Group Name: Nshongi Gorilla Family
Leader of the group: Bweza Silverback
Group Number: 7 (June 2016)
Location: Rushaga Area in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Neighbours: Bweza, Kahungye, Busingye, Bukingyi Gorilla Group.
Like Bitukura family, Shongi gorilla group habituation started in 2006. Initially, this family’s size was as large as 32 members with multi-males. With time intra-male rivalry has caused dispersals of individual members as well as fission. In early 2013, two sections of the family members split off the main Shongi group to form the Mishaya family in June 2010 later again to the current ‘Bweza’ family.
Unfortunately, Mishaya Silverback (who had solely led the first splinter section as an adult male died of an obstruction of the intestinal gut on 3rd February, 2014). This However resulted into dispersal of the remnant family members as they had NO other adult male to take lead.
In addition, Some of the members ended up joining Bweza family while others joined Bikingi family. Today Shongi group is composed of 7 individuals; 1 silverback, 3 adult females, 1 sub-adult, 1 juvenile and 1 infant. Shongi family is therefore headed by Bweza and found in Rushaga tourism sector of Bwindi Impenetrable national park.
Nshongi gorilla group is named after the Nshongi River where the family were first discovered some years back in Bwindi Impenetrable forest. Today, the area where Nshongi gorilla family is usually found, is a large forested area where you can also see other primates, birds, butterflies and the rich, thick rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda.
Here is what you need to know about Nshongi Gorilla Group;
Location: Rushaga tourism sector of Bwindi Impenetrable national park.
Difficulty level: The trek can vary in difficulty, but its generally considered easy group to trek. It’s noted that the group’s location can change affecting the expected trekking duration.
Trek Duration: The time to spend tracking gorillas can range from 3 hours to over 5 hours, depending on the group’s location and movement.
Age Limit: Vistors must be 15 years old minimum.
Visitor Group size: Limited to 8 visitors per day.
Why choose Nshongi gorilla group?
- Habituation: Nshongi group members was one of the first gorillas to be habituated in Rushaga sector, also this make them more comfortable with human presense.
- Accessibility: The group is located in Rushaga sector, which is easily accessible from Kisoro and offers various accommodation options.
- Experience: Trekking the Nshongi group provides a unique opportunity to observe these magnificient creatures in their natural habitat.
Booking Tips and Recommendation.
Book in advance: Secure your permit well in advance to ensure availability, book permits atleast 3-6 months in advance, depending on the season.
Physical condition: Be prepared for a portantially challanging hike and consider you physical condition before booking.
Guided Tour: Join a guided tour to ensure a safe and successful trekking experience.
Overall, the Nshogi gorilla group offers a rewarding trekking experience for those willing to put in effort.
How to book a gorilla permit? You can book through a registered tour operator in Uganda who will liase with Uganda Wildlife Authority reservation office to get you a permit.
Early booking are advised, especially during peak season (June to August and December to February)
What to Expect:
- A gorilla hike through the dense forest to track the gorillas.
- Observation and learning about gorilla behavior and social structures.
- Great opportunities for close photography and interaction with the guide.
- A certificate will be awarded upon completion of the trekking experience.
Lastly, If you are interested in combining this experience with other tour activities, consider 7 Days Gorilla gorilla Trek africa Safari or just take a 3 Days Uganda gorilla Safari to Bwindi forest.
