Gorilla Habituation Experience
Spend four hours with mountain gorillas on a gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Ever since Dian Fossey brought the plight of Africa’s mountain gorillas to the world as well as the interest in the gentle giants and their conservation has greatly increased. In the long term protection of mountain gorilla population, the key element has been gorilla trekking which allows visitors to go on a guided trek through the rainforest to spend an hour with a habituated gorilla troop in its natural habitat. However, for those who wish to spend more time with mountain gorillas, you can spend more time with these primates on a gorilla habituation experience.
Gorilla habituation experience is a truly special experience, enjoyed by relatively few (a group not more than 4 people together with scientists and researchers).
What is Gorilla Habituation Experience and how does it work? In this blog we have compiled all the information you need to know about gorilla habituation experience.
One of the key differences between a gorilla trek and gorilla habituation experience is that the later takes place with a gorilla troop that is not yet fully accustomed to human presence.
What is Gorilla Habituation?
Gorilla habituation refers to a process through which wild gorillas are gradually introduced to human presence, the process takes about 2-3 years and when it is done. That specific gorilla troop is ready to receive visitors.
Gorilla habituation experience is conducted by a team of specialists that includes conservationists, trackers, researchers and park ranges.
The overall aim for gorilla habituation is to eliminate the fear gorillas naturally feel for humans. By being around the gorillas every day and showing them that humans are not a threat, they learn to be calm and go about their life in the presence of humans. So by the end of the long habituation process, the mountain gorilla troop is still wild and lives in its natural habitats and goes about its normal daily activities. The only change is that the troop is now unfazed by the presence of a small group of humans.
What is Gorilla Habituation Experience?
A gorilla habituation experiences refers to an extended stay with a semi-habituated gorilla troop with a team of specialists as they engage in the habituation process. More specifically, a gorilla habituation experience is a four-four session in which visitors (only four) a day are allowed to tag along with the specialists as they go about the various actions involved in getting a gorilla troop habituated.
Gorilla habituation experience was introduced in 2016 and only four visitors per day are allowed to participate in this extensive gorilla experience.
What is done during a Gorilla Habituation Experience?
A gorilla habituation experience begins with an early morning briefing at the park headquarters, during which a ranger will explain what to expect and some do’s and don’ts when in the presence of the troop .
Then you will head out with the habituation team into the forest.
Note: You will head out much earlier than the gorilla trekking groups.
Led by a tracker or two you will hike into the forested mountains in search of a gorilla troop. You will see how they look for the trail and the nests used by the troop during the night. This is part of the gorilla habituation process, seeing how the trackers work to find a troop. Later in the day, the gorilla treks are able to head straight toward a troop because the trackers have already pinpointed troops’ various locations.
When you find the troop, the rangers will do things like make gorilla calls and grunts. Also, they will chop vegetation with their machetes and talk among themselves. This is done to get the gorillas used to these noises.
Also, the habituation team will also tell you about the troop being visited. This includes things like the names of each gorillas, and their habits and personalities.
Shyer Gorillas
It is important to note that if the gorilla troop you track is early on in the habituation process, the individuals are going to be quite shy around humans. This means you may not get as close to them as you would on a regular gorilla trek. Some may even stay hidden.
So, it is important to understand that a gorilla habituation experience often introduces visitors to a troop that is shy or nervous around humans. In one sense you are getting a more authentic experience with the gorillas. But some could be disappointed if they are expecting a really close-up encounter.
However if your troop is far along the habituation process, then you may well have a very intimate session with them. We advise managing your expectations, and then if you do get a really friendly troop.
The Four Hours include tracking time.
The during the gorilla habituation experience, some of the four hours of the habituation experience involve tracking the gorillas. Specifically, the time spent tracking the gorillas from their night-time nests. So you won’t necessarily spend four hours in their presence.
How fit do I need to be?
A gorilla habituation experience usually involves a long hike which takes a few hours, so you need reasonable fitness to cope. Often it is also muddy and slippery, so you want to be reasonably sure-footed.
Many trekkers hire porters to carry their backpacks, and we encourage this. Not only does it provide much-need work, you really feel the advantage. The porters who are normally locals will carry your backpacks and also help you navigate the forest with a pull where necessary.
Is there an age limit?
Children under the age of 15 are not allowed to go on a gorilla habituation experience.
Where to Do Gorilla Habituation Experience
Gorilla habituation experience is only offered in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwest Uganda. More specifically, the only part of the park offering a gorilla habituation experience is the Rushaga Sector in the south.
Where to stay on a Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Forest
Bwindi’s Rushaga Sector has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury, midrange and budget. These include
- Gorilla safari lodge
- Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
- Chameleopn Hill Lodge
- Rushaga Gorilla Camp
- Mutanda Lake Resort among others.
How to get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
You can get to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for a gorilla habituation experience either by road or air.
By Road – It is a journey of approximately 8-9 hours from Entebbe International Airport to the park, this journey seems to be long but it is very rewarding as you get to enjoy the beautiful scenery of hilly country side.
By Air – There domestic and charter flights from Entebbe International Airport to Kisoro Airstrip and continue to the park by road.
How much does Gorilla Habituation Experience Cost
A gorilla habituation permit costs US$ 1,500 per person.
You should book your gorilla permit in advance (at least six months in advance, especially if you want to go during the dry season which are the peak season in Uganda.
Hiring a porter is required costing US$ 20 per person, this doesn’t include a tip and tipping is customary in Uganda. Please consider tipping your rangers and trackers as a way of contributing to the well-being.
Tips are best given in Uganda Shillings.
