Kwitonda Gorilla Family: Booking a Gorilla trekking trip to Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda

Kwitonda Gorilla Family is one of the most popular gorilla families to encounter while on a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda.

This particular gorilla family resides in the diverse and beautiful forest of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and is a remarkable Mountain Gorilla Family because of its calmness and Rich history compared to other mountain gorilla families in Rwanda`s Volcanoes National Park.

Kwitonda is a Kinyarwanda word that literally means “humble,” and it`s the name of the silverback and the leader of the Kwitonda Family Group. It`s among the habituated family groups in volcanoes families because of their gentle and peaceful nature that defines the group.

This particular family group is believed to have migrated from the democratic republic of Congo and moved into Rwanda`s Volcanoes National Park and then became one of the most popular gorilla families to trek while on a gorilla trekking safari in Volcanoes National game park in Rwanda

Kwitonda gorilla family is composed of about 20 – 25 gorilla individuals, making it one of the largest gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park. The group comprises silverbacks, both the dominant and subdominant adult females, infants, and juveniles.

Kwitonda,  the founder silverback, passed away in  2012, and after his death, the leadership of this group was passed onto Akimana, yet another strong silverback who has continued to guide this family through the dusty forest of the Virunga mountains.

 Trekking to see the Kwintonda gorilla family

Tracking Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Volcanoes National Park is one of the closest gorilla trekking destinations to the capital city. The National Park is only about 2 hours and 20 minutes away from Rwanda’s Capital Kigali Considering there is no traffic in Kigali.

The National Park is home to twenty families of Mountain Gorillas, making a total of around 280 gorilla individuals that make Volcanoes National Park their safe home.

Of these twenty families, only ten are habituated and made ready for tourists, while the rest are for research and study purposes. Among the families made ready for tourists include Sasa group, Umburo, Sabinyo, Amahoro, Hirwa Group, Bwangye, Agasha group, and Kwitonda.

A Gorilla trekking day in Volcanoes National Park

Your Gorilla Tracking adventure in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park starts very early in the Morning. You will wake up at 06:00 in the morning For break fast and transfer to the park headquarters.

At the park headquarters, you will be welcomed by ranger guides for a briefing about your gorilla trekking adventure, the rules of tracking, and the dos and don’ts of Gorilla tracking. At the National Game Park headquarters, you will be divided into groups of 08 and assigned a particular gorilla family that you will be trekking. You will then enter the forest in search of the gorillas, beginning from the point they were last seen the previous day.

Upon encountering the Mountain Gorillas, you will be allowed to spend a full hour in the company of the Mountain Gorillas, taking pictures and videos.

You will return to the park headquarters and be awarded a gorilla tracking Certificate. You will meet your guide again and transfer back to the lodge for a relaxation dinner and overnight stay.

Important to Note about Gorilla Tracking Adventures in Rwanda.

At Katland Safaris, we always advise clients to first book their gorilla trekking permits very early since these permits get filled so early, especially during the peak seasons.

We also advise our clients to consider Safari lodging that is so close to the gorilla trekking destination atleast  20 minutes away from Volcanoes National Park.

Pack list for Gorilla tracking in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Packing for gorilla tracking is essential when considering a gorilla Safari to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Some of the things that should not be missed in your pack list must include a rain jacket, a hat, sunscreen, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, a face mask, and comfortable hiking shoes. You can also come with a walking stick, but one will always be provided at the park headquarters.

Expectations for a Gorilla Trekking Safari In Rwanda.

What you should expect while on a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda.

Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you will be welcomed by a guide from Katland Safaris who will brief you about your safari and transfer you to your hotel or safari Lodge. On your first day of the safari, depending on your time of Arrival, you will not do much except relax at your hotel as you prepare for the adventure the following Day.

On your gorilla tracking day, you will wake up very early in the morning for breakfast and then transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing about your gorilla trekking adventure. You will then enter the forest in search of the Mountain gorillas.

Open, locating those gentle grants. You will be allowed to have a full one hour with the mountain gorillas, taking pictures and videos.

You will return to the park headquarters, meet your guide, and transfer back to your hotel. You can choose to relax for the evening or explore other parts of Rwanda.

Pack list for Gorilla tracking in Volcano National Park in Rwanda.

Packing for gorilla tracking is essential when considering a gorilla Safari to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Some of the things that should not be missed in your pack list must include a rain jacket, a Hut, sunscreen, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, a face mask, and comfortable hiking shoes. You can also come with a walking stick, but one will always be provided at the park headquarters.

On your gorilla tracking day, you will wake up very early in the morning to break fast and then transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing on your gorilla trekking adventure. You will then enter the forest in search of the Mountain gorillas.

Upon n locating those gentle grants. You will be allowed to have a full one hour with the mountain gorillas, taking pictures and videos.

Why trek the Kwitonda Gorilla family in Rwanda? 

Kwitonda gorilla family is the ideal gorilla family to trek for visitors looking for a rich gorilla experience with a fantastic gorilla family. Their historical migration from the democratic republic of Congo to settling in Rwanda, combined with their nature, makes Kwitonda a perfect group to trek for many visiting tourists.

Spending time with the Kwitonda gorilla family not only offers a great and thrilling wildlife encounter but also a great encounter to huminites closest relatives and a connection to the gorilla conservation  initiative in Rwanda: