Nshongi gorilla family in Bwindi : Nshongi gorilla family is famously known as the largest gorilla group and considered to be among the 10 habituated gorilla groups that are found in Bwindi Impenetrable national park which is commonly visited because it is ranked to be the best destination in Uganda where tourists can travel too while planning to travel to Uganda on their Gorilla trekking safaris because it is a home to over 400 endangered mountain gorilla species. This National park is located in Kanungu district within the Southwestern region of Uganda and it was established as a national park in 1994, which was named after a UNESCO World Heritage. More so, this national park is considered to be among the smallest game parks in the country because it covers a total surface area of about 321 square kilometers. In addition, this national park shares boarders with other countries like; the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.
Nshongi Gorilla family can be easily trekked within the Rushaga sector, which is situated in the Southern part of the park. more so, exploring within this sector to trek the Nshongi gorilla family also gives tourists opportunities to sight see other gorilla groups like; Bweza, Kahugye and Busingye. Nshongi Gorilla family was officially published as a gorilla family in 2009 and it is considered as the largest gorilla group because it has around 36 habituated mountain gorilla species, which are always available to be trekked by tourists. In addition, the unique and interesting thing about this gorilla group is that its species are also noticed to be large. More so, it was led by a gorilla silverback named as Nshongi who was well known for leading the members well and taught them to live in great harmony and this group has more three silverbacks and around seven black who lived together happily as a family in peace whereby they would not ever fight against each other.
Tourists exploring in Bwindi Impenetrable National park with a main purpose of trekking the Nshongi Gorilla group/family are also blessed with chances to sight see other wildlife species as they move around the park due to fact it is a home to over 120 mammal species such as; elephants, giant forest hogs, golden cats, buffalos, bush pigs, duikers, numerous bats, civet, chimpanzees, baboons and other primate species like; white and black colobus monkeys among other, 400 plant species, 220 butterflies, 100 species of ferns, and it also harbours 348 bird species that bird lovers can sight see such as; regal sunbird, African emerald cuckoo, giant kingfisher, yellow-ramped tinker bird, black-billed turaco, black bee-eater, dusky twin-spot, handsome spur fowl, mountain yellow warbler, red-headed bluebill, African green pigeon and many others which are best spotted within the Munyanga river trail, bamboo trail which is found in Ruhija sector, Mubwindi swamp trail and River Ivi trail.
Nshongi gorilla group is known to have derived its name due to its strategic location because it situated near the river where the first gorilla group of mountain gorilla species was spotted. More so, the name of the Gorilla group was given by Nshongi the silverback dominant and later in 2010, Nshongi gorilla group was separated into families that only remained with 26 members and this Gorilla group refers to the deep colour of the river due to the fact that the colour of the waters resembles honey and its name is Omushongi Gwoboki which is a rukiga word which means honey. More so, for tourists exploring within Rushaga sector to can be blessed with great opportunities to engage in many interesting activities like; gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation which they always combinewith more things to do like; guided nature walks where they are always accompanied with park guides whose role is to lead them through and ensure their safety, bird watching, wildlife viewing, cultural encounters where they get to interact with the Batwa people and learn more about their history and their way of lifestyle and watch their exciting traditional dance performances and observe how they prepare their local meals.
However, tourists planning to travel to Bwindi Impenetrable national park are always encouraged to purchase their gorilla trekking permits in advance in order to avoid any inconveniences and these permits are always charged at a cost of about 700 USD per person. And it is best to trek the Nshongo Gorilla family in the dry season which is between months of; June to September and from mid-December to February when their happens to be less rains which help you continue with your day as you had planned.
Contact our trusted tour operators in case of more information and inquiries about the Nshongi Gorilla family and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Achieve Global safaris who offer you with the best tour packages while on your Gorilla trekking safari in Bwindi Impenetrable National park.
