After close to 8 months of staying in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Hirwa gorilla family has reportedly returned to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, its original habitat. Rwanda gorilla trackers spotted Hirwa gorilla family on 15th April 2020 when it crossed back to Volcanoes National Park. The family of 11 members returned safely to its original home to join other 9 habituated gorilla families in Rwanda. While in Uganda, Rwanda gorilla family was unfortunate to lose its 4 members to lightening on 3rd February 2010. Also, the family lost another member to intestinal obstruction while an infant gorilla that was born in January 2020 born from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park was also lost to respiratory infections.
For the last seven months Rwanda’s Hirwa gorilla family has been trekked from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. All bookings were made through Uganda Wildlife Authority at &700 for a Uganda gorilla permit. However, all revenue earned from the sale of Hirwa gorilla permits would be shared equally between the governments of Uganda and Rwanda.
Reasons for the migration of gorilla Families
Often times, mountain gorilla families cross from one location to another. The major reason for the migration of gorilla families and change of location is seasonal food availability and also the interaction between various gorilla groups. Also, mountain gorillas are unaware of the boundaries. Therefore the inter group competition for food and reproduction are the major reasons for the movement of mountain gorillas from one place to another.
RDB’s response o the return of Hirwa Gorilla Family
Having confirmed the return of Hirwa gorilla family to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda Development Board was very excited. RDB could not hold the excitement to see her own Hirwa family return safe. Rwanda Development Board immediately wrote a note to the general public informing them about the return of the gorilla family. The note read as follow
“RDB (Rwanda Development Board) would like to inform the general public that the Hirwa group of mountain gorillas that crossed over to Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park on 28th August 2019 have returned to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
“RDB (Rwanda Development Board) would like to inform the general public that the Hirwa group of mountain gorillas that crossed over to Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park on 28th August 2019 have returned to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.”
PostCovid gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Rwanda Development Board advise travelers and our operators all over the country and outside Rwanda to get ready for the
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Mountain gorilla trekking is the major tourist activity in Volcanoes National Park. YES, safaris to see mountain gorillas are the most done tourist activity that attracts a high number of travelers from all over the world. Rwanda ranks as a luxury gorilla tour destination selling the most expensive gorilla safari holidays. In 2017, Rwanda hiked her gorilla permit prices from &750 to $1500 paid by all tourists including Rwanda nationals. The increase of Rwanda gorilla safari prices made a way for Uganda gorilla tours. Most of the would have been Rwanda tourists diverted to Uganda. The cost of Rwanda gorilla permits is inclusive of park entrance fee, rangers fee and conservation fee. A short meeting introducing travelers to the rules and regulations of trekking precedes gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park
Altogether, Rwanda houses 10 gorilla families habituated for trekking. Each gorilla group is unique in its kind in terms of location, history and size. Every gorilla group is visited by 8 travelers (in a group) for an hour’s interaction. Rwanda’s gorilla families include:
1. Susa A Gorilla group
2. Amahoro gorilla family
3. Karisimbi gorilla group
4. Sabyinyo gorilla family
5. Hirwa gorilla group
6. Titus gorilla group
7. Agashya gorilla family
8. Ugenda gorilla group
9. Kwitonda gorilla group
10. Bwengye gorilla family
Any traveler interested in trekking a specific gorilla family is advised to inform his/her driver guide who informs park rangers in time before gorilla family allocations.
How to book a Rwanda gorilla safari
Gorilla Trek Africa is the number one gorilla safari company in Rwanda. We offer you tailored gorilla itineraries to suit your time, budget and interests. Alternatively, you can book directly with Rwanda Development Board. Bookings are advised at least 6 months before the trekking date for timely and proper planning.
The return of Hirwa gorilla family to Volcanoes National park was of great joy to Rwanda Development Board and the whole tourism industry
