Nshongi Gorilla family

Nshongi Gorilla Family is the largest group in Rushaga sector to be visited by Tourists, it was launched in 2009 with the biggest habituation group, it was named after River Nshongi where it was first sighted, the word ‘Nshongi’ was derived from a local word ‘Omushongi Gwobuki’ meaning honey and referred to the deep brownish color of the water in the river.

The family was led by Nhsongi the silverback with 36 members who were visited daily but later on division occurred in 2010 when Mishaya broke off with 10 members to form his own after two years later in 2010 Bweza the silverback also broke off with some members to form his own ,the family was left with only 26 members.