Uganda Gorilla Habituation Experience

Uganda Gorilla Habituation Experience

Uganda Gorilla Habituation experience is whereby a group of tourists trek into the forests with game rangers, trackers and guides in search for the mountain gorillas. When they encounter them, they spend 4 hours instead of the normal four hours with these apes.

The experience gives gorilla trekkers a more lively trekking experience as they spend more hours with the gorillas than the normal gorilla trekking experience. It’s an experience with few slots to involve but it’s the most astonishing encounter every ape fanatic would love to consider taking. Unlike the famous gorillas trekking which last for just an hour. However, gorilla habituation experience is a responsibility where trekker spend almost a full day with the gorilla.

History of Gorilla Habituation

Gorilla habituation was started by Dian Fossey, an American primatologist who submitted the rest of her life to conserve the gorillas. Sadly, she was killed by the so called poachers who were against his works. Dian Fossey took a lot of time studying the apes. She realized that gorillas are shy primates which would shy away on seeing humans.  Dian could follow the gorillas on a daily basis. She stayed with the gorillas for a period of over 18 years.

The habituation starts from the place where a certain group is first seen and continues following the gorillas for a period of less than 3 years. Gorillas are on the IUNC red list of endangered species. They are endemic to the volcanic rainforest of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the great Virunga Conservation Area. This extends to three countries of Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. Although gorilla trekking happens at all the gorilla parks, gorilla habituation experience is limited. Anyone wishing to take part in this amazing activity should secure their permit at USD 1500. This gives you 4 hours once you get close to the gorillas as you observe and enjoy their behavior.

Professional primatologists, researchers and rangers are ones that head the gorilla habituation expeditions.

How much is the gorilla habituation experience

Gorilla habituation experience is a unique adventure experience where trekkers have more hours before the gorillas.  Gorilla habituation is more expensive than gorilla trekking. Whereas Gorilla trekking permits cost USD 700, gorilla habituation costs USD 1500 per permit.

How is the gorilla habituation done?

The habituation experience calls for a little number of trekkers as only 4 accompany researchers. They then move into the impenetrable forest to search for the species. They trek until they find the gorillas. Having found them, they get 4 full hours unlike on the normal trek where they get 1.

Where to do  gorilla habituation

Gorilla habituation happens in the 4 sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These are; Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga. It is also possible to do in Mgahinga Gorilla park as well as Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

What to pack for the gorilla habituation experience?

The first step is securing the gorilla habituation permit. A 4wd vehicle is very handy especially during the rainy season. While packing for this experience, it is important to take note of the following;

Long sleeved shirt and trouser

Must carry body repellant

Enough drinking water

Enough eats,

Gardening gloves

Water proof jacket

Stronger jungle boots.