Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi
Gorilla habituation in Bwindi is one of the most intriguing and rare adventure activities that offers a chance for primate lovers and nature enthusiasts to get familiar with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. This gorilla habituation experience takes place only in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is located in the southwestern part of the country. Bwindi has a total of 4 gorilla trekking sectors, including Buhoma, Nkuringo, Ruhija, and Rushaga, but out of these four sectors of the park, this unique experience takes place only in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It allows trekkers to get up close to the endangered mountain gorillas and also study their behaviours for a duration of 4 hours in a row in their natural environment.
Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi
This fascinating activity was introduced in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park by the Uganda Wildlife Authority in order to allow travelers to interact with the primates, particularly the great apes, and observe how they might be conditioned to get familiar with human presence. This became a unique activity in the country only after the American primatologist Dian Fossey initiated the habituation exercise in Rwanda, “a country of a thousand hills”, since mountain gorillas, to many, were recognized as dangerous wild apes. During this exercise, through a process known as “habituation”, a team of primatologists, conservationists, scientists, rangers, and trackers slowly acclimatizes primates such as gorillas, chimpanzees, and other wildlife animals to human presence.
This package is one of the most incredible primate adventure experiences and slightly different from the standard gorilla trekking experience. Gorilla habituation is an adventure activity where gorillas are trained to get used to human presence.
Gorilla and nature lovers get a chance to spend ample time, about 4 hours, with the gorillas in their natural habitat, more than the standard one hour allocated to gorilla tracking. The duration of habituation may take about 2-3 hours, and during this process, researchers keep on visiting and monitoring this gorilla group or family daily until it’s declared ready for tracking.
What is the Cost of Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi?
Gorilla habituation is always conducted by only those members with gorilla habituation permits that are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The habituation activity is mainly done by persons above 15 years of age; persons above that age are eligible to have gorilla habituation permits. A gorilla habituation permit costs $1500 for non-foreign residents, $1000 for foreign residents, and UGX 750,000 for citizens of East Africa. However, travelers should be aware that habituation permits should be reserved 3 to 4 months in advance to avoid missing out.
How to Access Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda and can be accessed by either road or air. Air transport is the best and fastest option, with two airstrips in Kihihi and Kisoro, served by airlines like Aerolink Uganda, Pearl Sky, and Bar Aviation, especially for those preferring quick travel.
Road transport is the most common type of transport, taking a lengthy 9-10-hour journey to access Bwindi from Kampala, involving some stops and scenic views. Travelers may use the Kampala-Masaka highway through Lyantonde, Mbarara, Kabale, or Kisoro to access Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Best Time to do Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
Following the gorilla habituation in Bwindi, the best time to go gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is during the dry season, stretching from the months of June to September and December to February. These months receive intermittent rainfall, making the trails easier for travelers to trek, providing a clear view of the apes for better photography. However, travelling during the rainy season can make the trekking trails slick, muddy, and slippery.
Accommodation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
While on a gorilla habituation safari in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, there are various accommodation options, ranging from affordable to luxury options. Visitors are advised to book lodges based on their budget and in the sectors where they opt to track gorillas. Lodges in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park include Sanctuary Gorilla Lodge, Silverback Safari Lodge, Bwindi Jungle Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Ride 4 A Woman, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Resort, Wagtail Eco Safari Lodge, and others.
Other lodges include Mirambi Safari Lodge, Karaa Safari Lodge, Gorilla Heights, Clouds Safari Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Oruzogo Safari Lodge, Bwindi Neck Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Cuckooland Lodge, Bakiga Lodge, Gorilla Mist Camp, Broadbill Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Rushaga Haven Lodge, Dorotia Safari Lodge, Burunga Gorilla Lodge, and others.
