How are gorilla groups allocated ? The allocation of gorilla groups is done at the field level and by the park management. Initially when gorilla trekking was just getting popular, gorilla groups in Uganda were allocated months in advance on a first come first serve basis. A traveller would read information about the different gorilla families and decide that they wanted a specific one. They would come to the park knowing exactly which group they would be tracking. Uganda realized that it was not practical because some gorilla groups were more popular and visited than other. Gorilla families with no Silverback, no young ones received fewer visitors. Permits for the Rushegura group in Uganda sold like hot cake because of their proximity to the starting point while Mubare was generally avoided.
Uganda decided borrow a leaf from Rwanda and decided that gorilla groups would be allocated on the day of the trek and in the park. Gorilla permits would no longer have names of the gorilla groups but only sectors. It would then be the responsibility of the park officials to allocate the groups based on the following:
Level of fitness
Mountain gorillas live in forests and sometimes areas of high altitude. To get to some of the gorilla groups, one has to trek through difficult terrain consisting of thick vegetation, hills and valleys. To make matters worse, some gorilla groups live far away from the starting point. Gorilla groups are therefore allocated based on the overall fitness of the travelers. Travelers who are not very fit will be assigned nearby gorilla groups. The park officials do not have a fitness test and use looks to decide who should get the easier trek. It is therefore important to let the park officials know your fitness concerns if you want an easier trek. If you consider yourself fit and want a group that is more challenging, you need to let the officials know. If you are a senior or disabled, you can be provided with a Sedan chairs and a group of porters.
Age of Travelers
This is related to level of fitness. Age is one of the factors considered when allocating gorilla families to travelers. The park officials will try to estimate the age of travelers by appearance or using information on the passports. Age is not a good indicator of overall ability to complete a hike. It is possible for someone who is 60 years old to be fitter than a 23-year-old. If you are over 60 and feel that you are fit enough for a tougher hike, you should let the park officials know. The same goes for those who are young but are unfit. Younger traveler (below 19) are usually given easy or medium treks because they tend to be less focused and mentally prepared for the activity. They may have just come to give mum and dad company.
Gorilla permits and sector of the park
A gorilla permit is the document that allows one join a group to track a particular gorilla group. This document will be asked on the day of tracking. In Uganda, the gorilla permit you have will determine the gorilla group you are allocated. Gorilla permits in Uganda have the sector of the park indicated on them. If you acquire a permit for say Rushaga sector, then you can only be assigned a gorilla group in the Rushaga sector.
The preference of the traveller
The preference of the traveller is still taken into consideration when assigning gorilla families. It is important to let your tour company know that you are targeting a specific sector or have a gorilla group in mind. This will allow the tour company plan accordingly. Some tour companies are influential and can get you the group you are looking for. They can also get you the permits even when everyone is claiming they are over.
Season of the year
During the peak season, gorilla permits are very difficult to find. Getting your favorite gorilla group may be very difficult. You have to be very lucky to get your favorite family. However, during the low season, your chances of tracking your favorite groups is high. There are fewer tourists and park officials are more open to discussion.
Number of times you have already tracked
If you have already tracked a particular family a day before – what we call double gorilla trekking, the park officials will have no choice but assign you the gorilla group of your choice. This factor is very important if you want to see or film a particular gorilla group. By tracking more than once, you have a very good chance of determining your next family because you would have created rapport with the ranger. If you gave some tip to the rangers on your first trek, your bargaining power becomes unbeatable.
Note: If you are tracking the gorillas in Bwindi and on your own, it is important to choose your accommodation facility at the sector you were allocated. Bwindi is a large forest and you do not want to miss the activity simply because your hotel was too far away from the starting point. Book your trip in advance. This is to allow your tour operator to book the permits in time. It is also important to note that regardless of which gorilla group you end up being allocated, you will have a different experience. The chance of seeing the gorillas is very high indeed because an advance team of trackers are sent before sunrise to find the exact location of the primates.
However, if you end up with a more difficult trek for whatever reason, you can still enjoy the activity by getting mentally and physically prepared. Before arriving for the activity, walk for long distances near your home. If you live in a forested area or areas of high altitude, use them as practice ground. Ensure that you have come with all the important items mentioned in the gorilla trekking packing list. These include sturdy hiking boots to deal with the mud, hand gloves, long-sleeved shirts, a hat, sun glasses, a rain jacket, a sweater and insect repellents. You should also ensure that you move with a walking stick, enough drinking water and energy snacks to deal with dehydration and hunger. Do not forget your camera, a binocular and toiletries. If you carry along the above items, you will complete the trek without much difficulty.
Moreover, Porters are available for hire at the starting point of the trek to help you with any heavy equipment at a small cost. You should hire a porter even if you believe you do not need them. They will also help you with the difficult sections of the hike. Hiring a porter is one way of contributing to their economic well-being. In fact, some of them are students who are looking for some money to save before going back to school.
