Nshongi Gorilla Family – The Biggest Gorilla Group in Bwindi
The Nshongi Gorilla Family is a group found in the Rushaga sector, located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. This group is named after the Nshongi River, near which this gorilla community was first sighted. The river’s color resembles that of honey, which in the Kigezi region is called “Omushongi Gwoboki” (the honey of bees) in the Rukiga dialect. This prompted the locals to name the river Nshongi, a title later adopted by conservationists to name the gorilla family.
The habituation of the Nshongi group began in 2007 and lasted for approximately two years. On September 26, 2009, the group was officially launched and opened for tourism. This family consists of 36 members, including silverbacks and blackbacks coexisting in harmony. It is one of the largest gorilla families in Bwindi National Park. In some gorilla groups, young and energetic silverbacks have been known to overthrow older leaders, as seen in the Rushegura and Kyaguriro groups. However, the Nshongi group remains an exception, as three silverbacks and seven blackbacks live together peacefully. Interestingly, the governing silverback, Nshongi, is not the eldest in the family, which reflects a strong sense of peace, acceptance, respect, and restraint among these endangered primates.
However, this peaceful coexistence should not be taken for granted. Busasi, a belligerent young blackback, may soon challenge for dominance. Additionally, the presence of the mature female Bwiruka adds to the group’s dynamics. She is Nshongi’s favorite but is rumored to have had undisclosed encounters with Bweza. We can only hope that peace continues to prevail in this large family, ensuring its stability and supporting gorilla tourism in the area.
Gorilla Trekking in Rushaga Sector
Gorilla trekking in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers an unforgettable wildlife experience, particularly for those interested in visiting the Nshongi Gorilla Family. Located in the southern part of the park, Rushaga is one of the best sectors for gorilla trekking due to its high concentration of habituated gorilla groups. The sector boasts stunning landscapes with dense forests, steep ridges, and beautiful streams, making the trek both adventurous and scenic.
The Nshongi Gorilla Family is one of the most fascinating groups in Rushaga. It was originally the largest habituated gorilla family in Bwindi, with over 30 members at the time of its habituation in 2009. However, due to natural splits, the group has reduced in size, but it still remains one of the most captivating to track. Named after the Nshongi River, which flows through their habitat, this family is known for its playful juveniles, protective silverbacks, and a strong social structure. Trekking to see the Nshongi family allows visitors to observe the gorillas’ daily behaviors, including feeding, grooming, and interactions among members.
Trekking to the Nshongi Gorilla Family begins early in the morning with a briefing at the Rushaga park headquarters, where visitors are assigned guides and given trekking guidelines. The trek can take anywhere from one to four hours, depending on the location of the gorillas on that particular day. The journey through the forest is both challenging and rewarding, with opportunities to spot other wildlife such as monkeys, birds, and forest elephants. Upon finding the gorilla family, trekkers are allowed one hour to observe and photograph these gentle giants from a safe distance, creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Overall, gorilla trekking in the Rushaga sector, particularly with the Nshongi Gorilla Family, is a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. The experience provides a deep appreciation of mountain gorillas in their natural habitat while also contributing to conservation efforts and supporting local communities through tourism revenue.