Things Considered While Allocating a gorilla Group for Trekking
Things Considered While Allocating a gorilla Group for Trekking , Gorilla trekking is one of the outstanding activities to carry out while on any safari to Uganda and Rwanda. Meeting up with these primates in their natural habitat is a dream come true and a life time changing experience. However, to enhance a smooth an un beatable adventure with the gorillas it entails considering a number of factors such as which gorilla family to trek. Being allocated a gorilla family influences a number of factors in order to ensure you have a successful journey with the gorillas.
Why are mountain gorillas allocated on the exact day of trekking?
One may need to know why gorilla families are allocated on the exact day of trekking, however this is mainly done due to certain factors for instance their erratic travels, where mountain gorillas are challenging to properly assign before knowing exactly where they are due to their movements.
Groups of trackers are tasked to trek into the jungle at the end of each day to check on the many gorilla families that will be sleeping there early in the morning and to report the location of the mountain gorillas to the park headquarters. This allows proper allocating of the gorilla families.
It’s after this communication that park management decide on who to trek which gorilla family depending on the physical fitness, location of the gorilla family and available permits. The following are the factors you should consider before being allocated a gorilla family to trek
Physical Fitness
The traveler’s physical fitness is one of the main primary considerations while allocating gorilla families. Travelers are always advised to disclose their physical fitness to their guide/park rangers in time so that they are given a perfect gorilla family to hike.
Depending on how easy or difficult it is to locate mountain gorillas, hikes are categorized as short, medium, or difficult. Some gorilla populations usually stay at short levels and can be located quickly, while others are higher up and therefore more challenging to hike.
Travelers who are physically unfit are given short gorilla treks while those with who are physically fit and stronger are allocated gorilla families in a far distance. If a traveler doesn’t tell the guide about their physical capabilities, they might not be able to get to the area where mountain gorillas live thus having a bad gorilla trekking experience.
Locomotion of the Mountain Gorillas
Ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the gorilla family you would like to hike. Many tourists are not well equipped with the gorilla families that reside in a particular destination. You should select whether you want to trek in Uganda or Rwanda, and then select the appropriate gorilla family for you. The first thing you should know is which gorilla families reside in Rwanda and Uganda.
Know which gorilla families reside in which exact parks of gorilla trekking for example in Bwindi Forest National Park, such as Buhoma in the north, Ruhija in the east, and Rushaga and Nkuringo in the south, if you decide to go there. Every effective and smooth gorilla trip requires a thorough understanding of the locations of the various gorilla families.
Health Measures
Ones health conditions stands out as one of the key factors to consider while allocating a gorilla family for trekking. Tourists should give appropriate information about their health status for example those having problems like Asthma, one who has just got an accident or any other respiratory issues are always prioritised by setting for them short (easy) treks mainly to ensure a safe and thrilling gorilla trekking experience for them.
Age of the Trekkers
Age is one of the main factors to consider while allocating a gorilla family to the trekkers. Guides should be able to provide the exact ages of the clients to the park rangers in time for example the old with 60 years may be given short treks with provisions of sedan chairs that are used by the porters. Trekkers with 19 to 30 years may be allocated gorilla families that are at a far distance.
Trekkers interest and Preferences
Some tourists may have prior trekking experience and may be interested in a long and challenging hike. Ones preferences and interest usually influence the choice of group, as some gorilla families are more habituated to human presence and may allow closer or longer observation.
Availability of the Gorilla Permit
First, think about whether a gorilla group you plan to visit has the necessary gorilla permits available. To trek and spend time with these highly endangered mountain gorillas, you must get a permit instead of a pass. Please note that eight permits are available each day for eight clients for a specific gorilla family. Once availability is checked and all the permits are booked it implies that you need to select another gorilla family.
Travelers are therefore reminded to ask about gorilla permit availability and choose a gorilla family depending on the availability of gorilla permit. The cost of gorilla permits varies in each country costing $1500 in Rwanda and $800 in Uganda.
Time Constraints
Some tourists might be traveling on the same day or have busy schedules. To make sure they can finish the hike and get back on time, they might be placed in groups that are known to be easier to reach in these situations.
Language and Guide Availability
Please note that the language and guide availability is key while selecting a gorilla family to trek. In most cases, tourists are paired with guides who speak English or their preferred language to ensure a smooth gorilla trekking experience since it enhances coordination.
Location Of Your Lodging
It’s quite beneficial to choose a gorilla family close to your lodging. The transfer distance from the resort to the beginning location of the trip is shortened because you save the hassle of getting up early. Depending on the location of their lodges, tourists trekking gorillas in Bwindi are urged to reserve gorilla families. The worst experience occurs when travellers are exhausted from long drives between regions before trekking so its highly recommendable to select a lodging very close to the park. In order to facilitate transports to and from their lodges, travellers are thus reminded to select gorilla families nearby.