Pablo Gorilla Family – The Pablo Gorilla family is found in Volcanoes National Park and is known as one of the largest gorilla groups.
The Pablo Gorilla family was named after the silverback gorilla Pablo, who was the leader for one year.
Afterward, the group was taken over by Cantsbee, who died in 2017. Currently, Gicurasi leads the group.
This gorilla family is found along the slopes of Mount Karisimbi, an extinct volcano that is the highest of the Virunga volcanoes.
The Pablo Gorilla family consists of 26 mountain gorillas. At one point, the family had the highest number of gorillas, which were 65, but some later moved to the nearby Susa gorilla family.
The Pablo Gorilla family has long been studied by the Dian Fossey Fund staff since 1976.
During Dian Fossey’s studies about gorillas, she dealt extensively with the Pablo family, particularly the silverback Pablo, and later wrote about it in her book “Gorillas in the Mist.”
Limitations
- Visitors who are sick are not allowed to trek because gorillas can easily catch diseases like the flu.
- Children below the age of 15 years are not allowed to trek.
Other Activities
- Community walks
- Hiking
- Nature walks
- Biking
Requirements
- Hiking boots
- Hiking gloves
- Waterproof jacket
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Hiking pants
Best Time to Trek
The best months to go for gorilla trekking are from June to September and December to February.
Price for Gorilla Trekking
The gorilla permit costs USD 1500.
All things considered, the Pablo Gorilla family is a large group, and trekking it is fun and rewarding.

