Muhoza gorilla group is one of the 12 gorilla families that make up the famous Volcanoes national park located in the north – west of Rwanda. Volcanoes national park boasts being the prime and sole habitat of endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda.
Under the management of Rwanda Development Board, the park protects approximately quarter of total mountain gorilla population in the world and the second largest population in the Virunga region after Bwindi impenetrable national park.
Decades ago, this park faced a number of challenges, ranging from civil conflicts, militia attacks, genocide, poaching, which put the lives of mountain gorillas in Volcanoes national park at a risk of extinction.
However, the populace of mountain gorillas and other species in Volcanoes national park is gradually stabilizing due to the zeal and courageous efforts of the government, rangers, conservation bodies and most importantly the fallen gorilla Heroine and primatologist, Dian Fossey.
Formed in 2016, Muhoza gorilla group is the latest addition to the portfolio of gorilla families in Volcanoes national park. Under the leadership of silverback Muhoza, this group was officially opened for trekking on the 3rd December 2016 with only 7 members.
Later on Muhoza raided Hirwa group and grabbed more two female members, bringing the total to 9. The group has since experienced births and now expanded to 11 members, which include 1 silverback, six adult females, two sub-adult females and two infants.
Trekking Muhoza gorilla family
The group is located in the center of Volcanoes national park, offering an easy trekking experience and it is the only group which can be trekked within a period of 1 or less hours. However, this is not a guarantee as it all depends on the movement of the gorillas within the jungles.
It is one of the most exciting families to track in volcanoes national park, and being amidst them is truly amazing, as you watch the juveniles play, infants cuddle with their mother and silverback Muhoza offering maximum protection over other members in the group.
