The Umubano Family: The Breakaway Group of Volcanoes National Park

In the misty forests of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, every gorilla family has its own story  of leadership, loyalty, and change. Among these remarkable groups, the Umubano Family stands out for its dramatic origins and the meaning behind its name.

Born from a split within the famous Amahoro Family, Umubano’s history reflects both conflict and reconciliation. The name “Umubano,” which means “living together” in Kinyarwanda, beautifully captures their journey  from division to harmony.

For trekkers exploring Rwanda’s mountain gorillas with Traford Safaris, meeting the Umubano Family offers a powerful glimpse into gorilla society, where strength, respect, and cooperation coexist.

From Unity to Separation: How Umubano Was Formed

The Umubano Family began as part of the Amahoro Family, one of Volcanoes National Park’s most peaceful groups. For years, they lived under the calm leadership of the silverback Ubumwe, known for his gentle and diplomatic nature.

However, as young males matured within the group, competition for dominance naturally arose  a common event in gorilla society. One ambitious silverback, Charles, began challenging Ubumwe for leadership. Tensions increased until finally, Charles decided to lead his own path.

He broke away with several females and young gorillas to form a new group  the Umubano Family. Despite the split, both families continued to live peacefully in nearby territories, often crossing paths without aggression.

This story of division followed by coexistence inspired the group’s name, Umubano  “living together”  a symbol of harmony after change.

Meet Silverback Charles: The Confident Leader

Silverback Charles quickly proved himself to be a capable and confident leader. Known for his calm authority and intelligence, Charles is admired by guides and rangers for how well he manages his group.

Unlike some dominant males who rely heavily on displays of power, Charles shows leadership through protective care and smart decisions. He maintains order while allowing his group to stay relaxed and cohesive.

Visitors who meet the Umubano Family often notice Charles’s watchful but gentle nature. He allows his young ones to play freely, and he is often seen sitting proudly in the open, scanning the forest while his family feeds around him.

Composition of the Umubano Family

The Umubano Family is medium-sized, usually made up of about 12 members. This includes one dominant silverback (Charles), several adult females, blackbacks, juveniles, and infants.

The smaller size of the group creates a close-knit family atmosphere, where trekkers can easily observe individual interactions. Mothers can often be seen grooming their young, while playful juveniles roll in the grass or climb nearby trees.

This intimate group dynamic makes Umubano one of the most photogenic and engaging gorilla families to visit in Volcanoes National Park.

Trekking to See the Umubano Family

The Umubano Family is based in the lower slopes of Mount Bisoke, one of the most scenic trekking areas in Volcanoes National Park. The trails pass through thick vegetation, bamboo forests, and open clearings  creating an immersive wilderness experience.

The trek to see Umubano is usually moderate in difficulty, taking anywhere from one to three hours depending on the group’s movement. It’s a great choice for travelers who want a rewarding but not overly strenuous adventure.

When you finally reach them, the reward is breathtaking. You’ll often find the family feeding peacefully or resting in open spaces where sunlight filters through the mist. The calm atmosphere, combined with the beauty of their surroundings, creates an unforgettable encounter.

For photographers and nature lovers, the Umubano Family offers excellent visibility and natural light, perfect for capturing those once-in-a-lifetime gorilla moments.

What Makes the Umubano Family Special

Each gorilla family in Volcanoes National Park has its own charm, but the Umubano Family stands out for its story of resilience and coexistence.

Here’s why trekkers love this group:

• Rich History: Their origin from the Amahoro Family adds depth to their story.

• Peaceful Energy: Despite being a breakaway group, they are remarkably calm and composed.

• Beautiful Location: Their territory near Mount Bisoke offers scenic forest views.

• Great for Photography: The group’s small size and open feeding spots make viewing easy.

• Ideal for Families: Moderate trekking and gentle gorillas make them perfect for first-time visitors.

The Umubano Family perfectly represents the spirit of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas  adaptable, intelligent, and peacefully coexisting in a shared landscape.

Conservation and Community Connection

The success of the Umubano Family is tied closely to Rwanda’s strong conservation and community-based tourism model. Each visitor who buys a gorilla trekking permit directly supports the protection of these endangered species and helps local communities thrive.

A portion of every permit fee goes toward wildlife protection, park management, and community development projects such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. These efforts ensure that local people benefit from tourism, encouraging continued support for gorilla conservation.

Traford Safaris proudly works with local partners and park authorities to promote responsible gorilla trekking that benefits both wildlife and communities.

When you book a gorilla trekking package through Traford Safaris  whether in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park or Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest you’re helping preserve these magnificent animals for future generations.

Gorilla Trekking with Traford Safaris

A gorilla trekking adventure with Traford Safaris is more than just a wildlife encounter  it’s a journey into the heart of Africa’s most inspiring conservation story.

Our guided Rwanda gorilla trekking packages include:

• Trekking permits arranged in advance

• Comfortable lodges near Volcanoes National Park

• Experienced English-speaking guides

• Transfers from Kigali and back

• Optional cultural tours in Musanze or Iby’Iwacu village

You can also combine your Umubano trek with other experiences, such as a Kigali city tour, golden monkey tracking, or a Big Five safari in Akagera National Park.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a photographer, or part of a family group, Traford Safaris ensures a seamless experience filled with meaningful encounters and breathtaking moments.

Final Thoughts

The story of the Umubano Family reminds us that change doesn’t always lead to conflict sometimes, it creates new beginnings. From their split with the Amahoro Family to their peaceful life under Silverback Charles, Umubano’s journey is one of growth, harmony, and strength.

Trekking to meet them offers not just a glimpse into gorilla life, but also a deeper understanding of how these incredible creatures mirror our own capacity for cooperation and adaptation.

If you’re planning a Rwanda safari in 2026, let Traford Safaris guide you to this remarkable family  the breakaway group that lives together in peace.