The Hirwa gorilla group is led by silverback Munyinya and lives in Volcanoes National Park in northwestern Rwanda, close to the borders with Uganda and DR Congo within the Virunga region. The family sits between Mount Gahinga and Mount Sabyinyo, bordering both Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda and Virunga National Park in DR Congo.
How Hirwa Was Formed
Munyinya left the original Susa group in 2002 after repeated disagreements within that family, then disappeared for over four years. He reappeared on June 17, 2006, accompanied by several other gorillas, mostly females, and the new group opened for tourism that same year under the name Hirwa, meaning “the lucky one” in Kinyarwanda, a reference to Munyinya’s unexpected return and the family’s rapid early growth.
After his return, Munyinya grew the group’s numbers by raiding neighboring families, including Sabyinyo, Kwitonda, and Agashya, to bring in additional members. This assertiveness earned Hirwa a degree of respect among nearby gorilla families in the park.
Family Structure Today
Hirwa’s fortunes continued when mother Kabatwa gave birth to twins, Isango Gato and Isango Gakuru. The family now has 16 members: 2 silverbacks, 2 sub-adult males, 4 adult females, 4 juveniles, and 4 infants.
Trekking the Hirwa Family
Hirwa lives on the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, the second highest of the three Virunga volcanoes along the Uganda-Rwanda border, and is one of the more popular and frequently trekked families in Volcanoes National Park. The family is also known for being relatively accessible, with some treks reaching them in as little as an hour.
With an eventful history and a reputation as one of the more accessible families in Volcanoes National Park, Hirwa is a strong choice for a Rwanda gorilla trek. Book your gorilla trekking permit with our team today, and we’ll help you plan the trek alongside the rest of your Rwanda itinerary.
