The Susa A (Susa gorilla group) is one of the popular habituated mountain gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park. The Susa A group takes its name from the nearby River Susa, a river that flows within the home range of this gorilla family. It is a historical group, one of the very few where Dian Fossey conducted her gorilla research study.
Susa A group roams around the high altitudes of the Virunga Volcanoes and due to its location, accessing this group requires some level of fitness. The Susa gorilla group features among the most challenging gorilla groups to trek in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
During the normal gorilla trekking, you can take even the entire day. But with the recent introduction of park trackers, it can take you a short period to have a round gorilla trek in the Susa A group. The park trackers are often sent into the forest earlier while visitors are briefed. They ascertain where the gorilla group is found and they always keep in touch with the park rangers.
Regardless, you need to have some level of fitness to be able to reach the gorilla group. You can practice back in your home country or travel to Rwanda early and make the best of the hilly areas in Kigali to exercise from. This can help you get acclimatized to the high altitude and on the actual day of trekking with the Susa group, you won’t face challenges.
What is the size of the Susa A group?
How big is the Susa A gorilla group? The Susa A mountain gorilla family group was the biggest group before it was separated into 2 forming the present Susa B- Karisimbi. Originally, the Susa A consisted of 42 mountain gorillas, but currently has 28 individuals with about 3 silverback gorillas. The famous Poppy one of the gorillas Dian Fossey habituated also originated from the old Susa group (Susa A). Even the two adorable twins; Impano and Byishimo originated from the Susa A group.
Trekking the Susa A gorilla group family
Before the actual trek to explore the Susa A group begins, visitors undergo a briefing about gorilla trekking regulations. It is during this period that you will be assigned the park ranger guide to take you to explore more about the Susa A group. A maximum of 8 (eight) visitors are allowed to trek the Susa A. Considering its position in the high elevation, some level of fitness is required for you to enjoy a successful round gorilla trekking adventure with the Susa A.
Gorilla permits
With a maximum of only 8 visitors allowed to visit a single habituated gorilla group, about 8 gorilla permits are always available for booking for visitors who desire to explore the Susa A group. Each of the Rwanda gorillas permits costs USD 1500 per person. A valid gorilla permit for trekking the Susa A gorilla group can be booked at ease through a reliable tour operator on the ground. Rwanda gorilla [permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board.
When to book Susa A gorilla permit?
Gorilla permits for the Susa A should be booked in advance. Preferably, you should book your permit and entire gorilla tour 2-3 months before the actual date of visiting Rwanda.
Where to find Susa A gorilla group?
Susa A gorilla group is one of the numerous habituated gorilla groups in Rwanda. It is found in Volcanoes National Park, Ruhengeri, northwestern Rwanda. Susa happens to be one of the 12 habituated gorilla groups that are officially open for gorilla tourism in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.
The rest of the gorilla families in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park include Agashya, Hirwa, Umubano, Amahoro, Sabyinyo, Karisimbi group (Susa B), Bwenge, Pablo, and Titus.
When to go to Trek Susa A gorilla group in Rwanda
Susa A gorilla family group is open for visitors to explore at any time of the year. But the dry season is the most preferred time for you to have a successful gorilla trek with the Susa A group in the finest jungles of Volcanoes National Park. The peak dry months include June, July, August, to September, and December, January to February.
What to pack for your gorilla trip
The essentials to have on your packing list for gorilla trekking include waterproof hiking boots, a sweater, long-sleeved shirts, a daypack, anti-malarial medication, long pants, toiletries, a good camera, and additional batteries, a first-aid kit, insect repellents.
Other items to include on your gorilla trek packing list include a rain jacket, thick socks, gardening gloves, long trousers, a safari hat, sunscreen, long-sleeved shirts, valid gorilla permits, visas, passports, and daypack. Adequate bottled drinking water and high-energy giving snacks shouldn’t be left out of your packing list.
How many days do you need to trek Susa A gorilla family?
2-3 days are enough for you to explore the Susa A gorilla group in Volcanoes National Park. You travel from Kigali to Volcanoes National Game Park which is a 2-3 hour drive then the next day, you trek the Susa A group. Visitors can have a single gorilla trek or double gorilla trekking.
Who is eligible to trek Susa A gorilla group?
The Susa A group like other groups is trekked by persons above 15 years. You should also have a valid gorilla permit that will allow you to have access to the Susa A group. The cost of the gorilla permit includes park entry fees and park ranger guide services.
Places to stay in Volcanoes National Park
Places to consider for overnight stay after or before exploring the Susa A gorilla group include One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Amakoro Songa Lodge, Mountain Gorilla’s Nest Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Kinigi Guesthouse, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, and more.
Conclusively, the Susa A gorilla group is one of the loveliest habituated gorilla families you should consider a must-visit on a gorilla tour in Volcanoes National Park. Visit Susa A group to explore in depth its behaviors, and group composition, and also have a lifetime opportunity to take pictures.
