What is habituation?
It’s the act of making someone or something accept (something) as normal or usual.
Or be used to something or someone.
What then is Gorilla Habituation experience?
This is a process of training the Mountain Gorillas to get used to man. By nature, gorillas are wild and therefore have to go through a process to be able to be accustomed to man.
How is the habituation process done?
This is done by researchers who select a family in terms of sex, number and age. They then begin to visit the wild gorillas everyday for period of 2-3 years until they get used to them. Once they completely get used to them then the family is now open for tourism.
What is the difference between Gorilla habituation experience and Gorilla trekking experience?
The habituation experience takes longer hours. Time allowed with the Gorillas once you have found them is 4 hours or approximately half a day where you interact and meet them face to face and learn more about the similarities that they have with the humans. This is not an experience for everyone because its strenuous and one must be physically fit. For more information check our ultimate guide for Gorilla trekking.
Gorilla trekking experience on the other hand is a process that takes 1 hour. Once you find the already habituated giants you are only allowed 1 hour with them. Guests are advised to carry packed lunch, water, and hire porters if necessary.
However both experiences have same trekking rules
Which sector in Bwindi is the experience done?
The experience is only done in Rushaga sector of Bwindi impenetrable forest.
What is the best time to do the habituation experience
The best time to do the Gorilla habituation experience is between December and March and between June and October.
What is the difference in cost between Gorilla Habituation experience and Gorilla trekking experience?
The gorilla habituation experience costs $1500 per person per permit per trek and must be purchased 4-6 months before the trekking date. The number of people allowed during each visit is 8. Gorilla trekking cost is $600 but Uganda Wildlife Authority a body that regulates the prices has announced changes in the cost of gorilla trekking permits from 1st July 2020 upto $700 per permit per person per trek.
Where can I get Gorilla Habituation permits?
Gorilla habituation permits are sold by Uganda Wildlife Authority. For proper planning about the purchase and a customized safari, contact or book with Twende Expeditions.
