Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
With the gorilla habituation project in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park still at a mock stage, visitors now have the rare chance to join researchers in spending up to four hours with Uganda’s mountain gorillas. This contrasts with the standard one-hour visits available with already-habituated gorilla groups.
Simply put, gorilla habituation is the process of acclimating wild mountain gorillas to human presence. However, this process is anything but simple. It can take as long as five years for a gorilla group to become habituated, requiring consistent monitoring and dedication from park rangers and trackers.
Below, we explain what you can expect from this encounter and address some FAQs about the habituation process:
What is Gorilla habituation?
When a group of wild gorillas is discovered, they are carefully and gradually introduced to the presence of humans. This enables researchers and travelers to gain valuable insights into these endangered primates. Thanks to habituation efforts, researchers have developed better methods for treating mountain gorillas when they face sickness or injury. Ultimately, this process helps make conservation efforts more sustainable by aligning them with tourism.
What is involved in the process?
Park rangers begin by spending short periods of time with the wild gorillas daily, maintaining specific distances to ensure the gorillas remain comfortable. Over the years, they gradually increase the duration of their visits and reduce the distance until the gorillas are deemed ready to interact with researchers and paying visitors.
As the rangers and trackers spend extensive time with the gorilla families, they become familiar with each gorilla’s unique facial features and behaviors. Around this stage, the gorillas are given individual names, marking a significant milestone in the habituation process.
What Is the Difference Between Gorilla Trekking and Gorilla Habituation?
Gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation offer unique experiences, but they differ significantly in duration, cost, and group size.
•Gorilla Trekking: Costs $600 and allows you to spend one hour with fully habituated mountain gorillas. Groups are limited to a maximum of eight people.
•Gorilla Habituation: Costs $1,500 and offers up to four hours with semi-habituated gorillas. Groups are limited to a maximum of four people for a more intimate encounter.
When and Where Does This Take Place?
The Uganda Wildlife Authority launched the gorilla habituation experience in 2015 in the Rushaga region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Since it takes 2–3 years for a gorilla troop to become fully habituated, this extended encounter is available for a limited time.
Currently, the experience is exclusive to the Bukingyi gorilla family in the southern part of the park.
The adventure begins at 7:30 AM with a detailed briefing on what to expect and guidelines for approaching the gorillas. You’ll then trek to meet the family and spend up to four hours observing and learning about them in their natural habitat.
What Is Included in the Gorilla Habituation Experience Permit?
The gorilla habituation permit covers:
•Guidance from rangers and researchers during the experience.
•Up to four hours with mountain gorillas under habituation.
•Park entrance fees for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience offers a deeper connection with mountain gorillas while contributing to their conservation.
