Nshongi is the pioneer gorilla group in the Rushaga sector in the southeast of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. For a long time, gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park was only conducted in the Buhoma sector, but the introduction of the Rushaga sector has refashioned gorilla expeditions in Uganda. This region has the most number of gorilla families, including Nshongi, Mishaya, Bweza, Busingye, and Kahungye.
Of all these, Nshongi family is the most popular, given the fact that it was the first to be habituated in this region. Its habituation began in 2007, and it was formally opened for tourism in September 2009 by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The name Nshongi was derived from River Nshongi, a predominant river where this family was first spotted.
Nshongi, or “Omushongi Gw’obwoki,” translates to “honey” in the local Kiga language, referring to the deep brown color of the river. Since the launch of the Nshongi family, it became famous and unique due to its huge numbers. At the time, it was the largest gorilla family in Uganda, with up to 36 members. It also had up to three silverbacks, all living in harmony, something that had never happened before. It became more famous given that even the dominant silverback, Nshongi, was not the oldest.
Nshongi maintained its numbers for more than a year, and in July 2010, one of the silverbacks, Mishaya, left to form his own family. Mishaya went with 10 members to form the Mishaya gorilla family, leaving Nshongi with only 26 individuals, including four silverbacks.
In 2012, Nshongi further split, and the Bweza family was formed under the leadership of silverback Bweza. The group was confirmed in 2013. Nshongi is composed of several members, including Nshongi (dominant silverback), silverback Katono, Tinfayo, Bwire, Munywa, Matama, Kutu, and Busasa. Adult females include Bukojo, Munini, Shida, and Nyampundu. Ruhereruka, Mureba, Mucunguzi, Tindatiine, and Mahoro are juveniles, while Ninsiima, Katoono, Kazni, Mukiza, Bwiruka, and Rotary are some of the infants in the family.
Trekking Nshongi Gorilla Family
Trekking the Nshongi family begins close to the Rushaga sector trailhead and is one of the easiest to track, though sometimes it can be really hard depending on the weather, forest conditions, and more.
The trekking time ranges between 2 to 8 hours, and a gorilla permit to track the Nshongi family costs $600 per person (non-residents), $500 (foreign residents), and 250,000 UGX for East African nationals.
Travelers are reminded that although any time is good for gorilla trekking in Uganda, the most recommended period is during the dry season, in the months of June to September and mid-December to February.
