The Sabyinyo Family: Home to Rwanda’s Largest Silverback

When it comes to gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, few experiences are as unforgettable as meeting the Sabyinyo Family. This group is famous not only for being one of the easiest to reach but also for being home to Guhonda, Rwanda’s largest and one of the most impressive silverbacks.

With Traford Safaris, you can get up close to this extraordinary gorilla family and witness the incredible strength, leadership, and harmony that define one of the park’s most iconic groups.

Meet the Sabyinyo Family

The Sabyinyo family takes its name from Mount Sabyinyo, one of the volcanic peaks that form part of the Virunga Massif on the border between Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The word Sabyinyo means “old man’s teeth” in Kinyarwanda a name inspired by the mountain’s jagged peaks.

This gorilla group is relatively small, typically consisting of 8 to 12 individuals, but what they lack in numbers, they make up for in charisma and personality. The family is led by the legendary Guhonda, the largest silverback in Volcanoes National Park, who weighs an estimated 220 kilograms. His sheer size and presence command instant respect among visitors and other gorillas alike.

Guhonda: The Mighty Silverback of Volcanoes National Park

Guhonda has led the Sabyinyo family for decades, earning a reputation as a powerful yet composed leader. His massive build, broad chest, and calm authority make him a true symbol of the mountain gorillas’ strength and dignity.

He has successfully maintained his group’s stability, keeping rivals like Ryango  a former male of the group  at bay. Under his watch, the Sabyinyo family has flourished and remained one of the most stable and accessible groups in Rwanda.

Visitors often find themselves captivated by Guhonda’s quiet dominance. Watching him gently guide his family or rest under a forest canopy is a humbling experience that captures the essence of gorilla life  strength balanced with serenity.

Guhonda the Mighty Silver back Gorilla

Where to Find the Sabyinyo Family

The Sabyinyo group’s territory lies close to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi, making it one of the most accessible gorilla families to visit. Treks to see this group usually take between one and two hours, depending on their movement.

Because of this short trekking distance, the Sabyinyo family is often recommended for:

• Senior travelers

• Families with older children

• Visitors looking for a less physically demanding trek

The trails lead through lush bamboo forests, offering scenic views and excellent birdwatching opportunities before you finally come face-to-face with these magnificent gorillas.

The Personality of the Sabyinyo Family

Despite being led by a dominant silverback, the Sabyinyo family is known for its calm and relaxed temperament. Visitors often describe their time with the group as peaceful and emotionally grounding.

You might observe:

• Guhonda sitting regally as the younger gorillas play nearby.

• Adult females grooming one another and caring for infants.

• Juveniles swinging from vines or tumbling through the undergrowth.

This natural behavior, combined with the group’s accessibility, makes the Sabyinyo family a favorite among trekkers, photographers, and first-time visitors.

Gorilla Trekking with Traford Safaris

When you book a gorilla trekking adventure with Traford Safaris Ltd, we make it effortless to experience the Sabyinyo family. Our guided treks include all logistics  from permit processing to accommodation and transportation  ensuring your experience is seamless and memorable.

Your day begins early at the Kinigi Park Headquarters with a detailed briefing by park rangers. After that, you’ll be assigned to the Sabyinyo group based on your fitness level and interest. Then, with the guidance of expert trackers, you’ll trek through the forest until the moment you meet the family.

Once the gorillas are located, you’ll spend one magical hour observing them capturing photos, listening to their gentle grunts, and experiencing the profound connection between humans and these great apes.

How to Book Gorilla Permits with Traford Safaris

To visit the Sabyinyo family, every visitor needs a Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Permit, issued by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB)Traford Safaris handles the entire process for you.

Each permit costs USD 1,500 per person per trek and directly contributes to gorilla conservation and community development. When you book through Traford Safaris, you not only secure your permit but also benefit from:

• Comfortable 4×4 safari vehicle transfers

• Expert driver-guides

• Accommodation near Volcanoes National Park

• Optional add-on tours such as the Golden Monkey Trek or Kigali City Tour

By booking with us, you support sustainable tourism that helps protect the gorillas and their fragile habitats.

Best Time to Visit the Sabyinyo Family

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is available year-round, but the best seasons for the Sabyinyo trek are the dry months:

• June to September

• December to February

These months offer easier trekking conditions, clearer photography, and more comfortable forest trails. However, even during the wetter months, sightings are guaranteed since rangers track the gorillas daily.

Safari Packages Featuring the Sabyinyo Family

Traford Safaris offers tailor-made packages that include trekking with the Sabyinyo gorillas:

• 3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari – Perfect for a short, focused adventure to meet the Sabyinyo family.

• 5-Day Rwanda Primates & Cultural Tour – Combine gorillas with golden monkeys and a Kigali city experience.

• 7-Day Rwanda & Uganda Gorilla Safari – Track gorillas in both Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Each package is designed to deliver the ultimate blend of adventure, comfort, and conservation awareness.

Conservation and Legacy

The Sabyinyo family’s success story is a powerful testament to Rwanda’s conservation efforts. Once endangered, mountain gorillas are now steadily increasing in number thanks to strict protection, tourism revenue, and community involvement.

Every visitor who treks with Traford Safaris contributes directly to this ongoing success  helping preserve families like Sabyinyo for future generations.

Guhonda, now an elder statesman among silverbacks, continues to symbolize the resilience and majesty of his species. His story reminds us that true power lies not in aggression, but in harmony with nature.

Book Your Sabyinyo Trek with Traford Safaris

Are you ready to meet Rwanda’s largest silverback and his remarkable family?
With Traford Safaris Ltd, your gorilla trekking adventure is more than just a trip  it’s a journey into the heart of Africa’s wild beauty and conservation success.

We handle your permits, accommodations, and transfers, leaving you free to immerse yourself in the unforgettable experience of meeting Guhonda and the Sabyinyo Family.

Book your Rwanda gorilla trekking safari today and take the first step toward a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with nature’s gentle giants.