How to Plan a Safari in Rwanda
Karisimbi Gorilla Family
Susa Gorilla Family: Trekking Rwanda’s Most Famous Mountain Gorilla Family
The Susa Gorilla Family is one of the most famous and iconic mountain gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. Known for its fascinating history, large family size, and close connection to legendary primatologist Dian Fossey, this remarkable gorilla family attracts wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and conservation supporters from around the world. Trekking the Susa family offers much more than a chance to see mountain gorillas—it provides an opportunity to witness one of Africa’s greatest conservation success stories while experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the Virunga Mountains.
For many visitors, meeting the Susa Gorilla Family is the highlight of a Rwanda safari. Watching these gentle giants interact in their natural habitat is both emotional and unforgettable, creating memories that last a lifetime while contributing directly to the protection of one of the world’s most endangered primates.
History of the Susa Gorilla Family
The Susa Gorilla Family has a unique place in the history of mountain gorilla conservation. The group was one of the primary gorilla families studied by the renowned American primatologist Dian Fossey, whose groundbreaking research in the Virunga Mountains transformed the world’s understanding of mountain gorillas. Working from the nearby Karisoke Research Center, Fossey spent years observing the Susa family, documenting their behavior, family dynamics, communication, and social structure.
The family takes its name from the Susa River, which once flowed through the gorillas’ original home range. Through Fossey’s extensive research, the Susa group became one of the most studied mountain gorilla families in the world and played a significant role in raising international awareness about the urgent need to protect these endangered animals from poaching and habitat loss.
Over the decades, the family has experienced natural changes, including births, deaths, and the formation of new gorilla groups. Despite these changes, the Susa family remains one of the most celebrated habituated gorilla groups in Rwanda and continues to symbolize the country’s remarkable conservation achievements.
The Susa Gorilla Family Today
The Susa Gorilla Family is one of the largest habituated gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park, currently consisting of around 28 members, including three dominant silverbacks, several adult females, juveniles, and playful infants. Its large size creates fascinating social interactions that visitors have the rare opportunity to observe during their trek.
One of the family’s greatest claims to fame is the birth of the twin gorillas, Impano and Byishimo. Twin births are extremely rare among mountain gorillas, making this event particularly significant in gorilla conservation. Their mother, Nyabitondore, became widely admired for the exceptional care she devoted to raising both infants. Visitors and researchers observed her nursing, carrying, protecting, and nurturing the twins as they grew, demonstrating the remarkable maternal instincts of mountain gorillas.
Today, Impano and Byishimo continue to delight visitors with their playful personalities. They are often seen wrestling, climbing trees, chasing one another through the vegetation, and interacting with other young gorillas, adding an extra layer of excitement and charm to every encounter with the Susa family.
Where Is the Susa Gorilla Family Found?
The Susa Gorilla Family inhabits the higher slopes of Volcanoes National Park, deep within the spectacular Virunga Mountain Range that stretches across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their territory lies near the slopes of Mount Karisimbi, Rwanda’s highest volcano, in an area characterized by dense bamboo forests, montane rainforest, giant lobelias, and high-altitude vegetation.
Unlike some other habituated gorilla families that remain closer to the park’s lower elevations, the Susa family prefers more remote and mountainous terrain. As a result, trekking this group usually involves a longer hike through steep forest trails and rugged landscapes. While physically demanding, the journey rewards visitors with breathtaking scenery and one of the most authentic mountain gorilla experiences available in Rwanda.
Why Is the Susa Gorilla Family So Famous?
Several factors have made the Susa Gorilla Family one of the most famous gorilla groups in Africa. Its close association with Dian Fossey’s pioneering conservation work gives it enormous historical importance, while its large family size allows visitors to observe complex gorilla social behavior among multiple generations.
The family’s famous twin gorillas have also attracted worldwide attention, as twin births among mountain gorillas are exceptionally uncommon. Combined with the group’s remote habitat and dramatic volcanic surroundings, these unique characteristics have made the Susa family one of the most sought-after gorilla trekking experiences in Volcanoes National Park.
The Challenge of Trekking the Susa Gorilla Family
While many visitors dream of trekking the Susa Gorilla Family, it is widely regarded as the most challenging gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park. Because the family usually inhabits the higher elevations of the Virunga Mountains, hikers must often climb steep slopes through thick forest, muddy trails, and dense vegetation before reaching the gorillas.
Depending on the family’s location on a particular day, the trek can last anywhere from four to seven hours, including both the ascent and descent. Frequent rainfall in the region can make the trails slippery, while the high altitude adds to the physical demands of the hike. For these reasons, the Susa trek is generally recommended for visitors with a reasonable level of fitness who are prepared for a rewarding but demanding adventure.
Despite the challenge, most trekkers agree that the extraordinary encounter waiting at the end of the hike makes every step worthwhile.
What to Expect During the Trek
The adventure begins early in the morning at the Kinigi Park Headquarters, where visitors gather for registration and a detailed briefing by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) rangers. During the briefing, trekkers receive important information about gorilla behavior, safety guidelines, conservation efforts, and responsible tourism practices before being assigned to their gorilla family.
