Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda – 4 Hours with Wild Gorillas

Gorilla Habituation Trek Experience Review – Seeing mountain gorillas is one of the most popular activities on an East African safari. Since mountain gorillas are wild animals, they often feel scared of people. If they feel threatened, they may walk away or react aggressively.

To help gorillas get used to people, there is a process called gorilla habituation. This process takes about 3 to 5 years, after which the gorillas become comfortable around humans.

Gorilla habituation is done by a group of trackers, guides, and researchers who slowly approach a specific gorilla family and learn how to interact with them in a calm and safe way.

Once they gain the trust of the silverback, they can safely observe the rest of the group.

When this process is successful, the chances of gorilla aggression become very low.

Gorilla habituation is a special experience because it gives tourists more time with the gorillas-at least four hours-compared to the one hour given during normal gorilla trekking.

Also, only four people can take part in the habituation experience, while eight people are allowed in the regular gorilla trek for each group.

Gorilla habituation is only done in Uganda, in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, mainly in the Rushaga sector.

The cost of a gorilla habituation permit is USD 1500 per person. In comparison, a normal gorilla trekking permit costs USD 800.

Right now, only one gorilla group called Bikingi is open for the habituation experience. This group has 13 members, led by a silverback named Bahati.

The habituation activity begins early in the morning at the park headquarters in Rushaga, where tourists are given a briefing. The trek includes hiking through steep and thick forest areas.

Once the gorillas are found, tourists and researchers follow all rules and watch closely as the gorillas play, eat, and interact for four hours. This helps visitors understand the gorillas better.

The best time to go for gorilla habituation is during the dry season, from June to September and December to February.

Be sure to carry the right gear, such as long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, a rain jacket, a sweater, a water bottle, a packed lunch, insect repellent, a camera, and strong waterproof hiking shoes.

Overall, gorilla habituation is a good choice for anyone who wants more time with gorillas and a better understanding of their behavior.

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