It is advised that when you book gorilla permits for gorilla families in Ruhija, please do book accommodation in that part of the park.
This will in turn reduce on the drive time so that you don’t have to drive to reach the starting point. While it is possible to book accommodation in Buhoma and trek in Ruhija and the reverse is true, this should if possible be avoided and you will have a memorable trek and you won’t complain saying that the group was hard to trek because you hard to drive to reach the starting point.
Uganda currently has ten gorilla families and are located in different regions as below. Buhoma Region has three gorilla families that is Rushegura, Mubare and Habinyanja (sometimes might need to drive to reach the trail head of this group). Ruhija Region has Bitukura, Oruzogo and Kyaguriro (Which is for research), Rushaga region has Nshongi, Kahungye, Mishaya and the new group called Busingye that has just separated from Kahungye group.
Nkuringo has one gorilla family called Nkuringo. Therefore you need to contact us to advise on which accommodation to book depending on the family of gorillas booked.
It is our policy to advice clients about accommodation depending on which gorilla family we book for you.
The other question is why did my tour operator book me a hard gorilla family to trek? It all comes back to some of the factors mentioned above but kindly note that gorilla permits are sold at first come first serve basis and if by the time of booking your gorilla permit, there was no alternative but to book you a group which was told to you that it was hard, then know that they didn’t have choice.
To avoid this make sure you acquire your gorilla permit way in advance-5 months in advance to enable you make a choice.
In conclusion, gorilla tracking can sometimes be strenuous and a certain level of fitness is required. If you have this level of fitness and your prime goal is to trek gorillas, then the above complaints should not arise.