Pablo Gorilla Group is a special mountain gorilla group  in Rwanda whose name is taken from Pablo Silverback Gorilla. Pablo is a historic gorilla family being the first ever to be studied by Dian Fossey. Dian Fossey began observing and monitoring this group as early as 1967. Pablo group was established in 1993 after breaking off from Group 5 creating Pablo and Shinda families. This was after the death of Ziz Silverback.

Pablo group has existed for decades; as of 2006, it comprised 65 members. This was the highest concentration of mountain gorilla population. But controlling a large number of gorillas comes with challenges including power struggles. The amazing group is worth  your visit on your Rwanda gorilla tour.

Pablo group was led by Pablo for a short period and was succeeded by Cantsbee Silverback- renowned to be a highly effective leader. He led the family for 25 years and also set many other records including siring most offspring. Being an effective leader, his group grew to 65 members. He also became the oldest male gorilla ever to be monitored.

During the reign of Cantsbee, there was a dominant male and also a supportive subordinate. This was unusual in the gorilla behavior, beginning when Cantsbee succeeded Pablo. Pablo remained a loyal supporter till he died. His alliance played a critical role in the Pablo group’s long-term survival.

As Cantsbee also grew older, he supported his son Gicurasi by preparing him for leadership roles. He allowed Gicurasi to mate with the females but kept him as the second in command till Cantsebee died.  Gicurasi led the family well after Cantsbee died in 2017.

Pablo’s group also has a bit of an alliance with Musilikale’s gorilla family. The group was recently observed living near one another under the leadership of Musilikale. This gorilla family formed following its break away from the Pablo gorilla family group in 2013.

So far no direct interaction has occurred, perhaps they are avoiding any conflict. This co-existence is such a rare behavior. They have been witnessed close to each other but showed no signs of vocalization between the two. At one point, Mukecuru transferred from the Musilikale group to the Pablo family group quietly and without any family instability. These are all unique kinds of interactions in the gorilla behavior in the wild.

As of 2019, Pablo group welcomed new members after the Gutangara and Shishikara her daughter gave birth. The mother and daughter have always had great close relationships and spent good time together. Gutangara has about 7 babies so far in the Pablo group although some have moved out of the group.

Leadership

Currently, Pablo is led by the dominant Gicurasi silverback gorilla. But there is also Ubwuzu, the grandson of Cantsbee, and is currently an active subordinate in the Pablo gorilla family. Previously, the group was under the leadership of Pablo Silverback Gorilla.

Valid Rwanda gorilla permits

For anyone with plans to visit Rwanda to explore mountain gorillas regardless of the habituated gorilla family, a permit is a must-have. A gorilla permit is a must for you to show to the authorities on the day of the briefing. This means it should be obtained in advance through the local tour operator (info@silverbackgorillatour.com). In Rwanda, a valid gorilla permit is issued at USD 1500 per person and is valid for only single gorilla treks. Rwanda gorilla permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board responsible for  gorilla conservation and tourism

Best time to go trek gorillas in Rwanda

Rwanda gorillas can be visited at any time of the year. But the dry season is the best season for you to enjoy your trek with mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park. On your travel calendar, the dry months to mark; are June, July, August, September, and then December, January, and February.

The wet or rainy season is also open for gorilla exploration but the challenge with it is that it comes with heavy rains. This is usually from March, April, May then October, and November.

What to pack for your Pablo gorilla trekking tour

Any successful gorilla tour requires you to pack right. The packing list to consider should comprise mainly essential items. These include waterproof hiking boots, a light waterproof jacket, energy-giving snacks, a tin of active insect repellent, a daypack, a sweater, long trousers, toiletries, a safari hat, sunglasses, a good camera, a pair of binoculars, visas, and passports.

Other safari activities to do

Birding:

Bird watching is one of the interesting experiences any nature enthusiasts should expect to engage in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Over 200 species of birds live in Volcanoes Park. They include the palm nut vulture, Bronzy sunbird, Kivu ground thrush, Rwenzori turacos, Lagden’s bush-shrike, Ruwenzori batis, strange weaver, brown-necked parrot, lesser honeyguide, and Dusky turtle dove, etc.

Volcano hiking:

Aside from the normal primate adventures, Volcanoes National Park also offers the best of Volcano hikes. These are enjoyable from Muhabura, Karisimbi, Gahinga, and Bisoke Volcanoes.

Golden monkey tracking:

Trekking golden monkeys in Rwanda is best done in the Volcanoes National Park. The trek to see golden monkeys is conducted with an experienced guide and expect to spend about 2-4 hours. This covers an hour for up close and personal encounters with a troop of golden monkeys in the wild. The interaction includes exploring the already habituated golden monkey troop in Volcanoes National Park.

Adjacent to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, there is a chance to have an additional Lake Kivu tour, Musanze cave tour, cultural visit at Iby’Iwacu Village, and Twin Lake tours.

Accommodation in Volcanoes National Park

Ideal places to consider for overnight stays in and around Volcanoes National Park Rwanda include among others One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Amakoro Songa Lodge, Da Vinci Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse, Virunga Volcanoes Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, and many others.

How to get to Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Getting to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking is easier by road. You can begin your journey from Kigali, expecting to spend about 2-3 hours’ drive. Or cross from Kabale/Kisoro (Bwindi & Mgahinga) via the Katuna or Chanika border to Rwanda. After clearing with the border authorities, proceed to Volcanoes National Park in Northwestern Rwanda.