The Ntambara gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park was named after the silverback Ntambara. This is an iconic gorilla group with a history that spans way back to the times of Dr. Dian Fossey. This is around 55 years ago, when she was conducting studies on the mountain gorillas in the Virunga Volcanoes. At the time, members of this group were related to the study group 5. It was in 1993 when group 5 split into the Pablo and Shinda Gorilla families. There were some gorillas in the current Ntambara group that joined the Shinda family, under Shinda.
The Shinda Gorilla Family had 28 members before Shinda died in 2008. This led to a split of the group, with Ntambara leading a group of nine members. The other 19 members went with Ugenda. However, a permanent split did not happen for months because they often reunited and separated. The silverback Ugutsinda took over leadership following the death of his brother, Ntambara. Later, when Ugutsinda also died, Twibuke, a 17-year-old seemingly apathetic to leadership, stepped in to replace him.
Twibuke is currently the dominant silverback, protecting and guiding a group of 14 members, including 3 silverbacks, 4 females, and 4 infants. Under Twibuke’s leadership, they have thrived in Volcanoes National Park. They sometimes encounter another gorilla family, known as Umubano. These encounters are surprisingly peaceful, yet it is difficult for gorilla families that have never grown together to achieve this level of friendship. Their infants play together while the adult females interact peacefully.
Cost of tracking gorillas in Volcanoes National Park
Tracking gorillas in Volcanoes National Park requires a gorilla permit issued by the Rwanda Development Board through a registered local tour operator like Standard Safaris. The cost of buying a gorilla permit varies depending on the visitors’ citizenship. The rates at the moment are categorized as.
Foreigners – USD 1,500 per person
Foreign residents – USD 500 per person
Rwandese and East African Citizens – USD 200 per person
NB: Ensure that you are at least 15 years old to buy yourself a gorilla permit. Additionally, have your valid National Identity Card with you.
What else to do in Volcanoes National Park?
Before or after your gorilla trekking tour, you will have to explore other exciting activities in and around Volcanoes National Park. These activities include.
Hiking volcanoes
Volcanic mountains, including Mountains Karisimbi and Bisoke, which offer opportunities to get captivating views of a crater lake and pristine forests. These are guided hikes to the summits of the respective volcanoes. Here, you stand at much better spots to view other Virunga Volcanoes, including Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura. Other rare sights while on the summit are the views of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Albertine Rift.
Golden monkey trekking
Golden monkey trekking is done in the bamboo habitats inside the Volcanoes National Park. Taking part in this activity offers excellent encounters with a golden monkey troop in their natural home. This is among the key activities in the forest because it offers views of an old-world monkey species that is classified as endangered globally. You will learn about how they share the ecosystem with the mountain gorillas.
Visiting the Dian Fossey Grave
This is one of the better ways of paying tribute to the late American primatologist. You will gain immense knowledge about Dian Fossey during this guided trip to her tomb. For instance, she died in 1985 following her murder by a mysterious evil person(s). You will learn about her generous contribution towards the conservation of mountain gorillas in her research work.
Best time to go to Volcanoes National Park
While it is possible to explore Volcanoes National Park year-round, the dry season offers ideal conditions for gorilla tracking. So, during the dry season, there is less rainfall than in the wet season, which results in drier gorilla trails. Also, the drier weather patterns result in less dense vegetation cover in the forest. These factors are necessary to ensure that movement in the forest is smoother, in addition to getting clear views of gorillas. There are 2 peak dry seasons experienced in Volcanoes NP. From June to early September and from December to February.
How to reach Volcanoes National Park?
Visitors can reach Volcanoes National Park using either road or air transportation. With a scenic drive to Volcanoes, you can start your journey from Kigali or destinations like Akagera and Nyungwe National Parks. When starting your journey from Kigali City, driving to the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park covers around 105 kilometers. During the scenic trip, you will enjoy between 2 and 3 hours of breathtaking rolling hills. Meanwhile, you may wish to arrive at the park much faster than this. That is when you have to opt for air transport.
A chartered helicopter flight is offered by Akagera Aviation from Kigali International Airport to Musanze Airport. With a flight time of around half an hour, you will enjoy aerial views throughout your transfer to Volcanoes National Park. But when you arrive at Musanze, you will have to reach Volcanoes National Park headquarters by road transport. We shall arrange a vehicle for you to complete your approximately 22-kilometer drive to the park. This takes around half an hour.
