Description

3 Days gorilla habituation experience tour takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Bwindi has the highest population of Mountain gorillas in the world. It also has the highest number of habituated gorilla groups – 15 in number. Bwindi is the only gorilla park where one can take park in the gorilla habituation experience. Mountain gorillas are wild and are naturally wary of human beings. If a group is approached without undergoing the full habituation process, they could become aggressive and attack.

The gorilla habituation process involves exposing the gorillas to prolonged human presence around them. This process takes between two to three years. Naming of the gorilla group and individuals is part of the habituation process. The entire process is led by a team of researchers and experienced local trackers. They approach the gorillas in a careful and controlled manner until they are comfortable with their presence. The first step during the habituation process is to gain the acceptance of the dominant male. Once the dominant male is okay with the human intruders, the rest of the group members will follow his lead. When the process is complete, there are several tests that are done before tourists can be allowed to start visiting the group.

The gorilla habituation experience is different from normal gorilla trekking in bwindi because it involves visiting a group that has not completed the habituation process. The experience takes longer (four hours) and involves following the gorillas for most of the day accompanied by researchers. Its more engaging and offers opportunities to learn a lot about the primates and what is being done to protect them globally. Gorilla habituation permits costs $1500 and is done at the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Only four people may participate in the gorilla habituation experience. Read more about Gorilla Trekking Vs Habituation in one of our articles.