating opportunities in the Susa group.
Munyinya silverback gorilla decided to quit the Susa group and by then, he left with 2 females. This group moved to the slopes of Mt. Sabyinyo where Munyinya collected several other female mountain gorillas around himself. Since its formation, the Hirwa group has recorded a set of twins making it a few lucky mountain gorilla groups considering the fact that these apes rarely give birth to twins. This gorilla group also roams around Gahinga Volcano in Rwanda.
Where to trek Hirwa gorilla family
Hirwa gorilla group in Rwanda is only trekked in Volcanoes National Park. Hirwa family ranges between Mount Sabyinyo and Gahinga Volcano. Visitors with plans to explore this group can plan gorilla tours with the local expert –Maranatha Tours and Travel. You can go on a 2-day gorilla trip or a 3-day gorilla safari and have a chance to explore this group in the jungles of Volcanoes National Park.
How much is a gorilla permit for trekking Hirwa family
A valid gorilla permit is essential for all treks to explore the Hirwa gorilla family. A single permit can be obtained at USD 1500 per person per gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. The permits can be booked hassle-free through the local expert at info@silverbackgorillatour.com. Ensure that you have your permit and the entire mountain gorilla trekking adventure planned and booked in advance and we recommend at least 2-6 months before the actual date of visiting Rwanda.
How many people can trek the Hirwa group?
A maximum of 8 (eight) visitors can trek the Hirwa gorilla family. Like the rest of the mountain gorilla groups, the Hirwa family is trekked only once each day. There are only eight gorilla permits available for booking for visitors who desire to explore this interesting gorilla family.
Where to stay
Volcanoes National Park has the best accommodation options to consider for overnight stays. These comprise budget, midrange, and luxury. They include among others Kinigi Guesthouse, Muhabura Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Gorilla Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Da Vinci, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, and Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel.
About mountain gorillas in the wild
Mountain gorillas in Rwanda like those in Uganda and Virunga are the Eastern gorilla subspecies. They are large apes and live in families each led by a mature adult known as silverback gorilla. Mountain gorillas usually occupy areas with elevations of 2300 to 4500.
They depend on fruits, bamboo shoots, stems, insects and plant leaves. Additional gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park besides Hirwa include Umubano, Sabyinyo, Susa A, Group 13 (Agashya), Susa B, Kwitonda, Pablo, Titus, Amahoro, Bwenge and Ugenda.
Who is considered eligible to trek mountain gorillas?
Gorillas in Rwanda as per the standards can be trekked by persons above 15 years. Visitors of this age bracket are said to be physically fit and they are also free from infectious diseases like cough and flu that can easily spread to gorillas and affect their health. Besides, trekkers above 15 years can easily observe the set gorilla trekking regulations, unlike young children.
Gorillas often display unique behaviors including screaming, chest-beating, and others, such characteristics can scare children and they even be tempted to run. In the end, gorillas can misinterpret it as an attack in their group and can follow such a person.
Best time to travel for gorilla trekking in Rwanda
Whether you plan to trek Hirwa or any other mountain gorilla group, the most preferred time of the year to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking is during the peak dry season. This is from June to September or you can plan your trip starting from December to February. The dry months are always characterized by low or no rainfall making them the best for enjoying a trek to see mountain gorillas in the wild.
But Rwanda being an all year round gorilla destination, it is possible to go gorilla trekking even during the wet or off-months of the year. The rainy or off-months run from March to May then October to November.
What to carry for Hirwa mountain gorilla group trekking
A complete packing list for gorilla trekking in Rwanda comprises of items such as waterproof hiking boots, a daypack, a camera free of the flashlight, long trousers, insect repellents, a first aid kit, gardening gloves, and sunscreen. Additional items include snacks, bottled water, long-sleeved shirts, rain jackets, and others.
