Gorilla habituation is an exclusive experience with the mountain gorillas where one gets involved in the habituation process
The gorilla habituation process is one under which mountain gorillas are accustomed to human beings presence in the wild
Mountain gorillas are monitored often by a team of rangers and gorilla doctors for routine checks. This is done to monitor their health, and remove snares in the wild as there are people who still set them to trap and kill mountain gorillas and other wild animals.
In the gorilla habituation process, you get actively involved in these routine checks as you follow the gorillas. You start the day early morning from the gorilla nests then track and follow their paths. While in the wild you get know more about these and many more wildlife species in the forest.
The gorilla habitation process takes place in all gorilla parks but the tourist habituation experience only takes place in Rushaga in the southern sector of Bwindi impenetrable national park. The Bikingi gorilla family is one where tourists involved in the habituation process. Only 4 people are allowed in the gorilla habitation process and the permits are more expensive than the usual gorilla trekking permits. Each gorilla habituation permit costs USD 1500 for international guests, USD 1000 for East African Foreign residents with a valid work permit and USD 200 for East African citizens.
The Gorilla Habituation Experience
Just like the normal gorilla trekking, you are expected to be at the park by 7:00 am for a briefing. Here you are told about the rules and regulations for your own safety and for the safety of the gorillas. The gorilla habituation experience is a full day experience and hiking can take up to 6 hours. This is done to systematically done following the routine of the gorilla from when they wake up and retire.
Once you get to the gorillas, you are allowed to stay in their presence for 4 hours. This is better than the normal gorilla trekking where you stay in the presence of the gorillas for only one hour. In the 4 hours you get to learn, observe, take photos and know all about the mountain gorillas. It is an incredible experience that is highly recommended for primate and nature lovers. After the 4 hours with the gorillas you are then led to the park headquarters where you are awarded your certificates of participation. Later you proceed to your lodge or other destinations depending on schedule
Gorilla habituation is an exclusive experience with the mountain gorillas where one gets involved in the habituation process.
The gorilla habituation process is one under which mountain gorillas are accustomed to human beings presence in the wild.
Where To Stay
The southern sector of Bwindi is the best place to stay at since the gorilla habituation experience only takes place in Rushaga. The lodges and accommodation options in Rushaga where you can stay include Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge among others. You can also stay in Nkuringo and drive for about 45 minutes to Rushaga arriving in time for briefing. Lodges in Nkuringo where you can stay include Clouds Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge and others.
Other nearby options include Chameleon Hill lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort and Lake Mulehe Safari Lodge.
Best Time for the Gorilla Habituation Experience
The dry season from June to September and late December to March are the best times for the Gorilla Habituation Experience. Even though Bwindi impenetrable forest is thick and usually has morning dew and mist, once the sun raises this evaporates and it becomes easy to navigate the forest. Best chances of mountain gorillas and overall wildlife photography are had in the dry season with great natural lighting.
It is however advisable to go with a rain coat or rain poncho as rain fall is very unpredictable. In the wet season, there are even higher chances of rainfall daily but you can still enjoy the gorilla habituation experience.
Since only 4 gorilla habituation permits are available per day. It is important to book in advance especially when you plan to visit in the peak tourist season. You can even book as far as 5 and 6 months in advance.
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