The Umubano Gorilla Family is a remarkable and dynamic group in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, known for its unique history and the peaceful relationships it maintains with neighboring gorilla families. The word Umubano means “neighborliness” in Kinyarwanda, which perfectly reflects the peaceful coexistence and interactions this group has fostered over time.

Umubano Gorilla Family Formation and History

The Umubano Gorilla Family was originally part of the Amahoro Gorilla Group, a peaceful and serene family led by a calm and humble silverback. However, as the group continued to grow and evolve, some members, including the dominant silverback Charles, began to form their own path. Charles, a young silverback at the time, became increasingly dominant and eventually led a breakaway faction of the Amahoro group.

As time passed, Charles grew into a powerful adult silverback and eventually led the group into the Ubumwe Gorilla Family, which was led by another dominant silverback. Ubumwe, meaning “unity,” was a powerful family, but Charles, driven by his growing strength and desire for independence, challenged the Ubumwe silverback in a fierce battle for leadership.

The Battle for Leadership

The conflict between Charles and the Ubumwe silverback was intense, lasting for some time as both silverbacks fought for dominance. However, Charles’s leadership qualities, strength, and persistence ultimately allowed him to emerge victorious. As a result, Charles took a few of the adult females from the Ubumwe group and established a new family. This marked the birth of the Umubano Gorilla Family.

Interestingly, while the battle for leadership was fierce, it was not an ongoing conflict. Once Charles solidified his leadership and gained the females he sought, the fighting ceased, and the group began to develop a sense of respect and neighborliness with other gorilla families, especially those with whom they had once been part of a larger group. This peaceful dynamic has persisted ever since, with the Umubano group maintaining good relations with other families in the park, particularly the Ubumwe group that Charles left behind.

Group Composition of Umubano Gorilla Family 

The Umubano Gorilla Family is currently composed of 11 individuals, making it a relatively small but tightly-knit family. The group includes:

  • The Silverback: The leader of the Umubano family is a dominant and protective silverback. His leadership ensures the safety and cohesion of the family. He is responsible for protecting the group from threats and ensuring that the family remains united and well-fed.
  • A Sub-Adult Male: The sub-adult male in the Umubano family is still growing and learning the ways of the gorilla world. He is not yet fully mature but plays a role in the family dynamic and will likely one day become a silverback in his own right.
  • Three Adult Females: The adult females of the Umubano group are central to the family. They are responsible for nurturing the young and maintaining the social cohesion of the family. Their roles are vital in maintaining the harmony and growth of the group.
  • Six Babies: The infants in the Umubano family bring energy and playfulness to the group. Their interactions with the adults, particularly their mothers, are an essential part of the family structure. The babies are often seen playing and exploring their environment, learning important skills from the adults as they grow.

Social Dynamics of Umubano Gorilla Family 

The Umubano Gorilla Family has a stable and peaceful social structure, particularly after Charles’s victory and the formation of the new family. The group is united, with each member playing a role in the cohesion of the family. The silverback’s leadership is characterized by strength, wisdom, and the ability to maintain peace and respect among the members.

One of the defining characteristics of the Umubano family is its harmonious relationships with other families, especially the Ubumwe group, which Charles once belonged to. While the family experienced a period of separation and conflict, it has since found peaceful coexistence with its neighbors. There is no longer any fighting or tension between the groups, only mutual respect and occasional interactions that allow the families to coexist within the same region of the park.

Gorilla Trekking Experience of Umubano Gorilla Family 

The Umubano Gorilla Trek offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness a family that has experienced both conflict and peace. The trek to see the Umubano group is often a moderately challenging one, as the group can be found in the dense forests of the Virunga Mountains, which require trekking through steep and rugged terrain.

Once trekkers reach the family, they are likely to experience a peaceful and intimate encounter with the gorillas. Observing the interactions between the silverback, the adult females, and the young gorillas offers a fascinating look at gorilla social dynamics. The babies are especially captivating, providing a playful and heartwarming sight as they interact with their mothers and the rest of the family.

Why Trek the Umubano Gorilla Group?

There are several reasons to consider trekking to see the Umubano Gorilla Family:

  1. Rich History: The history of the Umubano group, from its origins in the Amahoro group to the eventual formation of the new family by Charles, offers trekkers a fascinating story of leadership, growth, and peace.
  2. Peaceful Dynamics: The group’s current peaceful and stable structure offers trekkers a unique opportunity to observe the harmonious relationships among its members, especially the interaction between the silverback, females, and babies.
  3. Intimate Encounter: With 11 members, the Umubano group offers an intimate and memorable gorilla trekking experience. Observing the close bonds and interactions within the family is a rare and special experience.
  4. Scenic Location: The Umubano family resides in a beautiful part of Volcanoes National Park, offering trekkers the opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Virunga Mountains while encountering gorillas in their natural habitat.

The Umubano Gorilla Family is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of mountain gorillas. Its journey from conflict to peaceful coexistence with other groups reflects the evolving nature of gorilla society and the successful conservation efforts in Rwanda. Trekking to see the Umubano group offers an unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to witness the complex social dynamics of gorillas and the beauty of the Virunga Mountains, while contributing to the protection and preservation of this incredible species.

Conservation and Importance

The Umubano Gorilla Family, like all the gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park, plays a significant role in the ongoing conservation efforts for the endangered mountain gorillas. Trekking to see the Umubano group helps support conservation initiatives, such as anti-poaching efforts, habitat protection, and community development programs. The funds generated from gorilla trekking permits contribute directly to the survival and protection of mountain gorillas in Rwanda.