Kwitonda Gorilla Family

Kwitonda Gorilla Family Group: A Tale of Humility and Migration

In the heart of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, a tale of humility and migration unfolds through the Kwitonda gorilla family group. Named after a dominant silverback known as Kwintonda—meaning “the humble one”—this family’s journey began in the Virunga National Park of Congo before migrating to Rwanda in 2003. A constant state of motion defines this family, challenging trekkers seeking to catch a glimpse.

A Nomadic Spirit: Trekking the Kwitonda Group

Trekking the Kwitonda gorilla family group leads you on a journey between the majestic peaks of mountain Mgahinga and Sabinyo volcanoes. The family’s migration from Congo was driven by a desire to carve their own destinies, to form new families away from the watchful eyes of established silverbacks. Mountain gorillas thrive at altitudes of 2300-4500 meters, their presence felt across Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.

A Legacy of Leadership: Akarevuro’s Reign

In the wake of Kwitonda’s passing at the age of 40 in September 2012, a subdominant silverback, Akarevuro, ascended to the role of leadership within the Kwitonda gorilla family group. This towering figure guides the destiny of the group, his strength mirrored in his size and character. Kwitonda’s legacy, however, lives on in an unusual act that set this family apart—allowing other silverbacks to mate, fostering a sense of unity that endures.

A Family of Unprecedented Unity

Kwitonda’s uncommon act of allowing other silverbacks to mate defied norms among dominant gorillas. Yet, this choice forged a bond that has elevated the Kwitonda gorilla family group into one of the largest families in Volcanoes National Park. The calmness and humility Kwitonda displayed attracted male gorillas, fostering an environment of shared responsibility and cooperation that is unique within the jungle.

The Tapestry of Gorilla Families

Within the tapestry of Volcanoes National Park, 10 habituated gorilla families await, each an emblem of Rwanda’s dedication to conservation and tourism. With 80 gorilla permits available daily—a nod to the limit of 8 visitors per family—the magic of gorilla trekking becomes the cornerstone of Rwandan tourism. If the allure of trekking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park beckons, Trek Africa Expeditions stands as your gateway to securing a gorilla permit and embarking on this extraordinary journey.