Nshongi Gorilla Family
Nshongi gorilla group is one of the habituated gorilla families in Rushaga sector south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The gorilla family is named after Nshongi River where it lives. Nshongi is got from a local word “Omushongi Gwobwoki ” which translates as honey. The waters of river Nshongi have a deep color similar to that of honey, the reason behind the name “Nshongi” or “Honey”. Nshongi is one of the most visited gorilla families in the Rushaga sector and the whole of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The gorilla family was habituated in 2007 and opened for trekking in 2009. In the early days of its formation, Nshongi gorilla family had over 35 members and was considered of the biggest gorilla families in Bwindi Forest. However as time went on, Nshongi group lost some of its members to wrangles and fights with another wild gorilla group who take away some members hence reducing the size of the group. The gorilla family is led by Nshongi, the dominant silverback who has seen this group survive up to the present.
Members of Nshongi gorilla family
Apparently. Nshongi gorilla group comprises of 25 members, which involve the silverbacks, adult females, juveniles, blackbucks and infants. The family members of the Nshongi group include:
• Nshongi
• Kakono
• Kutu
• Tinfayo
• Munini
• Munywa
• Busasa
• Bwire
• Bweza
• Mucunguzi
• Mahoro
• Rurehuka
• Mureba
• Tindatine
• Mukiza
• Ninsima
• Kazana
• Katoono
• Nyampundu
• Shida
• Bukojo
• Bwiruka
Each member was named depending on where it was born from, the then situation and who named it. Also, each family member plays a different role. The silverback guards and leads the family, adult females, nurse babies, while juveniles play continuously to keep the family life and entertaining.
In 2012, Bweza silverback rebelled against his father “Nshongi” and split o form a different gorilla family. Bweza gorilla family was confirmed an independent gorilla group in 2013 adding on the number of habituated gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park.
How best to trek Nshongi Gorilla family
Nshongi gorilla group is easily trekked from Kisoro. If you are doing the Kigali to Bwindi gorilla trekking, Cyanika border is the easiest entry point to trek Nshongi gorilla family in the Rushaga sector. Gorilla trekking starts with an assembly at Rushaga park headquarters at 7:00 am for registration and briefing. Trekking starts at 8:00 am lasting for between 30 minutes to several hours depending on where gorillas will be located that day.
How many people trek Nshongi family?
Each day, Nshongi gorilla family is visited by a group of eight people for an hour. The issuing of gorilla permits in Nshongi gorilla group is on the first come first serve basis. Each day, 8 gorilla permits are available to trek Nshongi gorilla family. A gorilla permit in Uganda costs $700 for foreign residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents.
Other gorilla groups in Rushaga sector
Besides Nshongi, Rushaga sector is home to other gorilla families which include Kahungye, Mishaya, Bweza, and Busingye. More so, Rushaga sector is a center of gorilla habituation experience and two gorilla families namely Bushaho and Bikyingi are currently undergoing training. The two families will be opened for trekking soon hence increasing on the number of habituated gorilla families in the Rushaga sector and Bwindi Forest as a whole.
What to wear when trekking the Nshongi gorilla family?
Like in other gorilla families, you sought to dress right when visiting Nshongi gorilla group. The right attire for trekking Nshongi family includes hiking boots/shoes, rain jacket, long pants, long-sleeved shirts/blouses, sunglasses, hat, and gardening gloves among others. a walking stick and porter are very helpful. Also, remember to carry enough drinking water and energy-giving snacks.
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