Gorilla habituation refers to the process of exposing gorilla families to human presence around them. This process is only carried out in Bwindi impenetrable national park known for its highest number of mountain gorillas unlike gorilla trekking that is conducted in other national parks where gorillas are found such as Mgahinga national park in Uganda, Viruga national park in Congo and volcanoes national park in Rwanda. Before tourists approaching the gorillas for habituation, a group of well-trained gorilla trackers and research first carry out a study on them for about 2-3 years until they ensure that they are okay with human presence. Tourists are then allowed to meet the gorilla for a better experience, study and learn in four hours. Gorilla habituation takes place only within the Rushaga sector in Bwindi. Something special about gorillas is that once you have gained acceptance from the giant dominant male gorilla then you have it all since the rest will just follow the lead.
How is gorilla trekking different from gorilla habituation?
Gorilla habituation involves visiting a gorilla family that has not yet gotten used to human presence while gorilla trekking involves visiting gorilla families that are used to human presence. Gorilla habituation also involves longer hours with the animals (4hours) yet in gorilla trekking, tourists are just given an hour with animals. Furthermore, gorilla habituation is more engaging than gorilla trekking.
3 days gorilla habituation summary
- Journey to Bwindi impenetrable national park
- Gorilla habituation experience
- Drive back
Day1: Journey to Bwindi impenetrable national park
Early morning after a hearty breakfast you will be picked up by a driver-guide from Wonder wheels tours and travel from your hotel in Kampal, home of residence or Entebbe international airport. Before you set off, if you have any question please do ask him because he is an experienced tour guide therefore knowledgeable enough to answer, if all is well then you will set off to Bwindi impenetrable national park. On your journey you will have some stop overs mainly at the equator for equator crossing and some capture of moments. The drive continues as you observe the countryside beautiful scenery and have the next stop over in Mbarara town for a meal in a fancy restaurant, relaxation and refreshment. The journey continues to the southern sector of Bwindi passing through valleys of Kisoro and the rolling hills of Kigezi. Arrival will be in the evening where you will be taken to your booked lodge and have a check-in, you may choose to stay at your lodge or have some guided walks around the area as you prepare for your next encounter the next day.
Day2: Gorilla habituation experience at Bwindi national park
At your lodge after breakfast, with your lunch box packed not forgetting some snacks and a bottle of water. You will be picked up by our driver guide and taken to the park headquarters for briefing on the dos and don’ts for gorilla habituation. With the armed park rangers on the lead, you will start on your hike at around 8:30am in Bwindi and on your way you find forest creatures like small primates, insects, butterflies and birds. After some hours, you will identify a gorilla family under habituation and here you will enjoy 4hours with it as you learn more about gorilla behaviors, their difference with the chimps, and their ways of feeding and social life. Within your 4hours, you can have your packed lunch then take photographs using flash less cameras to avoid any room for disturbances and when that is done, you will move back to the starting point still with the armed park rangers to protect you from harm. Later in the day, you will have a community walk and visit the Batwa homesteads and also get to know their culture, medicines and how they have managed to live in the area for that long. You will then head back to your lodge for a refreshment, dinner and a restful night.
Day3: return to Kampala or Entebbe airport.
In the morning, you will wake up at your leisure, have breakfast and have your staff packed as you wait for our driver guide to take you back to your hotel in Kampala, airport or home of residence. On your way you will have a stopover in Mbarara for lunch then continue with the drive.
What to pack for your habituation experience
When you are heading for a gorilla experience please your backpack should include; drinking water, jacket for cold evenings, longs pants and long sleeved shirts, hand gloves as most branches are thorny, sunglasses, sunscreen, walking stick, flash less camera and a hat.
When do you go for a gorilla habituation?
The advised time for gorilla habituation experience is during the dry seasons including the months of June to September or December to February.
Why during the dry season
In this season, animal trails are visible and not slippery and also gorilla families are easy to trace since they go out hunting for food.
Note: Since the dry seasons are the most recommended therefore advised to hand in bookings through Wonder wheels tours and travel (Permits are only booked by licensed tour operators) to reserve your spot since the permits are scarce
How do you get to Bwindi impenetrable national park for a gorilla habituation experience?
By road, the journey is about 7-8hours from Kampala city to Buhoma sector through Ntungamo, Rukungiri and Kahihi and the journey is 390 kilometers to the park and there is an option of a flight to avoid long journeys
Conclusion
A 3 days gorilla habituation experience is one of the best tours in a lifetime that each individual should experience since it leaves memories creating more reasons for wildlife conservation which is the top most priority in Wonder wheels tours and travel.
For Gorilla Habituation safari, contact /Bookings