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Choosing a gorilla family group to trek
When it comes to gorilla trekking, many tourists want to have the best possible experience and often ask which gorilla family group is the easiest to trek. Both Rwanda and Uganda offer gorilla trekking experiences, with permit prices of USD1500 per person per trek in Rwanda and USD800 per person per trek in Uganda. While the permit price may be a consideration for some, many tourists are more interested in finding the easiest gorilla family group to trek in order to fully enjoy their experience.
Gorilla trekking is typically organized in small groups of eight people, with each group allocated to a specific gorilla family for the duration of the trek. While travelers may have a preference for a particular gorilla family, the allocation of groups is ultimately determined by the management of the national park. This is done in consideration of various factors, such as the size and strength of the gorilla group and the abilities of the travelers. Therefore, while travelers can express their preference for a particular gorilla family, the final allocation is ultimately at the discretion of the national park management.
The Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda is home to several habituated mountain gorilla families, which are divided among four sectors: Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, Rushaga in the south, and Nkuringo in the south. Each day, travelers are allocated to a specific gorilla family during the pre-trekking briefing, during which they are also provided with information on the dos and don’ts while in the forest. This allocation process ensures that the gorilla families are visited in a sustainable and responsible manner, while also providing an opportunity for travelers to have a unique and memorable experience.
Why are mountain gorilla groups allocated on the actual day of trekking?
Mountain gorillas are known for their unpredictable movements, which can make it difficult to determine where they will be on any given day. As a result, gorilla families are typically allocated on the day of the trek itself. To make this allocation, park rangers and trackers will follow the gorillas into the jungle at the end of each day to determine where they will sleep and then check on them early the next morning. This information is then communicated to park headquarters, which uses it to determine which gorilla family each group of trekkers will visit based on factors such as the trekkers’ physical fitness and the location of the gorilla family. Some of the things to consider when choosing a gorilla family to trek include the difficulty of the trek, the size of the group, and the age and experience of the trekkers.
Location of Mountain Gorillas
It is important to be aware of the location of the gorilla family you wish to trek, as there are differences between the gorilla families found in Uganda and those found in Rwanda. If you are planning to trek in Uganda, it is helpful to familiarize yourself with which gorilla families can be found in each sector of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, such as Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, Rushaga in the south, and Nkuringo in the south. By understanding the location of the gorilla family you are interested in trekking, you can better plan your trip and ensure that you have a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
Accommodation
When planning a gorilla trek, it is helpful to choose a gorilla family group that is located near your accommodation. This can save you time and energy by reducing the distance you need to travel to the starting point of the trek. If you are trekking gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, it is important to consider the location of your lodge or hotel when booking your gorilla permit. Each sector of the park offers a range of accommodation options, including luxury, mid-range, and budget facilities, to suit the needs of different travelers. While it is possible to stay in one sector and trek in another, this can be quite hectic and may not provide the best experience. To avoid long hours of driving and to ensure a more enjoyable trek, it is advisable to choose a gorilla family group that is located close to your accommodation.
Your fitness and endurance levels
When allocating a gorilla family group for trekking, the physical fitness of the travelers is taken into consideration. It is important for travelers to disclose their fitness level to their guide or park ranger so that they can be allocated a gorilla family that is appropriate for their abilities. Mountain gorilla treks are rated as short, medium, or tough based on the difficulty of finding the gorillas. Some gorilla groups are located in more easily accessible areas and can be found relatively quickly, while others are located in higher altitude areas that may require a more strenuous hike to reach. Travelers who are physically unfit may be allocated to short treks, while those who are physically fit may be given the opportunity to trek to more distant locations. It is important for travelers to be honest about their physical abilities in order to have the best possible experience, as failure to disclose this information may result in an inappropriate allocation that could be difficult or even impossible to complete. Additionally, seniors may be given the opportunity to trek to easier locations, while young, physically fit travelers may be given the chance to hike to higher altitudes.
Gorilla permit availability
When planning a gorilla trek, it is important to consider the availability of gorilla permits for the gorilla family you wish to visit. A gorilla permit is a pass that allows you to see mountain gorillas and spend time with them in their natural habitat. Each gorilla family has a limited number of permits available each day, typically eight, and once these permits are booked, it is not possible to trek that particular family. Therefore, it is important to check on the availability of permits and choose a gorilla family based on this information. The cost of gorilla permits varies by country, with permits costing USD1500 in Rwanda and USD800 in Uganda.
Gorilla trekking is a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience that offers the opportunity to come face to face with these magnificent animals. By choosing a gorilla family group that is of your preference, you can ensure that you have the best possible trekking experience. For those interested in booking a gorilla safari in Uganda or Rwanda, Trek Africa Expeditions offers a range of options to suit different needs and budgets.
