Introduction
Gorilla habituation is the process of gently introducing wild mountain gorillas to the presence of humans. Habituated gorillas are so familiar with people and this gives you a great opportunity to have an up-close interaction with them. Gorilla habituation in Uganda takes place only in the Rushaga gorilla sector located in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This is where the tourists get that magical experience with the gorillas as they spend about 4 hours with the mountain gorillas. For gorillas to be fully habituated, it takes about 2-5 years to get familiar with people and be easily trekked.
The habituation process is gradual since the gorillas are wild and unpredictable. This is why the habituation process is usually done by researchers and conservationists. For one to have complete trip satisfaction in Uganda, you need to include gorilla trekking and habituation experience on your bucket list. The process of gorilla habituation is conducted by expert researchers and primatologists. These specialize in behaviors of all primates for example mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, golden monkeys, and baboons.
This team works collectively with the ranger guides who get their hands on during the habituation process. They always start by focusing on the gorilla family to habituate, and then keep visiting the group but at a safer distance. As time goes by, the rangers keep closing the distance between them and the gorillas and also increase the time they spend with the gorillas. This process can take about 2-5 years depending on how quickly the gorillas will get used to human behaviors. Gorilla habituation takes place in the Rushaga gorilla sector in the southern part of Bwindi. Only 8 people are allowed to spend about 4 hours with the mountain gorillas.
Cost of gorilla habituation permit in Uganda
A gorilla habituation permit goes for USD 1,500 for foreign non-residents, USD 1,000 for foreign residents and the rest of Africa, and UGX 750000 for Ugandans and East Africans. There are always 8 permits available for gorilla habituation in the Rushaga sector daily. Therefore, you must book your permit early to be sure of the availability since the permits are scarce.
Where to stay while you are on a gorilla habituation safari in Uganda?
Depending on your budget, there is only one sector where gorilla habituation experience is done which is the Rushaga gorilla sector. There are various accommodation facilities in this sector that best suit every budget. If you are looking for a luxury lodge, consider visiting Clouds Mountain Lodge, and Four Gorilla Lodge, and for midrange accommodation, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge is the place. Rushaga gorilla sector has one of the best accommodation facilities in Bwindi.
What is the best time to do gorilla habituation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?
Uganda is home to over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population living in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks. Most tourists embark on gorilla trekking experiences where they spend an hour in the presence of mountain gorillas. However, they can also experience gorilla habituation which takes 4 hours in the proximity of the mountain gorillas. Travelers can take pictures, record videos, and capture every moment with the primates which will make their memories everlasting.
Gorilla habituation is best done in the dry months of June to September and December to February. This is when the park receives less rainfall and the trails are not slippery making it easy for visitors to navigate through the trekking trails in the forest. It is during this period that the fruits are reaped thus the gorillas will not move long distances. This saves time and energy that would have been wasted in long treks deep in the forest.