Nshongi Gorilla Family – The Largest Gorilla Group in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers travelers the rare opportunity to come face-to-face with one of nature’s most endangered and majestic species—the mountain gorilla. Among the various habituated gorilla families found in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Nshongi Gorilla Family stands out not only as one of the most famous groups but also as the largest ever habituated in Bwindi.

Origin and Name of the Nshongi Family

The Nshongi Gorilla Group is located in the Rushaga sector, situated in the southern section of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The group derives its name from the nearby Nshongi River, whose water is dark, resembling honey in color. In the local Rukiga dialect, honey is referred to as “Omushongi Gwoboki”, a phrase that influenced the naming of this river and later the gorilla family.

This family was first observed by researchers and trackers in 2007, and it underwent a successful two-year habituation process under the Uganda Wildlife Authority. On September 26, 2009, the group was officially opened to tourism. At that time, it was the largest known habituated gorilla family in Uganda, consisting of over 36 individuals.

Unique Social Structure and Behavior

The Nshongi family is celebrated for its peaceful social dynamics. Uncommonly, the group includes multiple silverbacks and blackbacks, mature males who typically challenge each other for dominance in most gorilla groups. In Nshongi, however, up to three silverbacks and seven blackbacks have coexisted with remarkable harmony for many years. The group was originally led by the silverback Nshongi, who was not even the oldest among the males, which demonstrates a culture of respect and tolerance uncommon in typical gorilla hierarchies.

Despite the long-standing peace, internal competition occasionally arises. A younger and ambitious blackback named Busasi has shown signs of future dominance struggles. Additionally, social bonds in the group are intricate—especially involving key females like Bwiruka, who is Nshongi’s favorite but may have formed hidden alliances with rival males like Bweza, leading to potential splits.

Over time, this large family has experienced fission events, which are common in large primate groups. Portions of the family split to form other groups, such as the Bweza and Mishaya families. Still, the Nshongi Group remains one of the most stable and captivating gorilla families to visit in Rushaga.

Gorilla Trekking in the Rushaga Sector

Why Rushaga is Ideal for Gorilla Tracking

Rushaga sector is one of the four sectors of Bwindi (others being Buhoma, Ruhija, and Nkuringo), and it boasts the highest number of habituated gorilla families. Located near towns like Kisoro and Kabale, Rushaga is easily accessible and features breathtaking landscapes including steep forested hills, mist-covered valleys, and abundant streams. This sector is also home to the Gorilla Habituation Experience, which allows tourists to spend four hours with semi-habituated gorillas.

With multiple groups like Nshongi, Bweza, Kahungye, Busingye, Mishaya, and Rwigi, Rushaga offers high chances of tracking success and is a perfect destination for both first-time and return visitors.

The Gorilla Trekking Experience with the Nshongi Family

Your trek to meet the Nshongi Gorilla Family starts early in the morning with a pre-trek briefing at Rushaga’s Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters. During the session, visitors are grouped (max 8 per gorilla family), assigned experienced guides, and briefed on rules and gorilla behavior.

The trek itself can take between 1 to 4 hours depending on the movement of the gorilla family, but the hike is richly rewarding. Along the way, you may encounter other wildlife including L’Hoest monkeys, colobus monkeys, forest elephants, and a wide variety of bird species, making it an enriching eco-adventure.

Once the gorillas are located, trekkers are allowed one hour in their presence. This is a magical moment—watching the gorillas feed, groom each other, care for infants, and display complex emotions. Cameras are allowed, though flash photography is prohibited.

Conservation and Community Impact

Trekking to see the Nshongi Gorilla Family isn’t just a thrilling experience, it’s also a conservation act. A significant portion of the proceeds from permits (currently $800 per person for foreign non-residents) supports mountain gorilla conservation efforts, forest protection, and community projects that benefit the surrounding populations. This creates a sustainable tourism model where both wildlife and local people thrive.

Why Visit the Nshongi Gorilla Family in Bwindi?

Track one of Bwindi’s most famous and historically largest gorilla families
Enjoy scenic, challenging, and rewarding hikes through the ancient rainforest
Witness mountain gorilla social behavior up-close in their natural habitat
Contribute to conservation and local community development
Explore the scenic beauty of Rushaga and its surroundings near Lake Mutanda and Mgahinga

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: June–September and December–February (dry seasons offer better trekking conditions).
Permits: Book well in advance through a trusted tour operator or Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Accommodation: Rushaga offers excellent lodges such as Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, and Four Gorillas Lodge.
Fitness Level: Moderate to high fitness is recommended due to the hilly terrain and forest density.

The Nshongi Gorilla Family is not just a group of primates—it is a living symbol of conservation success and one of the top gorilla trekking experiences in Uganda. Located in the stunning Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, visiting this group offers intimate encounters with mountain gorillas while supporting vital environmental and social causes. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, a conservationist, or a curious traveler, trekking with the Nshongi family will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.