The Ugenda gorilla group has 11 members, including 2 silverbacks, and lives in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Its name, “Ugenda,” means “mobile” in Kinyarwanda, a fitting description for a family that ranges more widely than most others in the park.
A Constantly Moving Family
Like all gorilla families, Ugenda moves regularly in search of food, but this group covers unusually large distances, making it one of the more unpredictable families to locate. The Rwanda Development Board employs experienced trackers who scout the family’s whereabouts hours or even a full day ahead of scheduled treks, so while finding them isn’t necessarily difficult, success depends heavily on where the group settled the previous day.
Where Ugenda Lives
The family is typically found on the slopes of Mount Bisoke or Mount Karisimbi, moving between the two depending on food availability and the season.
Trekking the Ugenda Family
Tracking Ugenda can involve a longer, more tiring walk than some other Volcanoes National Park families, given how far the group tends to range, but it’s considered one of the more rewarding treks in the park, known for a calm and safe encounter once the family is found. As with all gorilla treks, standard rules and guidelines apply throughout.
Permits and Booking
Permits can be booked directly through the Rwanda Development Board or through a trusted tour operator, at the standard Rwanda rate of $1,500 per person. Only 8 trekkers are permitted per day, accompanied by armed rangers, trackers, porters, and guides. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is possible year-round, though the dry seasons, June to September and mid-December to February, offer the best conditions.
For trekkers looking for a longer, more active hike and the reward of a calm, safe encounter at the end, Ugenda is a distinctive choice among Volcanoes National Park’s gorilla families. Book your gorilla trekking permit with our team today, and we’ll help you plan the trek alongside the rest of your Rwanda itinerary.







