Gorilla Habituation Experience

gorillas in bwindi Impenetrable National park

Easiest Gorilla Family to trek

December 26, 2022

How to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

December 26, 2022

Gorilla Family in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

The Gorilla Habituation Experience offers the opportunity to spend 4 hours with mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. During this experience, you’ll hike through the forest with park rangers in search of gorilla families and get a chance to explore the wilder side of the forest. This is a unique and exciting way to get up close and personal with these amazing primates.

Uganda is home to approximately half of the world’s endangered mountain gorilla population, and gorilla habituation in Uganda is a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. A Standard gorilla treks allow you to spend up to one hour with the gorillas in their natural habitat, thanks to the process of gently introducing them to human presence, which takes between 2 and 5 years. This is important for the continued research, care, and conservation of the gorillas. For those who want to take a more active role in protecting and understanding these gentle giants, you can join rangers and conservationists in the habituation process of two more gorilla families in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. During a habituation trek, you can spend up to 4 hours with these highly intelligent and emotional animals, which is an incredibly humbling experience and crucial for the continued protection of the gorillas.

Comparing Gorilla Trekking and the Gorilla Habituation Experience

Gorilla trekking in Uganda involves hiking through the forest to find habituated gorilla families and spending up to an hour observing them. The gorilla habituation experience, on the other hand, involves spending four hours with a group of gorillas and is only available in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A standard gorilla trekking permit currently costs USD800, while the gorilla habituation permit costs $1,500. The gorillas encountered during the habituation experience are less accustomed to humans than those on standard gorilla treks, but the experience is still completely safe. The benefit of spending more time with the gorillas is that you can gain a deeper understanding of their behaviors and social dynamics and get amazing photographs without feeling rushed.

An Overview of a Gorilla Habituation Trek Day

The first part of a gorilla habituation trek in Uganda involves a long hike into the forest with a team of expert guides and scouts in search of the gorillas’ tracks. It can take up to 6 hours or more to locate a gorilla family. Once contact is made, you can spend up to 4 hours with the gorillas, gaining an in-depth understanding of their lives and behaviors. Keep in mind that 4 hours can be a long time for those with short attention spans, so it’s important to consider if the habituation experience is right for you. As you observe the gorillas up close, you may be struck by the similarities between them and us. It’s a full-day affair, and returning to the lodge for dinner and a warm shower/bath will be much needed and well-deserved.

When is the best time to go for Gorilla Habituation

The gorilla habituation experience is available year-round in Bwindi, where temperatures typically range from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. The dry seasons from June to August and December to February are the best times to visit, but you should be prepared for showers at any time. The wettest months in Bwindi are typically March to May, so you may want to avoid these if possible. However, it’s worth noting that the wet season can offer some advantages for photographers, as the rain clears the air of dust and creates a moody, wilderness atmosphere in the park that can be captivating. Regardless of when you go, it’s important to come prepared for a range of weather conditions.

How to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the southwest of Uganda and can be easily reached by road or air. After arriving at Entebbe International Airport, you can take a short flight to either the Kisoro or Kihihi airstrips, both of which are located near the park. These flights run daily and take about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive from Entebbe to the park in about 9 hours, with the option to stop and visit other popular destinations like Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park along the way.

Where to stay

If you’re looking for beautiful accommodation options with mountain views near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, there are several locally-run lodges to choose from. For a more luxurious experience, you can try the Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, or Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, which offer high-end amenities and elegant wood and stone architecture. If you’re looking for something more affordable, the Buhoma Lodge and Mahogany Springs Safari Lodge are also good options.

What to Pack

When preparing for a gorilla trek, it’s important to bring waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support and grip, as well as comfortable walking socks. You should also bring light, breathable, waterproof jackets and trousers, and long-sleeved shirts to protect against insect bites and keep warm. A hat and sunglasses will also be useful. It’s a good idea to pack a lightweight backpack with enough space for lunch, a reusable water bottle, extra layers, snacks, and essential items like sun cream, insect repellent, after-sun, bite relief cream, and lip balm. Don’t forget to bring binoculars for spotting other wildlife and a camera with spare batteries and a waterproof covering.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Gorilla Habituation Experience

What is gorilla habituation?

