The Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has the highest number of habituated mountain gorilla families. The sector is also one of the most beautiful areas of Bwindi National Park and is only a 5-6 hour drive from Kigali International Airport.
The renowned Nshongi mountain gorilla family was the largest habituated gorilla family in 2006, with 32 members. However, like other gorilla families, there were misunderstandings among the silverbacks, which led to the group separating. Habituation of the Nshongi gorilla family began in 2007, and it was opened for tourism in 2009.
The Nshongi mountain gorilla family gets its name from the Nshongi River, where they were first seen by rangers in Bwindi. The river’s name comes from the local word “Omushongi Gwoboki,” which means “honey,” as its deep color resembled honey. The group lives in a large forested area, giving visitors a chance to see other primates in the forest.
In 2010, the silverback Mishaya left the Nshongi family to form his own group, leaving 26 members in the original family. This opened the way for other silverbacks to leave, and in 2013, Bweza also broke away to start his own gorilla family, leaving the Nshongi group with 18 members. Today, the Nshongi gorilla family consists of only 7 individuals.
Splinters of the Nshongi Gorilla Family
- Mishaya Gorilla Family: Mishaya was one of the silverbacks who left the Nshongi mountain gorilla family to start his own group. He fought other gorilla groups and took females to add to his family. Mishaya was known for initiating fights with other gorilla families, which caused him several injuries and even led to the death of a 2-year-old infant at one time.
- In February 2014, Mishaya was found dead by trackers, and the cause of his death remains unknown.
- Bweza Gorilla Family: The Bweza mountain gorilla family split from the Nshongi family in August 2012 after Mishaya had already broken away. The group is led by Bweza, the only silverback in the family of 12 individuals.
