We are often asked which is our favorite gorilla group and who is our favorite gorilla. The truth is, we do not have a favorite, each group has a special and unique meaning to us -- from the largest Susa group with 38 individuals to the paranoid silverback in group 13. No matter which group you end up seeing we guarantee that it will be an experience you will never forget.

13 Group

Named simply for its original size of 13 individuals when it was discovered, it has since maintained the name, with 21 individuals: 1 Silverback; 10 Adult females; 1 Sub adult female; 1 Juvenile and 8 Babies.

Formerly this group was commanded by Nyakarima who was challenged by Agashya meaning "the news". Agashya indeed made news by first watching and estimating Nyakarima's strengths and eventually challenging him to a fierce fight by taking off with his whole group. This was a shock to Nyakarima and an unprecedented event in observed gorilla history. Agashya then moved up the volcano to secure his group and make sure Nyakarima did not track them. Agashya has since increased his group's numbers by snatching from other groups and assimilating other lone gorillas, rapidly increasing the group from 12 to 21 individuals.

Agashya is known, at the first sign of trouble, to take his whole group up to the top of the volcano. Once, while we were taking a group of tourists to see Group 13 this exact scenario unfolded. Agashya felt that there was another silverback who was about to challenge him. In response, he took the group up the volcano. Every time we thought we were close to see them, Agashya would move the group further uphill. We did not reach them until the very top, where we finally got a chance to see them. By the time we got back to the car we have walked for 12 hours. While it was an exhausting day, it was magical to see gorillas at the top the world.

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Susa Group

This group derives its name from the Susa River in their home range with. The group has 38 individuals: 4 Silverbacks; 4 Blackbacks; 10 Adult females; 3 Sub adult females; 1 Sub adult male; 1 Non adult female; 2 Juveniles and 13 Babies.

This is the largest gorilla group one can visit. When you reach this group the first thing you note is that there are gorillas everywhere. With 2 juveniles and 13 babies there is always some sort of a ruckus going on.

The Susa group also has the only known surviving gorilla twins. Typically, a mother abandons one of the twins, as it is almost impossible for her to care for both. As we watched the mother, Nyabitondore, care for the twins, Impano and Byishimo, at times we thought she would go insane from the task. But today you can enjoy the two bouncing around and playing as if nothing ever happened.

This group also contains one of the oldest known habituated gorillas, Poppy. Born in 1976 Poppy is believed to be from one of Dian Fossey's original gorilla groups.

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Sabyinyo Group

Named after the Sabyinyo volcano which means "old man's teeth". Sabyinyo is one of the groups closest to the park's edge with 8 individuals: 1 Silverback (the biggest in the park); 3 Adult females; 1 Non adult female; 2 Juveniles and 1 Baby.

This group contains, Guhonda, the largest silverback of all the groups, who is well known for his massive physical appearance. Guhonda has kept his main challenger, Ryango, out of his group as a lonely silverback.

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Amahoro Group

Meaning "peaceful group", Amahoro, is the most peaceful of all the gorilla groups. The group has 17 individuals: 1 Silverback; 2 Blackbacks; 5 Adult females; 2 Sub adult males; 2 Juveniles and 5 Babies.

However, peace comes at a price. Ubumwe, the group's silverback is so peaceful and calm, he has lost group members to Charles in the Umubano group.

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Umubano Group

Meaning "neighborliness", Umubano has 9 individuals: 1 Silverback; 1 Sub adult male; 3 Adult females and 4 Babies.

Led by Charles, the dominant silverback, Umubano was formerly a part of the Amahoro group. As Charles matured into a silverback of the same rank as Ubumwe, he could not stand being given orders and decided to stage a fight and challenge Ubumwe. The fight went on for weeks and then months. Finally, Charles managed to snatch from Ubumwe a few females and formed his own group. Since then, he has commanded respect and recognition from Ubumwe. We have observed, on various occasions, interactions between the two silverbacks, but no fighting has been seen since the great battle ended.

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Kwitonda Group

Meaning "humble one", Kwitonda has 16 individuals: 1 Silverback; 2 Blackbacks; 4 Adult females; 3 Sub adult females; 4 Juveniles and 2 Babies.

Kwitonda migrated from DR Congo and settled in Rwanda, probably looking for greener pastures. Since then, Kwitonda has defined its home range and established itself in the area.

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Hirwa Group

Meaning "lucky one", Hirwa has 9 individuals: 1 Silverback; 3 Adult females; 2 Sub adult females and 3 Babies.

Hirwa came into the lime light on the 17th of June 2006 when trackers witnessed its formation. Two gorilla transfers from group 13 and Sabyinyo joined the then very small Hirwa group. As luck would have it other gorillas joined them as well and created the group. Despite being the newest group on the block, Hirwa exhibits strength and holds its own amongst all the other established groups.

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Research Groups

There are four other habituated groups in the Parc National des Volcans area. However, these are exclusively reserved as research groups to continue our study and understanding of these majestic animals.

These groups are:

• Pablo group with 49 individuals.
• Beetsme group with 26 individuals.
• Shinda group with 26 individuals.
• Bwenge group with 6 individuals.