What Is the Gorilla Habituation Experience?
What Is the Gorilla Habituation Experience? Gorilla Habituation refers to the slow and gentle introduction of a group of wild gorillas to the presence of humans by a group of researchers, scientists and guides. Wild gorillas are habituated so researchers can easily study them, treat them for sickness and injuries, protect them from hunters, and boost their conservation efforts with sustainable tourism.
Gorilla habituation experience is an exclusive experience with a semi-habituated gorilla family where one gets involved in the habituation experience accompanied by rangers, scientists, and researchers.
Often mountain gorillas are monitored by a team of rangers and gorilla doctors for routine checks. This is done purposely to monitor their health and remove snares in the wild, as there are people who still set them to trap and kill mountain gorillas and other wild animals.
In the gorilla habituation process, you are actively involved in these routine checks as you follow the gorillas. Start the day early morning from the gorilla nests then track and follow their paths. While in the wild, you get to know more about these apes as well as other wildlife species in the forest.
Gorilla habituation process is done in all gorilla parks; however, the gorilla habituation experience only takes place in Rushaga in the Southern Sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, there are two gorilla families (Bukingyi and Bushaho) that are currently being habituated in the Rushaga Sector of Bwindi.
In order to become accustomed to the presence of humans, each gorilla group has to undergo a lengthy habituation process (between 3 and 5 years) managed by a team of expert researchers, conservationists, trackers and rangers. At the start of the habituation process, park rangers spend a short period of time with the gorillas each day, maintaining a specific distance at the limit of the gorilla’s comfort zone.
Every few months they gradually increase the time and reduce the distance until they are certain that the gorillas are ready for tourists to visit them. While the gorillas are not yet completely habituated, they are used to trackers and rangers but not to strangers or tourists. The gorilla habituation experience will help to ensure that they will eventually become fully comfortable in the company of humans.
By participating in the gorilla habituation experience, you are directly supporting the crucial work in habituating gorillas and ensuring their survival. It is truly humbling to think that you will be one of the first humans to meet these gorillas.
The Gorilla Habituation Experience offers a more relaxed and enriching encounter with the gorillas. Unlike the standard gorilla trekking, you will feel less rushed and you will have plenty of time to fully absorb this incredible wildlife experience. During your time with your gorilla family, you can immerse yourself in their world as they continue to go about their daily lives—feeding and interacting with each other, under the watchful gaze of the mighty silverback.
Note: Only 4 people are allowed in the Gorilla Habituation Experience.
Cost of Gorilla Habituation Experience Permits
To take part in a gorilla habituation experience, you need a gorilla habituation permit costing USD 1500 for international tourists, USD 1000 for East Africa Foreign Residents with a valid work permit and USD 200 for East African Citizens.
Gorilla Trekking Experience
On the day of your gorilla trekking experience, you are expected to be at the park’s visitor center by 07:00 am for a briefing. Here a Uganda Wildlife Authority Guide takes you through rules and regulations to follow while around the gorillas for your own safety as well as the gorillas.
Gorilla habituation experience is a full-day experience of hiking, taking up to 6 hours. This is done systematically, following the routine of the gorillas from when they wake up and retire.
Once you get to the gorillas, you are allowed to stay in their presence for 4 hours together with researchers and scientists. This experience is more immersive than the standard gorilla trekking, which is only one hour. In the 4 hours, you get to learn, observe, take photos and get to know all about the mountain gorillas. It is an incredible experience that is highly recommended for primate and nature lovers. After your time with the gorillas, you are then led back to the park headquarters, where you are awarded your certificates of participation. Later proceed to your lodge or other destination depending on the schedule.
Where to Stay on a Gorilla Habituation Experience
The southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has a number of accommodation options ranging from budget to midrange to luxury. The best places to stay include
· Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
· Gorilla Safari Lodge
· Four Gorillas Lodge
· Rushaga Haven Gorilla Lodge
· Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge
· Gorilla Heights Lodge
· Clouds Gorilla Lodge
· Chameleon Hill Lodge
· Lake Mutanda Resort
· Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge
Best Time for Gorilla Habituation Experience
The dry season from June to September and late March are the best times for gorilla habituation experiences. Even though Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is thick and usually has morning dew and mist, once the sun raises this evaporates and it becomes easy to navigate the forest.
Best chances of mountain gorilla and overall wildlife photography are had in the dry season with great natural lighting. However, it is advisable to carry a raincoat or rain poncho, as rainfall is very unpredictable. In the wet season, there are even higher chances of rainfall daily but you can still enjoy the gorilla habituation experience.
Since only 4 gorilla habituation permits are available per day. It important to book in advance, especially when you plan to visit during the peak tourist season. Book your permits about 5 and 6 months in advance.
