Noheli Gorilla Family – The Noheli Gorilla Family was formed on November 7, 2021, after the breakup of three female gorillas from the Isimbi and Susa groups who joined the then lone silverback, Noheli, who became the dominant leader of the group.
Later on, one of the females and an infant joined, thus leading to the formation of the group. The Noheli Gorilla Family is found in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
Shortly after its formation, the family was attacked by another lone silverback, Matsiko, who had left the Igisha group on August 15, 2019, to be alone but later changed his mind, taking the family away from Noheli on November 18, 2023.
Matsiko took the adult females Umuco, Umwe, and Ruhuka with him, and they have stayed with him to date. On the other hand, Noheli has not been seen anywhere since then.
Currently, the Noheli Gorilla Family consists of 4 individuals: 1 silverback and 3 adult females.
Over the years, mountain gorillas have been an endangered species and are conserved under the International Gorilla Conservation Program (IGCP), which operates in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Costs of Gorilla Trekking for the Noheli Gorilla Family
Trekkers pay a sum of USD 1500, which should be made some months prior to the trekking.
Limitations to the Trekking
Children below the age of 15 cannot be given gorilla trekking permits.
Other Activities Carried Out Alongside the Noheli Gorilla Family Visit
- Gorilla trekking to other gorilla families
- Volcano hiking
- Biking
- Birding
Best Time to Do Gorilla Trekking
The best time to carry out gorilla trekking is any time of the year.
However, the dry season is preferentially better, which includes the months of June to September and December to February.
Requirements to Carry for the Trekking
- Cameras
- Boots
- Sunglasses
- Hats/caps
In a nutshell, the Noheli Gorilla Family is a new group formed in the Volcanoes National Park and could provide an excellent experience.