Gorilla habituation is the process of gradually introducing wild gorillas to the sight and presence of humans for research, care, and conservation purposes. This process is carried out by trained professionals, such as park rangers and conservationists, who work to gently acclimate the gorillas to human presence over a period of several years. The goal of gorilla habituation is to allow researchers and conservationists to study and understand the gorillas in their natural habitat, as well as to provide care and support for the gorillas as needed. The gorilla habituation experience allows visitors to observe and participate in this process, providing an in-depth understanding of these incredible animals and supporting their protection.

How much is a gorilla habituation permit?

A gorilla habituation permit in Uganda costs $1500.

Why is gorilla habituation so expensive?

Gorilla habituation is expensive due to the high cost of the permits required for the experience. These permits, which currently cost $1500, are the primary source of revenue for the continued protection and conservation of mountain gorillas. A significant portion of the permit cost (around 75%) is used for conservation initiatives that help to protect these endangered animals. By participating in gorilla habituation, visitors are supporting the conservation of these amazing creatures and contributing to their protection.

What is the difference between gorilla tracking and gorilla habituation?

The primary differences between a standard gorilla trek and the habituation experience are the time and cost involved. A standard gorilla tracking permit costs $700 and allows visitors to observe the gorillas for up to one hour, while a habituation permit costs $1500 and allows visitors to spend up to 4 hours with the gorillas. Both experiences offer unique and valuable opportunities to observe and learn about mountain gorillas in their natural habitat, but the habituation experience provides a more in-depth and extended encounter with these amazing animals. Please note: the prices listed are current at the time of writing and may vary at the time of booking.

How many gorilla habituation permits are available?

There are a limited number of permits available for the gorilla habituation experience each day, with eight permits divided into two groups of four (one group for each gorilla family). It is highly recommended that you book well in advance if you are interested in including a habituation experience as part of your itinerary. This will help to ensure that you are able to secure a permit and participate in this unique and special opportunity.

Is the gorilla habituation experience safe?

Yes, the gorilla habituation experience is safe. Visitors will be accompanied by knowledgeable and experienced guides and rangers who will ensure their safety at all times. In addition, all visitors are required to maintain a safe distance of 6-8 meters from the gorillas at all times, which helps to ensure the safety of both the visitors and the gorillas. By following the guidelines and instructions of the guides and rangers, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience during your habituation trek.

Do I need to be fit to do the gorilla habituation experience?

Participating in the gorilla habituation experience requires a moderate level of physical fitness due to the challenging nature of the hike to reach the gorillas. The trek involves steep, rocky, and slippery paths at high altitudes, and the duration of the hike can vary from 1 to 6 hours depending on the location of the gorillas on the day of the trek. It is important to be in good physical condition and to be prepared for the challenging terrain in order to fully enjoy and participate in the habituation experience.

Where can I do the gorilla habituation experience?

The gorilla habituation experience is currently only available in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. This is the only place where visitors have the opportunity to participate in this unique and special experience.

Is there an age restriction on the gorilla habituation experience?

Yes, there is an age restriction for the gorilla habituation experience and gorilla trekking in general. In order to participate in these activities, you must be 15 years or older. This age restriction is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of both the visitors and the gorillas.

Will I be allowed to take photographs during the gorilla habituation experience?

Yes, it is allowed to take photographs during the gorilla habituation experience. However, flash photography is strictly prohibited in order to avoid disturbing the gorillas. It is recommended to bring a DSLR camera, as there may be low light conditions under the canopy of the trees. It is important to remember to respect the gorillas' space and to follow the guidelines of the guides and rangers in order to ensure the safety and well-being of both the visitors and the gorillas.