The Ugenda gorilla family derives its name from the local word ‘Ugenda,’ meaning mobile. Due to its mobile nature, Ugenda was one of the unreliable and hard-to-find gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park. The gorilla family has now settled and can be trekked in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.
Ugenda is a habituated gorilla group comprising 11 members. These include silverback gorillas, females, infants, and others. Ugenda currently roams along the slopes of the Bisoke Volcano (3711 meters). A visit to Ugenda involves exploring how mountain gorillas, taking pictures and observing their unique body gestures.
Trekking the Ugenda Gorilla Family/Group
The Ugenda gorilla group can be trekked only in Volcanoes National Park. The trek involves a long day’s search through the natural rainforest, about 2-6 hours, including an hour for an up-close and personal encounter with the Ugenda group. The trek takes visitors via the slopes of Bisoke. When searching for gorillas, do not forget to observe gorilla trekking rules and regulations.
A maximum of 8-10 meters should be kept away from a family of gorillas. This is to limit any chances of diseases spreading to gorillas from humans. Gorillas share 98% of their DNA with humans and they are susceptible to infectious human diseases. Due to their status, there is a need to have them protected at all times.
Only eight (8) gorilla trekkers are allowed to visit a habituated gorilla family such as the Ugenda gorilla group. A group of eight visitors are led by an experienced park ranger guide from Volcanoes National Park.
Visitors with plans to explore Ugenda group require a valid gorilla permit. One permit in Rwanda costs USD 1500 per person and can be booked at ease through a reliable tour operator. Talk to our expert to book a valid gorilla permit in Rwanda. These are the initial steps towards achieving your dreams in the African jungles to see the rare mountain gorillas.
Best time to visit the Ugenda gorilla family
The dry season is, without doubt, the most preferred period of the year for tourists to trek the Ugenda gorilla group. The two peak dry seasons to mark on your travel calendar for gorilla trekking include the long phase which begins from June to September and the short phase from December, January to February.
The peak dry months experience low or no rainfall at all times. Due to the absence of rainfalls, expect to enjoy a trek free of the difficulties of navigating via the dense vegetation. The dry months are far different from the wet or rainy months. The wet/rainy season occurs in the months of March to May and October to November.
What to pack for Ugenda gorilla family trekking safari
Packing for a gorilla trekking adventure can be challenging but what is important is to have essentials first. These include sturdy hiking boots, gardening gloves, rain jackets, a pair of binoculars, bottled water, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, a sweater, insect repellent, a safari hat, a medical kit, a daypack, anti-malarial tablets, a camera with additional batteries, sunglasses and a pair of socks, as well as walking stick.
You can also go trekking other habituated gorilla groups including Sabyinyo, Hirwa, Amahoro, Umubano, Pablo, Titus, Karisimbi (Susa B), Kwitonda, Bwenge, Agashya, and Susa A.
Top places to stay before and after trekking Ugenda gorilla group
The comfortable lodges to stay in or around Volcanoes National Park include Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotels, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Muhabura Hotel, Best View Hotel, and Da Vinci Lodge.
Additional accommodation options include Bisate Lodge, Amakoro Songa Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse, The Bishop’s House Rwanda, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge.
How to get to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Traveling to Volcanoes National Park is a must-do for you to trek Ugenda gorilla group in Rwanda. Driving from Kigali to this park can take visitors 2 to 3 hours and this comes with the most stunning views of the breathtaking countryside landscape characterized by rolling hills.
Volcanoes National Park is found in Northwestern Rwanda and occupies 160 sq. km. This park supports a diversity of other faunal species including spotted hyenas, bushbucks, buffaloes, golden monkeys, elephants, and a total of 200 species of birds. Additional primates to encounter on the gorilla trek include red-tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, and olive baboons.
Extra activities to do besides gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Birding or bird watching:
Over 200 bird species survive in Volcanoes National Park including a good number of Albertine rift endemic species. The birds to search for in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park include the Narina trogon, Archer’s robin chat, Rwenzori batis, Double-collared sunbird, grey-headed bush shrike, African swamp hen, and Bateleur.
Other birds Black-crowned waxbill, strange weaver bird, black cuckoo-shrike, bat hawks, Kivu ground thrush, Baglafetch weaver, blue-spotted wood dove, white-collared sunbird, red-faced woodland warblers, brown-necked parrot, palm nut vultures, dusky crimson wing, crested barbet, grey-backed bush shrike, scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird, brown-backed honey bird, lesser honey guide, to mention but a few.
Golden monkey tracking:
Trekking with golden monkeys should be expected on your next holiday in Rwanda. This primate adventure involves exploring more about golden monkeys trekking from their behavior, and taking photos.
Volcano hiking: 5 out of the 8 Virunga Volcanoes all exist in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda. The most hiked include Karisimbi Volcano, also the tallest of all the eight Virunga Massifs rising up to 4507 meters. Other volcanoes in this park include Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo –although Sabyinyo is best hiked on the Ugandan side in Mgahinga National Park.
Adjacent to Volcanoes National Park, you can engage in a caving expedition to explore
the Musanze caves, visit the Twin Lake that is Lake Burera and Ruhondo; explore the unique cultures and traditions of Rwandese in Iby’Iwacu cultural community, visit Lake Kivu and others.
Conclusively, Ugenda gorilla family should be a must-visit habituated group on a gorilla trekking tour in Volcanoes National Park. A visit to Ugenda is a great chance to explore in depth its composition, behavior, and history and take photos while these apes are in their natural environment.
