The Gorilla Family Allocation Process
The Gorilla Family Allocation Process
Most tourists have various questions when planning their gorilla safari, such as which gorilla family is the easiest to trek? Which gorilla family is friendly and will create lasting memories? It’s interesting to know that some gorillas live in highland areas while others live in lowland areas.
Gorillas can be easily trekked in only three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Tourists usually visit two subspecies of gorillas: the rare mountain gorillas and the eastern lowland gorillas. Gorillas live in groups, also called families, which can have between 2 to 30 members. Each group is led by an alpha male called the silverback, who protects and leads the group.
Allocation of Gorilla Families
Each country allocates tourists to specific gorilla families based on various factors, such as the tourists’ age, interests, information available on the internet about the gorilla family, physical fitness, and more. In Uganda, gorilla permits are allocated according to the region. This means tourists can choose the best region or sector for gorilla trekking.
Park rangers and researchers monitor and evaluate the gorillas regularly. After a briefing session, tourists are assigned to a gorilla family that suits them. For example, older people or elders will be allocated to the nearer gorilla families, while those who love adventure and are energetic will trek to the furthest families. It’s important to note that children under 15 years old are not allowed to visit the gorillas.
Health Considerations
Tourists with infectious diseases such as diarrhea, cough, or flu are not allowed to trek the gorillas. Since gorillas share 98% of their DNA with humans, they are very susceptible to human diseases. It’s crucial not to visit the gorillas when sick, as they could potentially die from these illnesses.
Gorilla Permits
Gorilla permits can be purchased at any time, either through a tour company or directly from authorities like the Uganda Wildlife Authority or the Rwanda Tourism Board. No one is allowed in the park with fake or unrecognized permits, as this is illegal and punishable by fines and penalties.
Gorilla Trekking and Habituation
There are two main activities for visiting the gorillas: gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation. Gorilla trekking allows tourists to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas and capture great memories. Only eight visitors are allowed to trek with a gorilla family at a time. Gorilla habituation, on the other hand, allows only four visitors to spend four hours with a gorilla family.
When to Book a Gorilla Permit
Gorilla destinations have two peak seasons (dry seasons) and two low seasons (wet seasons). The dry seasons are from December to February and June to September, during which gorilla permits are in high demand as gorillas tend to move to distant areas in search of food. The wet seasons are from March to May and October to December. During these times, gorilla permits are in lower demand because the experience can be affected by rain, and gorillas tend to stay in areas with abundant food.
Accommodation on a Gorilla Safari
Don’t worry about where to spend the night during your gorilla safari. All national parks have accommodations of various types both inside and outside the conservation areas. The accommodations offer great services and range from budget, midrange to luxury. Many have spacious gardens, free Wi-Fi, minibars, self-contained rooms, pick-up and drop-off services, car hire services, and more.