Gorilla der Sabyinyo Gruppe von Gorillas, Volcanoes National Park, Northern Province, Ruanda, Afrika
Sabyinyo group is one of the best mountain gorilla families that is worth exploring on Rwanda gorilla tours in Volcanoes National Park. The Sabyinyo gorilla family features among the 12 groups of mountain gorillas that are officially open for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
The Sabyinyo gorilla group ranges around the foothills of the Sabyinyo Volcano and Mt. Gahinga. The group takes its name from the Sabyinyo Volcano, which is translated as ‘Old Man’s Teeth”. It formed after the death of the silverback gorilla in 1992, a period when some of the females were taken including Ijisho, Gukunda, and Ryango.
A new group comprising 4 females and 2 silverbacks was created, the present Sabyinyo. Earlier, this group was referred to as Amayubi meaning wasps but later, it was renamed the Sabyinyo gorilla family.
During the habituation process, Sabyinyo consisted of powerful silverbacks including Guhondo –historically known to be the largest silverback weighing up to 220 kg. Other silverbacks included Ruhennyi and Ryango.
Unlike other habituated mountain gorilla groups, Sabyinyo happens to be one of the closest families to Volcanoes National Park edges and is the most accessible group. It can take you about 2 to 3 hours to locate Sabyinyo gorilla group members.
Sabyinyo is composed of fewer members than most gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park. About 13 mountain gorillas make up the Sabyinyo group but should be noted that this composition keeps changing due to many factors including death and new birth.
How long can I stay with the Sabyinyo gorilla group?
After the long day trek with the Sabyinyo mountain gorilla group then you finally come across it, expect to have an hour of a face-to-face encounter. During this special hour with this group, you can take pictures, and closely observe how these apes behave in the wild.
How much is the Sabyinyo gorilla group permit?
A valid gorilla permit is essential if you are to get a chance to trek the Sabyinyo group. A gorilla permit can be obtained at USD 1500 per person and should be booked at least 2-3 months before the actual date of visiting Rwanda for gorilla trekking.
When to visit the Sabyinyo gorilla group
The best time to go to visit the Sabyinyo group is during the peak dry months that is from December, January to February, and June, July, and August to September. These months are characterized by low or no rainfall with the forest ground kept relatively drier. Given the favorable conditions, trekkers find it easier to trek with the Sabyinyo group unlike during the wet season.
The wet season runs from March to May then October to November. This period is characterized by heavy rains and the ground can be muddy and slippery. As a result, it won’t be easy to trek to see gorillas in general. But this is ideal for budget gorilla trekkers on gorilla tours in Rwanda.
What to pack for Sabyinyo gorilla Group trek tour
A successful trek with the Sabyinyo gorilla group requires you to pack appropriately. The main items to consider packing should be essentials only. They should include waterproof hiking boots, gardening gloves, waterproof daypack, insect repellents, long-sleeved shirts, a sweater, a pair of binoculars, energy-giving snacks, and bottled drinking water.
Where to go to trek Sabyinyo group in Rwanda
Sabyinyo gorilla group like the rest of habituated mountain gorilla families in Rwanda is trekked in Volcanoes National Park. Volcanoes National Game Park is found in northwestern Rwanda and was officially established in 1925 to protect mountain gorillas.
Only fewer than 1063 mountain gorillas still thrive on planet Earth with about a third of them all existing in Volcanoes National Park. A maximum of 8 (eight) people are allowed to trek the Sabyinyo mountain gorilla group and visitors are led by an experienced park ranger guide.
Mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park share the same habitat with other species of animals. These include bushbucks, spotted hyenas, golden monkey tracking, black-fronted duikers, buffaloes, and more than 200 species of birds.
Accommodation
The nearby lodges to consider for your night stay in Volcanoes National Park include Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Virunga Lodge, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Faraja Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Best View Hotel, Kinigi Guesthouse and more.
How to get to Volcanoes National Park to trek Sabyinyo gorilla group
The best way to get to Volcanoes National Park is by road and this involves driving from Kigali city. The drive time to this park takes between 2 and 3 hours from the heart of Kigali capital. If you are in Kisoro or Kabale, you can also drive up to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to explore the Sabyinyo gorilla group family.
Conclusively, for any plans to trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda, Sabyinyo gorilla group should be a must-visit. A trek with the Sabyinyo group rewards primate enthusiasts with incredibly thrilling encounters. Plan and book a gorilla trip early with the local expert at info@silverbackgorillatour.com.
