Nshongi Gorilla group in Rushaga

The Nshongi Gorilla Group is one of the habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is located in the Rushaga region of Uganda.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is renowned for its population of mountain gorillas, and it’s one of the best places in the world to go gorilla trekking.

The Nshongi Gorilla Group is named after the Nshongi River, and it was once the largest habituated gorilla group in Bwindi, with a large number of individuals.

However, the group’s size can change over time due to births, deaths, and group dynamics, so it’s a good idea to check the most recent information with the park authorities or a tour operator when planning a visit.

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, including the Rushaga region where the Nshongi Group is located, offers a unique opportunity to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. It’s a conservation success story as well as a thrilling wildlife experience, and it contributes to the protection of these endangered animals.

Nshongi is the biggest habituated group in the Rushaga sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Found in the southern part of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park in Rushaga region, Nshongi gorilla family members include Silver-back Nshongi (leader), Silver-back Kakono, Kutu, Tinfayo, Munywa, Bwire, Busasa, Matama, and Bweza all are blackbacks, Shida, Bukojo, Nyampundu, and Munini all are adult females, Mucunguzi, Rurehuka, Mureba, Mahoro, and Tindatine all are juveniles, Ninsiima, Mukiza, Katoono, Kazani, Rotary and Bwiruka all are infants in the family.

The group was named after River Nshongi which flows within the area where they were first sighted. The word Nshongi was derived from the local name of honey “Omushongi Gwoboki”. The river has a honey-like color and was therefore named River Nshongi.

The habituation process of the Nshongi gorilla family started in 2007 and was later launched for tourists to track on 26th/ September 2009 with a lot of fun fare, celebrities attended the ceremony which led to the formation of the “Friend a Gorilla” program.

Nshongi- Gorilla Trekking Uganda

But however, some wrangles emerged in the family which led 10 members to part away from the group with the leadership of Silver-back Mishaya leaving the group with only 25 members.

After continuous wrangles within the group, the Nshongi gorilla family group further split in 2012 with the formation of a new group in the Bwindi jungles known as the “Bweza gorilla family.

The numbers in these Gorilla families keep changing time after time due to some factors and some of these include; death of members, new members joining the group, old members leaving the group, and many other factors. 

Gorilla tracking permits go for as low as $700 USD for the foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents, and Ugandan shillings 250,000/= for the East African Community residents. 

These tracking permits need to be booked earlier enough with a trusted tour operator “Jewel safaris”.

Rushaga region gorilla families.

Locally meaning honey. When going to track this gorilla group, expect experiences and memories as so sweet as honey. The once so vast Nshongi gorilla family by the time of its launch for tracking in 26/09/2009 comprised 35 members in the group.

But however, some wrangles emerged in the family which led 10 members to part away from the family with the leadership of Silver-back Mishaya leaving the group with only 25 members.

This gorilla group got its name from the river called River Nshongi which flows around their natural habitat. The river had a deep colour that looks like honey.

It’s this colour the locals based on locally the honey is called Omushongi Gwoboki and thus river being called Nshongi which the gorilla family group also got its name from Nshongi.

The habituation process of the Nshongi gorilla family started in 2007 and was later launched for tourists to track on 26th/ September 2009 with a lot of fun fare and a lot of celebrities attended the ceremony which led to the formation of the “Friend a Gorilla” program at that same time.

Found in the southern part of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park in Rushaga region, Nshongi gorilla family members include Silver-back Nshongi (leader), Silver-back Kakono, Kutu, Tinfayo, Munywa, Bwire, Busasa, Matama, and Bweza all are blackbacks, Shida, Bukojo, Nyampundu, and Munini all are adult females, Mucunguzi, Rurehuka, Mureba, Mahoro, and Tindatine all are juveniles, Ninsiima, Mukiza, Katoono, Kazani, Rotary and Bwiruka all are infants in the family.

After continuous wrangles and other discomfort causing factors to several family group members, the Nshongi gorilla family group further split in 2012 with the formation of a new group in the Bwindi jungles known as “Bweza gorilla family.

Please note that rules and regulations regarding gorilla trekking and the number of visitors allowed to visit a gorilla group can change, so it’s essential to check the latest information and obtain the necessary permits before planning your trip.

Additionally, gorilla trekking is a sensitive activity aimed at minimizing human impact on the gorillas and their habitat, so it’s important to follow all guidelines and instructions provided by the park authorities and your tour guides to ensure a safe and respectful experience for both visitors and gorillas.

The Nshongi Gorilla Group is located in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into several sectors, and each sector is home to different gorilla groups available for gorilla trekking.

Rushaga is one of the sectors in Bwindi National Park, and it’s known for having multiple gorilla groups, including the Nshongi Group. The location of the Nshongi Gorilla Group within the Rushaga sector may vary, as gorilla groups move within their home ranges in the forest, and their specific location on a given day may change.

The park authorities and tour operators keep track of the gorilla groups’ movements and will guide visitors to the area where the Nshongi Group is currently residing on the day of their trek.

If you plan to visit the Nshongi Gorilla Group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it’s essential to obtain the necessary permits and coordinate with the park authorities and tour operators who can provide you with up-to-date information on the group’s location, trekking logistics, and guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful gorilla trekking experience.