After a short drive to the trailhead, the hike begins through farmland before entering the dense forests of Volcanoes National Park. Experienced guides and trackers lead the way, following fresh nests, footprints, feeding sites, broken vegetation, and vocalizations to locate the gorillas. Along the journey, they share fascinating insights into the park’s ecology, volcanic history, wildlife, and conservation programs.
The hike itself is an adventure, passing through bamboo forests, giant heather, moss-covered trees, and breathtaking volcanic landscapes. Visitors may also encounter colorful birds, butterflies, and occasionally golden monkeys as they make their way toward the gorillas.
The highlight of the trek comes when the Susa Gorilla Family is finally located. Visitors are allowed to spend one unforgettable hour with the gorillas, quietly observing them as they feed, groom one another, care for their young, play, and rest. Watching the powerful silverbacks protect the family and the young gorillas interact in their natural environment is a truly humbling experience that few wildlife encounters can match.
Wildlife Along the Trek
Although the mountain gorillas are the main highlight of the Susa Gorilla Family trek, the journey through Volcanoes National Park offers far more than just a gorilla encounter. The park forms part of the biodiverse Virunga Conservation Area and protects a rich ecosystem of montane rainforest, bamboo forests, volcanic slopes, and alpine vegetation that supports a remarkable variety of wildlife. As you hike through the forest with experienced guides, you’ll have numerous opportunities to appreciate the park’s diverse flora and fauna while enjoying its spectacular natural scenery.
During the trek, visitors may encounter:
- Golden monkeys playing among the bamboo forests.
- Colorful bird species, including several rare Albertine Rift endemics that attract birdwatchers from around the world.
- Forest buffalo tracks and other signs of wildlife activity along the trails.
- Bushbuck and other forest antelopes moving quietly through the dense vegetation.
- Giant lobelias, giant groundsels, and unique alpine plants that thrive at higher elevations.
- Breathtaking volcanic landscapes, mist-covered mountains, dense rainforests, and scenic viewpoints that make the hike as rewarding as the gorilla encounter itself.
Because the gorillas move freely within the park and wildlife sightings vary each day, every trek is unique, offering visitors a different combination of landscapes, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable moments in one of Africa’s most spectacular protected areas.
Who Should Consider Trekking the Susa Family?
Because of its demanding terrain, the Susa Gorilla Family trek is particularly well suited for travelers who enjoy adventure and are comfortable with longer hikes. It is an excellent choice for experienced hikers seeking a rewarding physical challenge, wildlife enthusiasts hoping to observe one of Rwanda’s most famous gorilla families, photographers looking to capture remarkable gorilla behavior, and visitors interested in following the footsteps of Dian Fossey while learning more about mountain gorilla conservation.
Gorilla Trekking Permit
A valid gorilla trekking permit is required to visit the Susa Gorilla Family. In Rwanda, the permit costs USD 1,500 per person and includes entry into Volcanoes National Park for the trek, the services of professional park rangers and trackers, one hour with a habituated gorilla family, conservation and community development contributions, as well as a pre-trek safety and conservation briefing.
Because only a limited number of permits are issued each day, travelers are encouraged to book several months in advance through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or a licensed Rwanda tour operator, particularly during the peak dry seasons.
Best Time to Visit
The Susa Gorilla Family can be visited throughout the year, but the most favorable trekking conditions occur during Rwanda’s dry seasons from June to September and December to February. During these months, trails are generally less muddy, hiking conditions are easier, and visibility is often better for photography.
The rainy seasons also offer rewarding trekking experiences, with lush green forests and fewer visitors, although hikers should be prepared for wetter and more challenging trail conditions.
What to Pack
Proper preparation will make your trek more comfortable and enjoyable. Essential items include waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, a waterproof rain jacket, gardening gloves for gripping vegetation, gaiters for muddy trails, a small backpack, drinking water, energy snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera without flash to capture the incredible experience.
Hiring a local porter is also highly recommended. Porters help carry backpacks, assist hikers on steep and muddy sections, and provide an important source of income for communities living around Volcanoes National Park.
Conservation Importance
Visiting the Susa Gorilla Family directly contributes to the conservation of mountain gorillas and their habitat. Revenue generated from gorilla permits supports anti-poaching patrols, scientific research, veterinary care through the Gorilla Doctors program, habitat restoration, ranger training, and community development initiatives such as schools, health centers, and clean water projects.
Rwanda’s carefully managed tourism model has become a global example of how responsible ecotourism can protect endangered wildlife while improving the livelihoods of local communities.
Final Thoughts
The Susa Gorilla Family is far more than just a famous gorilla group—it is a living symbol of Rwanda’s conservation success and one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on Earth. From its historic connection to Dian Fossey and its rare twin gorillas to its dramatic home high in the Virunga Mountains, every aspect of the Susa family makes it truly exceptional.
Although trekking this remarkable family requires determination and physical effort, the reward is an intimate encounter with one of nature’s most magnificent creatures in one of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes. For travelers seeking an unforgettable adventure filled with wildlife, history, and conservation, trekking the Susa Gorilla Family is an experience that will remain etched in memory for a lifetime.