Nshongi Gorilla Family, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

The Nshongi Gorilla family is the largest ever habituated and they live in Rushagain in the south-western part of the Bwindi forest. The Nshongi Gorilla family, named after the Nshongi River that flows through their home, was launched for tourism at a lavish event in Uganda in September 2009. Key governmental and tourism representatives were present as well as three young Hollywood celebrities, who have joined the Friend a Gorilla campaign, an internet and Facebook promotion.

Apart from being the largest group available for viewing, the Nshongi family are unique in that they have three dominant silverbacks who live harmoniously together with their females and young ones. This behaviour has not been seen elsewhere in usually competitive Gorilla group dynamics.

There are now 6 Gorilla families in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda that have been habituated. Habituation is the process where Gorillas are taught to be tolerant of people and their presence, although they remain wild. Visitors can observe the Gorillas from close range, for a limited period, in small groups on a variety of Gorilla safaris.

The Mountain Gorilla is an endangered species with just over 700 left in the world. Around half of this number is found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda which has a healthy growing population living in an intact habitat. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can see Gorillas in four places in Bwindi and at one in Mgahinga National Park, Uganda.

A Gorilla tracking safari is a unique activity and a dream come true for many people. There are lots of tour options to choose from with lodge, hotel and tented accommodation – you can also stay in luxury accommodation in the heart of the forest. Visitors have to be physically fit to tackle a guided trek of this nature. The terrain is often extremely steep and wet with very dense vegetation. The Gorillas can travel great distances overnight and finding them could happen quickly or take most of the day.

Gorilla safaris are offered in Uganda, Rwanda and the DR Congo. The trans-boundary ecosystem between these countries is the home of these gentle giants. The main Gorilla national parks which border each other are Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda, Parc de Virunga in DR Congo and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Contact a Siyabona Africa Consultant for information and ideas for a Gorilla safari.