A Guide to Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi
A guide to gorilla habituation in Bwindi, Gorilla habituation in Uganda is a captivating tourist activity that allows mountain gorillas to get used to human presence, and enabling travellers to have ample time with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. This unique experience, available in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, allows trekkers to interact with the gorillas for four hours. The park in southwestern Uganda is home to about 21 gorilla families, with two available for habituation. The Uganda Wildlife Authority started this effort to help tourists observe gorillas and teach them to become accustomed to humans. The process involves a group of trekkers, researchers, and conservationists who work together to help the gorillas adjust to human presence.
Best time for gorilla habituation in Uganda
Following this guide to gorilla habituation in Bwindi, mountain gorilla habituation takes place all year-round in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, but the best time for gorilla safaris is during the two dry seasons from June to September and December to February. In these dry periods, there is little rain, making roads easier to travel. The trekking trails are dry and not slippery, allowing for faster movement. Additionally, the shorter vegetation provides clearer views of the animals, and the reduced fog makes photography of the mountain gorillas better.
The wet season
Bwindi Gorilla Park has a tropical rainforest climate, with two rainy seasons from March to May and October to November. During these times, heavy rain makes trekking trails muddy and slippery, slowing down trekkers. The thick vegetation and fog make it hard for gorilla photography due to unclear views and photography within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi
With only two mountain gorilla families, Biking and Bushaho, are undergoing habituation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Unlike regular gorilla trekking, which lasts for one hour, gorilla habituation allows trekkers to spend four hours with the gorillas. Each group is limited to four people, accompanied by armed ranger guides, researchers, and conservationists. The experience begins early in the morning in the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors, where park wardens explain the rules. Only those aged 15 and older can participate.
Searching for the semi-habituated gorillas can take between 2 to 7 hours, during which trekkers may see several other wildlife species such as forest hogs, bush pigs, forest elephants, other primates, and bird species. Once the gorillas are found, trekkers can engage with them for four hours. This time allows for observation of their daily activities, interaction, and photography. The habituation process lasts 2 to 3 years as the gorillas get used to humans. To participate, trekkers need gorilla habituation permits from the Uganda Wildlife Authority. These permits cost $1500 for foreign non-residents, $1000 for foreign residents, and UGX750,000 for East African citizens. Booking should be done 3-4 months in advance to avoid disappointment.
Packing List for Gorilla Habituation Safari
Travelers planning to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for gorilla habituation should prepare thoroughly for their safari not forgetting essentials like waterproof hiking shoes, cotton socks, gaiters, long-sleeved pants and shirts, insect repellent, rain jacket, camera, a light backpack, binoculars, a hat, sunglasses, snacks, water bottle, and a facemask, among others.
How to access Bwindi
Travelers can access Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in different ways. They can fly there in 2 hours or drive, which takes 9-10 hours. Luxury travelers may choose chartered flights from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airstrip to Kisoro Airstrip, followed by ground transport to the park. Those comfortable with long drives can take the road from Kampala or Kigali. From Kampala, the route is through Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale, and Kisoro, with options to reach Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors. Travelers from Kigali can use the Katuna or Cyanika borders.
Where to stay
Gorilla habituation in Bwindi National Park is done in Nkuringo and Rushaga sectors only, and these sectors have lots of accommodation facilities where tourists can stay. The accommodation facilities in these sectors range from budget to mid-range to luxury options and are of different prices, offering different services. These include Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Bweza Lodge, Gorilla safari lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, among others.
