The Susa Family: Rwanda’s Most Famous Gorillas

If you’ve ever dreamed of trekking through the misty jungles of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, chances are you’ve heard about the legendary Susa Gorilla Family. Known for its fascinating history and close connection to conservation pioneer Dian Fossey, the Susa family remains one of the most famous gorilla groups in the world.
With Traford Safaris, you can trace their story, walk their trails, and witness their incredible social bonds firsthand.

A Living Legacy of Dian Fossey

The Susa family was first studied by Dian Fossey in the 1970s when she began her groundbreaking research at Karisoke Research Center. She named the group after the Susa River, which flows through their natural habitat. At the time, the family was made up of only a few individuals, but it grew into one of the largest mountain gorilla groups ever recorded at one point reaching over 40 members.

This family became central to Fossey’s work, helping the world understand the behavior, intelligence, and emotional depth of mountain gorillas. Today, their descendants still roam the lush slopes of Mount Karisimbi, carrying on that remarkable legacy.

Where to Find the Susa Family

The Susa group lives high up on the slopes of Mount Karisimbi, one of the volcanoes in Volcanoes National Park. Their altitude and terrain make trekking to see them more challenging compared to other gorilla families, but the reward is absolutely worth it.

During a Traford Safaris gorilla trekking experience, visitors start early from Kinigi, the park’s headquarters, and set off with experienced guides and trackers. The trek can take several hours, but once you come face to face with the Susa gorillas, the effort melts away.

The mist, the silence, and the gentle eyes of these great apes create an experience that’s both humbling and unforgettable.

Susa Gorilla Group

Meet the Members of the Susa Family

The Susa family is known for its strong silverbacks, nurturing mothers, and playful infants. While group composition can change over time due to births, separations, and dominance shifts, the Susa group is typically made up of about 20–30 individuals.

Here are a few highlights that make them special:

• Silverbacks: The leaders and protectors of the group, these mature males guide the family through the forest and ensure its safety.

• Females: Often the heart of the group, they raise their young and maintain harmony within the family.

• Infants and juveniles: The little ones are endlessly entertaining tumbling, playing, and learning by imitating their elders.

Fun fact: The Susa family once included a famous set of twin gorillas, a very rare occurrence in the wild. Their birth brought global attention to Rwanda’s conservation success story.

Why the Susa Family Is So Famous

The fame of the Susa family goes beyond their size or history. They symbolize hope and resilience in gorilla conservation. Thanks to Rwanda’s strict protection laws, eco-tourism efforts, and the dedication of rangers, the mountain gorilla population has steadily increased.

When you trek with Traford Safaris, your visit helps sustain this progress. Each gorilla permit contributes directly to the protection of these animals and supports local communities living around the park.

The Susa family is also famous for their human-like behavior. Visitors often describe how the gorillas communicate through gentle touches, eye contact, and body language reminding us just how close we are as species.

What to Expect on a Susa Family Trek

A Susa trek is considered one of the most rewarding in Volcanoes National Park. However, it also demands moderate fitness due to the high altitude and steep terrain. Your Traford Safaris guide ensures you’re well-prepared with tips, gear recommendations, and safety briefings.

Here’s what a typical trek includes:

1. Early Morning Start: Begin at the Kinigi headquarters with a briefing and group assignment.

2. Hike Through the Forest: Trek through bamboo and montane vegetation while listening to the calls of forest birds.

3. Tracking the Gorillas: Guides communicate with trackers ahead of you to locate the Susa family.

4. One Hour with the Gorillas: Once found, visitors spend a magical hour observing the family up close photographing, watching, and simply being in their presence.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that connects you deeply to nature and Rwanda’s conservation story.

Booking Your Gorilla Permit with Traford Safaris

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda requires a gorilla permit, which limits the number of visitors each day to protect the animals. Traford Safaris makes this process simple. We help you secure your permit in advance and plan your entire journey from transport and accommodation to your trek day logistics.

Our Rwanda packages include:

• Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Trekking

• Golden Monkey Tracking

• Kigali City Tours

• Cultural Visits and Photography Safaris

For travelers who wish to extend their adventure, we also offer cross-border safaris that combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas.

Best Time to Visit the Susa Family

The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park is during the dry seasons:

• June to September

• December to February

During these months, trails are less muddy, and visibility in the forest is better. However, gorilla trekking happens all year round, and even during the rains, sightings are guaranteed since the gorillas stay in their natural ranges.

Why Choose Traford Safaris

Traford Safaris offers personalized gorilla trekking tours that prioritize comfort, conservation, and authentic local experiences. Our expert guides know the terrain, the gorilla families, and the best ways to make your journey smooth and memorable.

By booking with us, you’re not just signing up for a trekyou’re supporting a responsible safari company that values eco-tourism and wildlife preservation across East Africa.

Final Thoughts

The Susa Gorilla Family isn’t just another tourist attraction it’s a living story of connection, conservation, and courage. Trekking to see them is more than an adventure; it’s a moment that stays with you forever.

With Traford Safaris, you can follow in Dian Fossey’s footsteps and witness one of the greatest wildlife encounters on Earth standing face to face with the gentle giants of Volcanoes National Park.