It was 2007 when Silverback Bwenge, the leader of the Bwenge gorilla group, left his original family and merged with another group of female gorillas, thus forming the Bwenge Gorilla family. This group is found at the foothills of Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. It is obviously one of the most famous groups in Volcanoes National Park because some of its members featured in the 1988 film ‘Gorillas in the Mist’, which was filmed in memory of Dian Fossey.
The Bwenge Gorilla group comprises 11 members and 1 silverback. The group underwent hard times when it lost 6 of its infants in a fatal incident, which was a terrible horror for the whole family.
“Bwenge” means ‘wisdom’ in the local Kinyarwanda language. Therefore, it is a family blessed with wisdom. Are you a person with great wisdom? If so, then you have a lot in common with the Bwenge family group. This will definitely be a great experience to meet Silverback Bwenge, who is popularly known for his wisdom.
Trekking this family is a dual experience where you have to hike over 600m and then trek to meet the beautiful family. Sometimes the tracks are covered with mud and slippery, but hiking is not overly challenging. Nevertheless, one needs to be physically fit to trek with this family.
Most of the Rwanda gorilla families are unique, each with distinctive features and characteristics that differentiate them from one another. Therefore, you need to read about and understand which families you can trek and which will be suitable for you. Remember, mountain gorillas in Rwanda can only be trekked in Volcanoes National Park, and specific rules and regulations apply.
You will attend a half-hour briefing session that will provide you with all the necessary information about mountain gorilla trekking. The ranger guide will also instruct you on the dos and don’ts while trekking these great apes. Here, you have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about gorillas. Then, you will be divided into groups of 8 under the guidance of armed rangers, guides, and porters who can assist in carrying your belongings.
This activity can last between 1 and 6 hours depending on the location of the mountain gorillas. However, you will only spend an hour interacting with a specific gorilla family, after which you will trek back to the lodge.
Gorilla permits in Rwanda cost up to $1500 USD and can be purchased at Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi. It is advisable to book in advance through a trusted tour agency or directly from the Rwanda Development Board.
