Overview
The Nshongi family is one of the 10 habituated gorilla groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi forest impenetrable national park is one of the forests in the Southwestern part of Uganda. It is important to note that this is one of the few locations where one can find the endangered mountain gorillas. Actually, this national park is famous for being a home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Furthermore, you can find the Nshongi family in the Rushaga sector of the park.
A brief summary about mountain gorillas
Did you know that mountain gorillas share 98% DNA with human beings? Interestingly, people also call them the human cousins. This is after baboons and chimpanzees. Additionally, mountain gorillas are one of the world’s most intriguing creatures since an encounter with them is one of the best experiences ever! This is also because they behave and organize themselves like human beings.
The Nshongi gorilla group
Nshongi gorilla group takes on the name of a river in Rushaga sector where the group was first spotted. The word Nshongi is from the word ‘Omushongi Gwoboki’ a local word of Rukiga meaning ‘honey’. Furthermore, the word refers to the deep color of the ‘river’ which resembles that of ‘honey’. Additionally, the name was given to the leader who led the group by then, the silverback was ‘Nshongi’.
The group was opened in 2009, it had unique characters due to its large size. The group is consists of 36 members, it was one of the largest groups in Rushaga. Although it was the largest, the number of members in the group always keep changing according to the number of death, new members joining the group and old members living the group.
The group had three silver backs and seven black backs who lived in harmony with each other in the family, and they were no signs of fighting for power even though the silver backs were many.
The separation
Even Nshongi the dominant silverback was not the oldest silverback in the family, this showed the harmony in the group. However, in July 2010, the group splinted between two families, the Nshongi group remained with 26 members including 4 silver backs and the 10 members formed a family with Mishaya the silverback.
Everyday there are visitors to Uganda who trek the Nshongi gorilla group. Additionally, the area where the Nshongi gorilla group is a large area. Therefore, one might have a chance to see different primates, birds and butterflies which live in the rich thick rain forest of Bwindi Impenetrable national park.
The gorilla trekking experience
You can have a gorilla trekking safari in the Rushaga sector of the park with an intention to specifically find and interact with the Nshongi gorilla family. At Pamoja Tours and Travel, we offer amazing gorilla trekking safaris such as the following;
- 7 days Uganda Safari gorilla and chimpanzee trekking (https://africasafaritravellers.com/7-days-uganda-safari-gorilla-and-chimpanzee-trekking/)
- 18 days best of Uganda Gorilla and chimp trekking, birding and wildlife safari (https://africasafaritravellers.com/18-day-best-of-uganda-gorilla-chimp-trekking-birding-and-wildlife-safari/)
- 10 days Uganda Gorilla chimps and wildlife safari (https://africasafaritravellers.com/10-days-uganda-gorilla-chimps-wildlife/)
- 3 day Bwindi Gorilla Trekking flying in safari (https://africasafaritravellers.com/3-day-bwindi-gorilla-trekking-flying-in-safari/
Conclusion
At Pamoja Tours and Travel, we offers the best safari packages and ensure that our clients get a high quality memorable experience. Also, it is advisable to book a gorilla permit in advance to enjoy an amazing experience in the jungle as you interact with the Nshogi gorilla group.
