Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi
Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi is a fascinating process that entails acclimating gorillas to human presence while they perform their daily tasks. Travellers hike and explore the jungle’s lowlands and uplands in an attempt to find these magnificent gorillas in their native environment. Trekkers can see the mountain gorillas for four hours thanks to this activity. This park is home to over 459 mountain gorillas, contributing 50% to the world’s total population. About ten years ago, seeing mountain gorillas on an African safari became one of the most visually striking and popular wildlife experiences for tourists.
Following gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi, travellers from all over the world come to Africa each year primarily to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants. Only four locations are home to these gentle giants: the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, the Mgahinga National Park, and the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Rushaga sector, situated in the southern section of Bwindi Gorilla Park, is the only area in Uganda where gorilla habituation occurs. It takes four hours to get from Kigali City to Rwanda, or nine to ten hours to travel from Entebbe International Airport to the Rushaga region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The difference between this exceptional encounter and regular gorilla trekking is that visitors spend more time with the apes throughout this exceptional adventure.
What is the price of a gorilla habituation Permit?
While the typical gorilla trekking excursion costs $800, non-foreign residents must pay $1500 for gorilla habituation permits in Bwindi. Wildlife enthusiasts may now analyse and study these gorillas in greater detail as they go about their daily lives, making the experience more immersive. Trekkers are the only ones who can afford this habituation experience because it is somewhat more costly due to the length, effort, and endurance required—at times, the experience may even take an entire day.
In the habituation exercise, visitors are placed in a semi-habituated gorilla family where they can make eye contact with the mountain gorillas while being accompanied by researchers, trackers, rangers, and conservationists who help to acclimatise the gorillas. It is important to keep in mind, though, that it could take two to three years for these mountain gorillas to become accustomed.
With this semi-habituated gorilla family, only four people may conduct the habituation exercise. Only a few people have taken the option since its launch because of its pricing relative to the usual gorilla trekking trip.
Due to the numerous visits conducted by researchers, conservationists, and rangers, it helps them to study their behaviour, and after a certain period of time, they are given individual names. After a team of researchers, scientists, rangers, among others. After passing the practice test, it is deemed suitable for regular gorilla trekking.
On the other hand, the gorilla habituation experience is really unique since it allows trekkers to spend a lot of time with these magnificent primates in their natural environment. This helps in learning their behaviour, social traits, and daily activities. Travellers will take as many photos as possible.
Gorilla habituation experience shares a lot with the standard gorilla trekking, ranging from the rules and regulations concerning these mountain gorillas to essentials such as long-sleeved shirts, a camera, insect repellent, bottled water, hiking shoes, a waterproof jacket, extra batteries, sunscreen, energy-boosting snacks, and a pair of pants, among others.
Accommodation in Rushaga
These include Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Bweza Lodge, Four Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Burunga Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, and Nshongi Gorilla Lodge, to name a few.
Best time to do Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi
During the dry season, which runs from June to September, the park draws quite a large number of visitors, which eventually leads to limited gorilla permits. Therefore, travellers should make reservations should be made in advance, about 3 months or more before their travel date. Furthermore, there is a limited number of permits because they are easily obtained during this season.
Conclusion
Additionally, it is recommended that you work with a licensed tour operator to customise your package based on your vacation date, month, and year. Because they travel freely, these creatures are uncontrollable due to their wild nature. Therefore, wildlife enthusiasts should take note of this!
