Choosing the right gorilla group to trek is fundamental (although not mandatory) in enjoying unforgettable experience during the gorilla safari. Before anything else, let it be noted that mountain gorilla trekking is enjoyed in only three African countries that include Uganda (Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable Parks), the Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga National Park) and Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park). Each of these Parks offer a wide range of habituated gorilla groups, some easy to trek, some moderate to trek while others difficult to trek.

For each planned gorilla trekking day, 8 visitors are allocated to one habituated gorilla group and Governing Authorities of respective Gorilla Parks are responsible for allocating gorilla groups depending on a number of factors as you will find out. For Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, habituated gorilla groups are distributed in four trekking sectors/regions of Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south, Ruhija in the East and Buhoma in the North. Allocation of visitors into gorilla groups is usually done during the registration and briefing process before treks finally start.

Reason why gorilla groups are allocated on the actual day of trekking

One of the genuine reasons why habituated gorilla groups are allocated on the actual day of trekking is because of the unpredictable movement of the Giant Apes in their natural environments. Before treks even go on, a team of trackers move ahead to ascertain the location of gorilla nests then communicate with Ranger guides at the Park Headquarters. It is here that the visitors are allocated to gorilla groups based on level of physical fitness, location of the gorilla group, age of participants and personal interests. Therefore, the following are the parameters used in choosing a gorilla group to trek;

Location of the gorilla group

One of the simple ways to determine the location of the gorilla group is reading through internet in advance. By doing so, you will properly understand what gorilla groups are found in Rwanda, Uganda or the Democratic Republic of Congo. If Uganda is where you wish to enjoy your gorilla safari, just remember that Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four sectors/regions with different gorilla groups.

Location of Park’s accommodation facilities

Choosing a gorilla group that is closer to your place of lodging is somewhat crucial to achieving unforgettable gorilla safari. This goes a long way in saving you the hustle of waking up early to transfer to the starting point. For visitors to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, gorilla permits have to be booked according to the location of places of lodging within a particular sector. The most interesting thing is that each of these sectors features budget, midrange and luxury places to stay with utmost comfort and sumptuous meals. Save yourself the long hours of driving from one sector to the other to achieve the dream of trekking and spending time with the endangered mountain gorillas.

Level of physical fitness

Basic to moderate fitness levels are required for mountain gorilla trekking. Visitors are always advised to make known their fitness levels to Park Rangers during the briefing process, to be allocated to a favorable gorilla group. Some gorilla groups take short treks to find while others require long and hectic treks to find, hence it is advisable to be open during the briefing process. However, it is not always a guarantee that gorilla groups will be nearer or further as initially perceived as they are always on the move.

Gorilla permit availability

The availability of gorilla permits is also important when choosing a gorilla group. Each habituated gorilla group is trekked by only 8 visitors per day and if all permits for a particular group are fully booked, you will definitely be reminded of availability in another group, which you can then take up.