Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Gorilla Habituation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is only enjoyed within Bwindi impenetrable national park in the south western part of Uganda. Gorilla habituation experience is conducted in Rushaga sector one of the 4 sectors in Bwindi that harbor endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda. Gorilla habituation process is such a thrilling experience where tourists are rewarded with 4 hours experience watching the mountain gorillas in their natural habitats unlike for gorilla trekking that lasts for 1 hour with gorillas. Though it is more fun when one combines gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experience to spend time with both the habituated gorilla as well as the unhabituated gorillas in their habitat

Gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park starts as early as 7:00am in the morning with the briefing at the park headquarters where habituators are briefed about the dos and don’ts during this habituation process after which the habituators are joined by armed rangers, researchers and local guides to start the search of the gorilla family that is undergoing habituation process at that particular time.

The duration of gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park is never predicated since gorillas are found of roaming the forest in search of food. And with the unhabituated gorillas, they are even shy and keep running away from humans making it a long and tiring adventure since you they have to be followed up till they finally settle. Once the gorillas being habituated settle, only 4 hours is recommended time with them learning more about them, their habits and many more as you capture photographs and record some short videos. Finally, you will have to exit the forest as soon as the 4 hours elapse, return to park headquarters for a certificate and connect to your lodge. To be allowed to participate in Gorilla Habituation experience, one must be at least 15 years and above below which one is considered to be a minor and unable to participate in this activity. Apart from the age limit, Gorilla Habituation Experience allows maximum of 4 people to participate in process joined by researchers and rangers. All you need is a particular level of fitness to be able to withstand the tiring challenge in the wilderness of Bwindi Impenetrable national park. You may therefore, do some exercises before embarking on your safari, d some sit-ups, some short walks and many more to make your body active.

How much is gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park?

The cost of a gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park goes for $1500. This permit is obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority which is the responsible body for the management of all protected areas in Uganda the pearl of Africa. You can imagine the cost of Gorilla habituation in Uganda is equivalent to the cost of gorilla trekking in Rwanda which also costs $1500 per person unlike the Ugandan gorilla trekking permit at $700 and Congo permit at $400 per person.

How best can one book a gorilla habituation experience permit?

As stated earlier, Gorilla habituation permit is obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority thus can be obtained in 2 different ways. One, you may choose to visit the Uganda Wildlife Authority in person if you are a resident of Uganda then pay and book your permit or else, opt to book through Achieve Global Safaris which is one of the best tour operator in Uganda the pearl of Africa that organized both tours within Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo. We will there for book for you a gorilla habituation permit, accommodation and even provide you with the transportation making your entire safari less tiresome. It is always recommendable to book your Gorilla Habituation Experience at least 6 months in advance prior to the habituation date.

Packing list for Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park

Below are some of the things to include in your backpack while heading out for a memorable and once in life time gorilla habituation safari in Bwindi impenetrable national park and they include;

Appropriate hiking shoes (should be at least waterproof especially during rainy season and very comfortable for long walks).
Carry enough drinking water to keep you hydrated throughout the safari
Pack a lunch box (Usually provided by your lodge
Pack a rain jacket for incase it rains while in the jungle since with the tropical forest, it can rain at any given period of time even in dry season you might receive some rain thus packing a rain jacket is a perfect idea.
Wear long sleeved attire to protect the body from being damaged by the plants in the forest and the insect bites
Insect repellant
Sunglasses
Garden gloves
A cap
A camera and a pair of binoculars for the birders
A hiking stick though it can as well be provided at the park during briefing

When is the best time for Gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park?

Gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi impenetrable national park like any other activity can be done at any given period of time all year round though dry months are always considered the best time when the trails are abit dry and easy to walk through during the walk up and down in search of the gorillas. Travelers usually prefer to visit gorillas during the months of January, February, March, June, July, August, September, October and December.