Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda
Gorilla habituation experience in Uganda ; Gorilla habituation is an extraordinary activity in Uganda where the wild gorillas are trained to become used to human presence for trekking. Gorilla habituation experience in Uganda is only done Rushaga sector in the southern part of Bwindi impenetrable national park. Gorilla habituation experience takes a period of 2 to 3 years to be completed and it involves a team of conservationists, trackers, researchers, park rangers among others. During the gorilla habituation process, researchers keep on visiting the gorillas on a daily basis and when they are certain that the gorillas can be trekked, they introduce a mock exercise which involves journalists, and scientists to test the mountain gorillas and once they pass the mock exercise, the gorillas will be open for Gorilla trekking.
Gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park allows a maximum of 4 people each day and the experience begins very early in the morning with a briefing about the rules, regulations and expectations at the park headquarters. After the briefing you will start trekking in the jungle in search of the mountain gorillas and during trekking you will be able to view other primates like chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, view different plant and tree species, birds among others. Once the gorillas are located you will be allowed to spend four hours with them in their habitat which gives you an opportunity to learn and monitor their behaviors, habits, engage in the naming process, watch them carry out their daily activities like feeding, breastfeeding, playing, grooming young ones, take photos among others.
Cost of a gorilla a habituation permit in Uganda
A gorilla habituation permit is a legal document that is issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to any visitor above the age of 15 years allowing him or her to engage in a gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park. A gorilla habituation permit in Uganda costs 1,500 USD per person for foreign non residents, 1,000 USD per person for foreign residents or 750,000 UGX per person for East African citizens.
Gorilla habituation permits in Uganda should however be booked 3 to 6 months in advance before the trekking date because they are few, competitive and usually get sold out quickly especially in the dry season during the months of June to September and December to February. Therefore in order to avoid last minute disappointments, you are advised to book in advance.
How to book a gorilla habituation permit in Uganda
A gorilla habituation permit in Bwindi impenetrable national park can either be booked directly through Uganda Wildlife Authority by contacting the head offices via emails or telephone calls. Gorilla habituation permits can also be booked through a trusted tour company like Achieve Global Safaris by contacting us with the dates when you wish to visit the mountain gorillas. After contacting us we will check for permit availability and if there are permits that match with your dates, you will be asked to make a deposit for the permit. When the payment has been made, we will purchase the permit on your behalf and send you a scanned copy of the receipt as confirmation. Booking a gorilla habituation permit with Achieve Global Safaris is the best option to use in that we will not only book your gorilla trekking permit but also plan for your entire safari which involves transportation, accommodation and other interesting activities you can engage in during your safari.
When to go for gorilla habituation experience in Uganda
Gorilla habituation experience is done all year round though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season there is less rainfall in the park therefore access roads and gorilla trekking trails will be dry and passable compared to the dry season when the trails are muddy and slippery which make trekking difficult.
How to get to Bwindi impenetrable national park
Bwindi impenetrable national park is located in southwestern park of Uganda and can be accessed by road transport means where by you will drive from Kampala/ Entebbe through Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale and then to the park headquarters which takes about 8 to 9 hours’ drive in a 4 WD safari vehicle.
Bwindi impenetrable national park can also be accessed by air transport means whereby you will book scheduled or charter flights from Entebbe international airport or Kajjansi airfield to Kihihi or Kisoro airstrips and then connect by road to the park headquarters. Domestic flights to Bwindi impenetrable national park can be booked by your trusted tour operator.
Where to stay during your gorilla habituation experience in Uganda
There are a number of accommodation facilities in Bwindi impenetrable national park where you can stay during your gorilla habituation experience. The accommodations range from budget, midrange and luxury including Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Haven, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Lake Mulehe Gorilla Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Wagtail Eco Safari Camp, Mutanda Eco Community Centre, Nkuringo Gorilla Bwindi Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Bwindi Backpackers Lodge, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Mutanda Lake Resort among others.
