The Nshongi gorilla group was the first family habituated in the Rushaga sector, in the southeastern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Before Rushaga opened, gorilla trekking in Bwindi was limited to the Buhoma sector, and Nshongi’s habituation helped establish Rushaga as a major trekking region in its own right, now home to the highest concentration of gorilla families in the park, including Nshongi, Mishaya, Bweza, Busingye, and Kahungye.
History and Naming
Habituation of the Nshongi family began in 2007, and the group formally opened to tourists in September 2009. The name comes from the nearby Nshongi River, where the family was first sighted. “Nshongi,” or “Omushongi Gw’obwoki” in the local Kiga language, translates to “honey,” a reference to the river’s deep brown color.
A Record-Breaking Family
At the time of its launch, Nshongi was Uganda’s largest gorilla family, with up to 36 members and three silverbacks living together peacefully, an unusual arrangement at the time. It was also notable for having a dominant silverback, Nshongi, who wasn’t actually the oldest member of the group.
The family held its size for more than a year before silverback Mishaya left in July 2010 with 10 members to form his own family, reducing Nshongi to 26 individuals across four silverbacks. In 2012, the family split again, with silverback Bweza leading a group away to form the Bweza family, officially confirmed in 2013.
Family Structure Today
Current members include dominant silverback Nshongi, silverback Katono, and blackbacks Tinfayo, Bwire, Munywa, Matama, Kutu, and Busasa. Adult females include Bukojo, Munini, Shida, and Nyampundu. Juveniles include Ruhereruka, Mureba, Mucunguzi, Tindatiine, and Mahoro, with infants including Ninsiima, Katoono, Kazni, Mukiza, Bwiruka, and Rotary.
Trekking the Nshongi Family
Trekking Nshongi typically begins near the Rushaga sector trailhead. It’s generally considered one of the easier treks in the sector, though conditions can shift depending on weather and terrain, with trekking time ranging from 2 to 8 hours. A standard Uganda gorilla trekking permit costs $800 per person, the same rate that applies across all of Bwindi’s sectors, with discounted rates available for East African citizens and foreign residents with valid work permits.
While gorilla trekking in Uganda is possible year-round, the dry season, from June to September and mid-December to February, generally offers the best trekking conditions.
Book Your Nshongi Gorilla Trekking Permit
With a history of record-setting size and two significant family splits, Nshongi remains one of Rushaga’s most storied gorilla families to trek. Book your gorilla trekking permit with our team today, and we’ll help you plan the trek alongside the rest of your Bwindi itinerary.
