The Nshongi gorilla family is found in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
The Rushaga sector is known for having the highest number of mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
The Nshongi gorilla family was habituated in 2007 and opened for trekking in 2009.
The family derives its name from the Nshongi River, where its members were first spotted.
The name of this river comes from the local word Omushongi gwoboki, which means honey.
The Nshongi family was habituated with 32 individuals in 2007, making it the group that has ever registered the highest number of gorillas.
However, due to misunderstandings among the silverbacks, the group ended up separating.
In 2010, Mishaya, a silverback, separated from the group with some members, reducing the group to 26 members.
After Mishaya separated, he influenced other silverbacks to break away from the group, including Bweza, who left with some individuals, leaving the Nshongi family with 18 members.
Currently, the Nshongi family comprises 7 members.
Trekking the Nshongi Gorilla Family
Gorilla trekking starts very early in the morning at 7 a.m. at the park headquarters, where tourists are grouped into a group of 8 people.
A well-trained park ranger then leads tourists into the jungle to trek the mountain gorillas.
Only 8 gorilla permits are sold daily to trek the Nshongi gorilla family.
Cost of Nshongi Gorilla Permits
- USD 800 for foreign non-residents
- USD 700 for foreign residents
- UGX 300,000 for East African citizens
How to Access the Nshongi Gorilla Family
- By Road: Tourists can travel by road from Kampala or Entebbe via the Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale Highway and then head to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the Rushaga sector.
- By Air: Tourists can fly from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield and land at Kisoro Airstrip. They will then head to the Rushaga sector of Bwindi by car.
The best time to trek is during the dry season, although the family can also be visited throughout the year. The dry months are June to August and December to February.
The Nshongi gorilla family is a fascinating group with wonderful gorillas that are calm and peaceful towards tourists.
