This gorilla family has 11 members, including 2 silverbacks. “Ugenda” means “Mobile” in Kinyarwanda, indicating continuous movement, which makes it challenging to trek but assures sightings during your gorilla safari in Rwanda. This group lives in Volcanoes National Park and, like any other family, constantly moves in search of food; their movements are quite extensive.
The Rwanda Development Board has employed skilled trackers to locate them within a day or several hours before trekking time. Finding this family is not difficult, but success depends on their movements the previous day.
The group is usually found on the slopes of Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi. Each gorilla trekking safari is an adventure in itself. Trekking this family offers a unique experience compared to others you may have tracked before. Remember, gorilla tracking rules and regulations apply.
Tracking the Ugenda family presents challenges, but it’s an experience you shouldn’t miss. The trek can be tiring due to long distances walked in search of gorillas, but it’s undoubtedly worth it in the end. Tracking the Ugenda family is considered one of the most fascinating gorilla experiences in Volcanoes National Park, known for its calmness, peacefulness, and safety.
Booking gorilla permits to track the Ugenda family can be done directly through the Rwanda Development Board or through a trusted tour operator. Like other Rwanda gorilla permits, a permit for the Ugenda family costs $1,500 per trek. Only eight people are allowed to track this group per day, accompanied by armed rangers, trackers, porters, and guides.
Travelers are reminded that while gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park is good at any time, the most recommended periods are during the dry seasons: June to September and mid-December to February.
