Gorilla Habituation Experience
Gorilla habituation experience is special because it allows 4 tourists a chance to spend four hours with the gorillas. The experience is managed by Researchers and very experienced trackers. This is different from gorilla trekking where 8 people are assigned to each gorilla group and can only watch the primates for one hour. The gorilla habituation experience is only possible in Uganda – not in Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mountain Gorilla Habituation Experience During the gorilla habituation process, tourist are given more time to learn about their way of life, take more photos, watch them interact, feed, build nests and groom themselves.
Tourists also get to understand the role each individual plays in the family.
The cost of Gorilla trekking in Uganda is therefore less expensive than the habituation experience. The Uganda Wildlife Authority currently has only one gorilla group in Rushaga open for the gorilla habituation experience. The Bikyinji family consists of 22 members. This group is composed of a dominant silverback called Bahati (Derived from the place in which the group was first sighted) who controls three adult females, one infant, a juvenile, one sub-adult and a black back.
What happens during gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi?
Habituating Mountain GorillasVisitors booked for gorilla habituation habituation experience gather at the Rushaga sector of Bwindi for briefing by park officials and the research team at 7:30 am before commencing the activity at 8:00am. The minimum age for the gorilla habituation experience in Uganda is 15 years of age. One needs to be fit enough to take part in the gorilla habituation process. This is because the activity may include hiking through steep and dense parts of the forest. Those with an infectious disease are not allowed to take part in the gorilla habituation process. Human diseases like flu can threaten an entire gorilla family. Tourists are not allowed to use flash camera lights while observing gorillas. Keep a distance of at least 7 meters away to avoid provoking them.
The Gorilla habituation processThe best time for the gorilla habituation experience is usually during the dry seasons that run from December through to March and June to October. However you can also register for the activity during the low season of April, May, October, or November. These are characterized by heavy rains which can make hiking more difficult.
Due to the high demand for the gorilla habituation experience and given the low number of permits per day, you need to make your booking early – at least 6 months in advance. Permits can be got through the Uganda Wildlife Authority or directly from your tour operator. Your passport information will be required to book the permits.
What To Pack For Gorilla Habituation
The Packing list should include long sleeved shirts made of synthetic material, gardening gloves, a hut, long trousers, a rain jacket, bottles of drinking water, hiking shoes, a camera, a walking stick and of course insect repellents to protect you against mosquito bites. Tourists should ensure that they pack some lunch/snacks because the habituation experience takes a long time. It is important to consider hiring porters to help carry any heavy equipment or assist when climbing steep slopes.
