Titus gorilla family group freely roams around the slopes of Bisoke and Karisimbi Volcanoes in Volcanoes National Park. Titus group features among the 13 gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Unlike other gorilla groups in Rwanda, the Titus family became popular as early as the Dian Fossey era when she was conducting her research on gorillas in the Virunga region.
Dian Fossey conducted a study on Titus’ gorilla group before she was mysteriously murdered in 1985. This makes Titus gorilla family one of the oldest gorilla family groups in Volcanoes National Park. It takes its name from the renowned Titus Silverback gorilla, born on 24th/8/1974. Titus group was named by Stewart, a gorilla researcher. Titus silverback gorilla later died in 2009 at 35 years.
Today, the Titus gorilla group is among the oldest groups of mountain gorillas and was habituated during the Dian Fossey era. At the time Titus was 4 years old, a lone blackback gorilla joined his family and it was named Beetsme by Dian Fossey. Uncle Bert the dominant silverback also father to Titus was killed by poachers. At the time, Beetsme was older than Titus and as a result, he was tempted to forcefully take over the leadership of the family resulting in the death of Aunt Flossie’s infant daughter.
Due to the death incident, female gorillas rejected Beetsme and even left the group. Titus and Beetsme spent about 8 years without females. The 2 male gorillas on most occasions were observed engaging in homosexual practices. Fortunately, about 5 females joined the group, and at the time, Beetsme had fully grown to be a silverback gorilla. He became the leader of the family chasing away the rest of the male gorillas in the group but leaving only Titus.
Titus was already a black back gorilla and he became a subordinate of Beetsme for about 6 years. As a blackback and subordinate, Titus had the privilege to mate with the females in the family. He is believed to be the father to Kuryama, born by Alpha female in 1985 thus making him the youngest male gorilla to have sired a baby.
In 1991, Titus was a fully grown silverback and started showing authority over other male gorillas in the family. After about a year when he turned 18 years old, Titus overthrew Beetsme making him a leader. But unfortunately, he died in 2001.
Titus had a remarkable record of fathering the highest number of children although he became more jealous and authoritative as he became older. At one point, he was spotted biting one of the female gorillas for secretively mating with his son Kuryama. This was strange behavior to researchers who monitored his group. It was unusual from the calm and peaceful behavior they knew Titus was portrayed.
Around 2007, Titus led his family to the colder summits of the Virunga Volcanoes and the low temperature threatened the infants of the group. As Titus was busy there, Kuryama his son also started showing interest in dominating the family. He succeeded in dislodging Titus and led most of the members including mature females and their babies from the mountain.
That was a wise decision, although Titus perceived it as undermining his leadership. He never gave up his position, which resulted in the split of the family into two. A section of the older members who were loyal to Titus, including Tuck and their babies, and Tuyizere stayed back in the Titus group.
But in 2009, Titus was challenged by Rano his son who returned from exile after 2 years. His return immensely caused stress to Titus and he tried to send him off. In the process, there was conflict causing wounds and severe stress which made Titus weary and ill.
Although peace was restored in the family with Rano’s presence, an unfortunate incident occurred when Titus died on 14th Sept 2009.
He was 35 years and Rano then became the leader of the group. He restored the family and even the numbers began to grow.
Currently, the Titus gorilla group is listed among the habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park. Visitors on Rwanda gorilla tours can explore Titus group to explore more about its behaviors while in their natural habitat.
Gorilla permits
A valid gorilla permit is required for you to trek the Titus gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda gorilla permits cost USD 1500 per person and the permits can be obtained through local tour operators such as Maranatha Tours & Travel – info@adventureugandasafaris.com.
Best time to visit Titus gorilla family
The best time to travel to explore Titus group is during the peak dry months. The dry season in Volcanoes National Park begins from June to September then December to February. These are the two phases of the dry season with favorable weather conditions that guarantee you successful gorilla treks with the Titus gorilla family in the wild.
What should you pack for the Titus group trekking tour?
Essentials to pack for Titus gorilla trekking tour include a good camera free from flashlight, long-sleeved shirts, a daypack, a sweater, a rain jacket, long trousers, a first aid kit, and insect repellents.
Where to stay
Available places to book for a night stay before or after exploring Titus Group include Muhabura Hotel, La Palme Hotel, Bisate Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, and Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. You can also book Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One and Only Gorilla’s Nest, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, etc.
How to reach Volcanoes National Park to trek Titus Group
Visitors with plans to explore Titus gorilla group can travel from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park which is a 2-3 hours drive. A 4×4 safari vehicle and professional driver guide are recommended for your road trip. When you book a gorilla tour with Maranatha Tours and Travel, this won’t be a big issue. We have a range of comfortable safari vehicles suitable for all kinds of road trips.
Conclusively, Titus group in Volcanoes National Park should be a must-visit on the Rwanda gorilla tour. A visit to the Titus family is a great chance to explore in depth its unique behaviors while in the natural habitat.
