3 Days gorilla habituation experience tour takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Bwindi has the highest population of Mountain gorillas in the world. It also has the highest number of habituated gorilla groups – 15 in number. Bwindi is the only gorilla park where one can take part in the gorilla habituation experience. Mountain gorillas are wild and are naturally wary of human beings. If a group is approached without undergoing the full habituation process, they could become aggressive and attack.
The gorilla habituation process involves exposing the gorillas to prolonged human presence around them. This process takes between two to three years. Naming of the gorilla group and individuals is part of the habituation process. The entire process is led by a team of researchers and experienced local trackers. They approach the gorillas in a careful and controlled manner until they are comfortable with their presence. The first step during the habituation process is to gain the acceptance of the dominant male. Once the dominant male is okay with the human intruders, the rest of the group members will follow his lead. When the process is complete, there are several tests that are done before tourists can be allowed to start visiting the group.
The gorilla habituation experience is different from normal gorilla trekking in bwindi because it involves visiting a group that has not completed the habituation process. The experience takes longer (four hours) and involves following the gorillas for most of the day accompanied by researchers. Its more engaging and offers opportunities to learn a lot about the primates and what is being done to protect them globally. Gorilla habituation permits costs $1500 per person and is done at the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Only four people may participate in the gorilla habituation experience.
Day 1: Pickup from Entebbe or Kampala – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
A driver from Muno Gorilla safaris will pick you up from Kampala or Entebbe Airport and begin the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable forest after briefing. Prepare for stops midway to check out the beautiful countryside and take great photos at the equator crossing. The western part of Uganda is blessed with amazing scenery. The Gorilla habituation process takes place in the southern sector of Bwindi. The journey towards this sector involves passing through the rolling hills of Kigezi region and valleys of Kisoro. Arrival time is late in the evening
Dinner and Overnight stay will be at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla lodge, Bweza Lodge or Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge and Four Gorilla Lodge
Day 2: The Gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi
You should wake up early and take breakfast before heading for briefing at the park offices. While there, you will join other tourists and be informed about what to expect during the gorilla habituation experience. You will be told what not to do and what to carry along during the activity. After the briefing, you will start trekking into the forest accompanied by Rangers, Trackers and Researcher. Unlike standard gorilla tracking where visitors are allowed only one hour with the gorillas, with the habituation experience, you will be with the primates for four hours. As you track the gorillas, you will encounter several forest creatures including birds, butterflies, smaller primates and insects. Listen and observe what the researchers are doing. You may be asked to participate in making gorilla calls, gathering samples or naming group members. After spending your four hours with the primates, you will go back to the lodge for rest and relaxation.
Dinner and Overnight stay will be at Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Bweza Lodge or Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge and Four Gorilla Lodge
Day 3: End of Tour
Wake up early and take your breakfast as you wait for the Guide/Driver to start the long journey back to Kampala or to Entebbe Airport. You will once again have stops at the equator crossing and also for lunch.
The tour cost includes:
- Gorilla Habituation Permit
- Full board accommodation including meals
- Transfers from and to the Airport
- Transportation in 4WD safari Jeep
- English Speaking Driver/Guide who will be with you throughout the tour.
- Drinking water in the car
- Park entrance and ranger fees
The tour cost excludes
- Accommodation before and after the tour
- Airplane tickets
- Uganda Visa. This can be got at the airport at a cost of $50.
- Tips to the Guide, hotel staff and park officials
- Alcoholic drinks and laundry
- Personal insurance
- souvenirs