Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda

Here is a complete guide to gorilla habituation safaris in Uganda – all you need to know about our gorilla habituation safaris

What is a four-hour gorilla habituation experience? In early 2014, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) introduced a new gorilla trekking package, gorilla habituation in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park, besides the normal gorilla trekking. This safari package is incredibly one of the best packages for those who yearn to spend more time with these massive primates in the wild.  The four-hour trek in Bwindi offers Gorilla Habituation Experience and gives you the chance to spend 4 hours in the company of the Mountain Gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Adult Gorilla photographed by the habituation team.

It is a unique primate tour experience and it is usually conducted by researchers, scientists, conservationists, trackers involving a daily observation or following of wild mountain gorillas in their habitat.

Trackers/researchers explore their daily behaviors from morning till they make new nests to retire. Once they are sure that they can be tracked, they will be subjected to a mock exercise involving a few travelers/visitors and guides to kick start trekking a particular gorilla family that has been undergoing habituation.

Mountain Gorilla

Mountain gorilla habituation experience is a unique and first-of-its-kind primate adventure in Africa. When gorillas finally become accustomed to human presence, they are opened for actual gorilla trekking. Unlike the normal gorilla trek, gorilla habituation is limited to only 4 trekkers. Visitors who engage in this adventure are issued with certificates once they return from the long day’s search for mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking is hard work, but the rewards are immense. This trekking experience is not available in other gorilla areas of the Virunga Conservation area, inclusive of the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.

Interested in gorilla habituation experience ?

If you’re planning to participate in this four-hour gorilla trek experience, you should book a gorilla habituation permit with Gorilla Consultant safaris or any other locally based genuine company that can arrange for you a perfect gorilla habituation safari. The four-hour gorilla habituation experience is absolutely fantastic for both wildlife lovers and nature lovers.

What is special?

Apart from the Standard gorilla treks that give you the chance to spend up to one hour in the company of the gorillas in their natural habitat, gorilla habituation offers more hours to experience these massive primates. This has been made possible by gently introducing the gorillas to human presence, a process that takes between 2 and 5 years. This is essential for the continued research, care, and conservation of the gorillas.

While on your gorilla habituation safari, if you wish to take a more active role in the protection and understanding of these gentle giants, you can join the rangers and 

conservationists in the habituation process of two more gorilla families in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

During a habituation trek, you can spend up to 4 magical hours with these highly intelligent and emotional animals.  It is an incredibly humbling experience, and the habituation process is fundamental to the continued protection of the gorillas. Plan with us for incredible experiences.

Dos and don’ts for a successful gorilla habituation tour

This experience is limited to only 4 trekkers per day per gorilla family, once you come across mountain gorillas on a gorilla habituation tour, expect to spend 4 hours face to face with them, take photos, and have in-depth learning on their daily behaviors.

Don’t go for habituation experience if you are sick, ill. In case you need to sneeze make sure you cover your nose or mouth in case of cough, Flashlight cameras are prohibited for photo taking during gorilla habituation experience, Gorilla habituation experience like gorilla trekking is limited to persons above 15 years.

Maintain a distance of 7 meters at all times from gorillas while on gorilla habituation experience, Leave the habitat of mountain gorillas as clean as possible or in a better state than you found it when you embarked on gorilla habituation.

Keep your voices low while on gorilla habituation experience, however; raise any questions for clarification without fear.

What to pack for a gorilla habituation tour

For a fantastic gorilla experience, you shouldn’t leave the following; Waterproof daypack, Camera without a flashlight, Long-sleeved shirt, Insect repellents, Energy giving snacks, Plenty of bottled drinking water, First aid kit, Gardening gloves, Valid, passport and visa, Sunglasses, Hat, Sweater, Gorilla habituation permit.