Wondering what the gorilla habituation experience is all about? Well, Authentic Africa Safaris is here to answer all your questions about the gorilla habituation experience. The 2-3 years’ experience is an experimental opportunity to spend an extended period with wild mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Unlike a usual gorilla trek where travelers spend a limited time with mountain gorillas in the wild, the habituation experience allows you a more immersive experience. During the experience, travelers hike along with conservationists, gorilla doctors, rangers, and rangers to witness the gorillas’ daily routines, social interactions, and even their playful moments.
Where to do gorilla Habituation Experience
Gorilla habituation is exclusively offered in Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda. Two gorilla families namely Bushaho and Binkingi are apparently undergoing habituation experience and each family is visited by 4 people. Eight habituation permits are therefore issued each day served on a first come first serve basis.
The two families are part of the 21 gorilla groups that live in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. In general, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is home to half of the world’s total gorilla population shared among the four sectors (Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo and Ruhija) gorilla regions.
Best Time to do gorilla habituation experience
Whereas gorilla habituation experience is done all year round, the best time to do this experience is in the dry seasons from June to August and December to February. This season is generally dry, characterized by less or no rain, hence the best time for this lifetime experience. Also, during this time, walking trails in Bwindi Forest are less muddy, and the weather is more predictable. Traveling during the low season attracts discounted offers from service providers, majorly lodges and hotels who want to attract more numbers
How to Book a Gorilla Habituation Permit
There are two ways through which you can book a gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Forest. These are
Book through a Tour Operator: Booking through a tour operator is the most effective way of booking a gorilla habituation experience in Uganda. Choose any one of the reputable tour operators that specialize in gorilla trekking and habituation experiences in Uganda. They can handle the permit booking process, accommodation, and transportation. Authentic Africa Safaris is one the reliable travel operators you should entrust your habituation experience with.
Book Directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA): You can book directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for your gorilla habituation experience UWA is a government body responsible for gorilla conservation, trekking, habituation, and general wildlife conservation and tourism in Uganda. You can visit UWA’s website or visit their offices in Kampala.
Cost of a Gorilla Habituation Permit
The cost of a gorilla habituation permit varies depending on your nationality. However, it’s significantly higher than a standard gorilla trekking permit.. The cost of a single gorilla habituation permit is $1500 for foreign nonresidents, $1000 for foreign residents, and UGX 750,000 for East African citizens. This cost is standard and its set by Uganda Wildlife Authority valid for 2 years.
Where to Stay on Your Gorilla Habituation Experience
For sleepovers, Rushaga has a variety of luxury, midrange, and budget lodges that offer affordable and excellent food and sleeping services to travelers. Authentic Africa Safaris helps you to choose and reserve the best lodges for your overnight in the Rushaga sector. Some of the popular lodges in Rushaga sector include Four Gorillas Lodge, Gorilla Hills Eco Lodge, Bwindi Jungle Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Safari Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp
What to Pack for Your Gorilla Habituation Experience
Wondering about what things you should do for your gorilla habituation experience, Authentic Africa Safaris brings you a list of the things you should not leave behind. The packing list for gorilla habituation experience includes:
- Light-closed hiking boots for easy hiking
- Waterproof jacket for the unpredictable forest rains
- Gardening gloves to protect your hands from dirt and scratches
- Long pants and long-sleeved shirts
- Warm layers for cooler mornings and evenings
- Hat and sunglasses to protect your head and eyes
- Insect repellent to avoid poisonous bites
- Sunscreen for your screen
- Camera with a telephoto lens and extra batteries
- Water bottle to keep you hydrated
- Snacks to keep you strong throughout the trek
- Backpack
- Rain poncho
Rules and Regulations for Gorilla Habituation
At the start of the gorilla habituation experience, travelers are gathered at Rushaga sector park headquarters and briefed on the rules and regulations of this adventure. These rules are put to ensure the safety of both travelers and endangered gorillas. These rules include
- Maintain a Safe Distance: The recommended distance is 7 meters away from the gorillas. Always keep a safe distance from the gorillas to avoid stressing them.
- Avoid Flash Photography: Travelers are warned not to use flashlight cameras when taking pictures and capturing videos. Flash photography can startle the gorillas and disrupt their natural behavior.
- Do Not Touch the Gorillas: It’s important to resist the urge to touch the gorillas, as this can transmit diseases.
- Follow Your Guide’s Instructions: Your guide will provide specific instructions on how to behave around the gorillas.
- Do not eat or drink in the presence of gorillas
- Avoid loud noises that may disturb the gorillas.
- Help preserve the pristine environment of Bwindi by packing out all your trash.
- Do not run when the gorilla charges, step back and lay low
Other things to do in Bwindi Forest
In addition to the gorilla habituation experience, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is a center of various other interesting activities that you should not miss out. These include mountain gorilla trekking which allows you to spend an hour with a habituated gorilla family. Bird watching, community tours, and nature/forest walks are a not miss on your Uganda gorilla safari to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
In Conclusion:
The Gorilla Habituation Experience is an extraordinary opportunity to connect with these gentle giants and contribute to their conservation efforts. By following these guidelines and respecting the gorillas’ natural environment, you can ensure a truly unforgettable and rewarding experience.
