Gorilla Habituation in Uganda

Gorilla Habituation in Uganda is the process of slowly introducing wild gorillas to human presence so that they become accustomed to people and be tracked at a later stage. During gorilla habituation, researchers and park rangers gradually expose gorillas to human interactions such as approaching, mimicking their behaviors and making noise until they no longer react with fear and aggression. One group of gorillas is selected for habituation process and it can take several years, about three. When the gorilla group being habituated becomes approachable and comfortable around humans, it is then released to be open for tracking by visitors.

During gorilla habituation experience, visitors are allowed 4 hours in the presence of the gorillas upon allocating them to watch them groom, eat, play and take photos unlike gorilla trekking where they are allowed only one hour.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking Experience in Uganda

Here is what a Uganda gorilla trekking experience looks like.

Gorilla habituation is a great experience for one to have time with the gentle giants of the forest. During the habituation process one is able to get as close to the gorillas as they can in the presence of researchers and rangers.

Before start of the gorilla habituation experience, expect to have a briefing session that starts 6:30am. During this time, you are briefed about the gorilla habituation etiquette with emphasis on your behavior during the activity.  During the briefing the park rangers re-echo the guidelines on what you should and should not do in the jungle.

Only 4 people are permitted a day and only one group undergoes the habituation process and it is only done in Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Visitors are allowed 4 hours with the gorillas on an all-day trek where they are given chance to observe the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat as they play, groom, feed and any do any other activity as part of their daily life unlike for gorilla trekking where visitors are allowed one hour in the presence of gorillas.

After spending the 4 hours with the mountain gorillas, you then are led by the ranger guide back to the park headquarters. Arriving at the park headquarters, you are welcomed back and then given a Uganda gorilla habituation safari certificate which is in recognition for a complete gorilla habituation experience.

Best time to go gorilla habituation in Uganda

Best time for gorilla habituation in Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is during the dry season when the rains are less. This is in the months of June, July, August to early September which is the long dry season and the short dry season which is December, January and February.

During the dry season, the rains are less and the trail heads are drier and easier to pass through. Since gorilla habituation is an activity that includes walking in the jungle, when it’s wet the trails become a little bit slippery and make trekking a bit harder.

Gorilla Habutuation in Uganda safaris can be customized and booked for you as you prefer. Contact Carmine safari & Tours experts for the best kind of gorilla safari itineraries and affordable quotations.

Gorilla habituation price versus gorilla trekking price

The cost for gorilla habituation and trekking varies based on the location and visitors’ residency status. Gorilla habituation is quite expensive compared to gorilla trekking, given the fact that for habituation clients are allowed 4 hours in the presence of the gorillas, and for trekking is just one hour. Below is the breakdown for gorilla habituation permits and trekking permits per person.