Explore the Umubano gorilla family from its formation (history), composition, available gorilla permits, places to stay, the best time to trek Umubano, and other amazing facts. The Umubano gorilla takes its name from the local word – Umubano meaning living together.
Umubano originates from the Amahoro gorilla family. It broke out of Amahoro under the leadership of Charles Silverback gorilla. He formed a new group the present Umubano gorilla group and currently features on the list of about 12 groups of mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda.
At the time of the split, Charles became tired of the unending fights in the Amahoro gorilla family, especially from the intruders. When Charles Silverback became an adult and reached the same rank as Ubumwe, he couldn’t stand his orders. He fought Ubumwe Silverback, a fight that lasted for at least weeks to months.
During the split period, Charles had 12 gorilla members already he had persuaded to join him in creating a group that believed in other ways of resolving problems besides violence. He was able to go away with some female mountain gorillas to create his own –the present Umubano gorilla family.
From the time the Umubano group broke away, Charles has commanded respect and recognition from Ubumwe. The two silverbacks have often interacted and no fights have occurred from the time the great battle ended.
Trekking with the Umubano gorilla family group
A valid gorilla permit is an essential tool anyone with plans to visit the Umubano gorilla family should have. On the actual gorilla trek, only eight (8) visitors can be allowed to pay a visit to this group. A round gorilla trekking adventure with the Umubano group can go for 2-6 hours inclusive of an hour for an up close and personal encounter.
The length of the trek with the Umubano gorilla family may vary depending on the speed of walking or hiking, the nature of the habitat, and the location of this group.
How much is a gorilla permit
A valid gorilla permit can be obtained at USD 1500 per person and this can permit you to explore the Bwenge gorilla group. Each gorilla group is provided to only persons above 15 years. This should be booked at least 2-6 months before the actual date of traveling to engage in a gorilla tours adventure in Rwanda.
Besides Umubano, you can also obtain gorilla permits and explore other habituated gorilla groups including Karisimbi –Susa B, Bwenge, Amahoro, Agashya, Susa A, Ugenda, Kwitonda, Hirwa, and Sabyinyo.
When to trek the Umubano gorilla group in Rwanda
The Umubano gorilla family in Rwanda can be trekked at any time of the year. But the dry season is notably the best for you to enjoy an uninterrupted gorilla trek with the Umubano group in the wild. The dry season occurs only twice each year and is marked by June, July, August, and September; December, January to February.
Gorilla trekking to explore Umubano is not only restricted to the peak dry season/months but also during the low or rainy season. This is from March to May and from October to November.
What to carry for Umubano gorilla family trekking in Rwanda
The essential list of items to consider packing includes a pair of cotton socks, long trousers, insect repellents, waterproof hiking boots, a first aid kit, gardening gloves, snacks, bottled water, long-sleeved shirts, a rain jacket, adequate snacks, bottled drinking water, a sweater, and others.
Where to stay
Places to consider for a night stay before or after trekking Umubano group in Volcanoes National Park consist of budget, midrange, and luxury. These lodges are distributed in and around the park including Bisate Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, La Palme Hotel, Kinigi Guesthouse, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Silverback Lodge, Muhabura Hotel, and more.
What is gorilla trekking like for the Umubano gorilla family?
A journey to explore the Umubano gorilla family begins with booking gorilla permits and gorilla tours. On the actual date of trekking, you will be briefed about gorilla trekking regulations in the Kinigi area. This exercise will be performed by the park official from Volcanoes National Park and the actual trek begins at 8:00 am.
The entire trek with the Umubano gorilla family is expected to go for 2-6 hours less or more depending on the location of the gorillas, the nature of the habitat, and your general hiking speed. On locating the Umubano gorilla family, expect to enjoy a maximum of an hour face-to-face with its members, explore their unique behaviors, and take photos.
Gorillas in Rwanda
Gorillas in Rwanda are typically the Eastern gorilla sub-species. They are mountain gorillas known for their huge heads, broad chests, and long arms. They have thick fur and silver-like hair on the back when they become mature. They live in families ranging from 1 to 40 members, each group family is led by a mature male –silverback gorilla. A fully-grown mountain gorilla can weigh between 140 and 205 kg.
Other activities to do in Volcanoes National Park
In addition to trekking mountain gorillas, there is a chance to engage in activities such as golden monkey tracking, volcano hiking, cultural visits in the nearby communities, birding, or bird watching.
Volcanoes National Park is also a popular home to wildlife species such as golden monkeys, elephants, spotted hyenas, bushbucks, duikers, buffaloes, and over 200 species of birds. The park shelters a good population of Albertine rift birds including Archer’s robin chat, Kivu ground thrush, and more.
How to get there
Umubano gorilla family can only be trekked in Volcanoes National Park which is accessible within a 2-3 hour’s drive. The park is situated in Northwestern Rwanda and can also be reached starting from Uganda (Kabale & Kisoro) where you drive via the Katuna or Chanika border. This can take between 3 and 4 hours’ drive. It is also possible to take a flight from Kigali to Ruhengeri Airport and you connect to Volcanoes National Park by road.
Conclusively, a visit to the Umubano gorilla family is a perfect opportunity to unearth more about mountain gorillas in the wild. Visit Rwanda, and explore the Umubano group from its distinct history, formation, size, and behaviors.
