The Gorilla Habituation Experience rewards visitors with once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of spending up to four hours in the presence of endangered mountain gorillas within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, south-western Uganda. This interesting activity is only conducted within Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors, within the southern sector of the Park and the trailheads of these habituation treks differ from the ones of standard gorilla treks (even if these standard gorilla treks are conducted in the same southern sectors.

Participants are expected at be at the trailhead (starting point) by 7:00am, an hour earlier than it is with standard gorilla treks. The trails followed go through the lush and dense forest, allowing visitors to search through the area where the Great Apes spent the previous night. This involves traversing through the trails that lead into the forest or through countryside farms as well as tea estates along the forest edge. During these treks, you will understand why Bwindi forest is called “Impenetrable”, as there are actually no existing trails hence requiring Rangers to cut through the dense forest with machetes. The process is undeniably slow but extremely thrilling and this allows guides to find gorilla nests from the previous night. Interestingly, these Rangers/guides are experienced and with many years of the experience know the mountain gorillas better than anyone to the point of identifying individual gorillas by their names, able to follow them just by silver hairs left by silverback gorillas.

Once your group finds the gorilla nest, it takes another 1-2 hours’ of trekking to find the allocated gorilla group. The nest is one of the strongest clues that you are actually near the gorilla group and it takes up to 6 hours or more to locate them.

The two gorilla groups currently open for the Gorilla Habituation Experience are Bikingi and Bushaho, that are still relatively timid around humans. Even when you get just 10 meters away from these semi-habituated gorillas, chances are high that they will move away and always expect mock charges from the dominant silverback. For this experience, visitors are provided 4 hours with the gorillas, which sometimes seems like a lot of time but you get to learn how they are identified by their tracks, get the best shots and watch them go about their daily routine. The mountain gorillas observed during the Habituation Experience are less accustomed to humans that those observed during standard treks since they are still undergoing habituation but worry not, the activity is still completely safe.

Permits for Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi

Permits for the Gorilla Habituation Experience cost $1500 (at the time of writing). This full-day affair is worthwhile and after participants return to the Safari Lodge for cold/warm bath, relaxation and dinner. These permits are issued by Uganda Wildlife Authority, although a local tour operator can book on your behalf. Given the uniqueness of this activity, permits are highly demanded and therefore make bookings at least 6 months before the trekking date.

What to pack for the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi

Gorilla Habituation Experience is conducted in the same way as standard gorilla treks although are more difficult with participants requiring moderate level of physical fitness, flexibility and agility. This process involves ascending steep and mossy slopes, jumping streams and supporting yourself with foliage. Essentials for the treks are lightweight and breathable pants/trousers of khaki material, rain jackets, gardening gloves, long-sleeved shirts, hat and sunglasses to protect your head/eyes from the scotching sunshine, waterproof hiking boots with enough ankle support, toiletries, warm sweater, rainproof and lightweight backpack, good camera and pair of binoculars with waterproof covering.

When to go for the Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi

The Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi can be undertaken throughout the year, with temperatures of the Park hovering between 20 and 25 ˚C all year round. The two significant dry seasons-December to February as well as June to August are the most ideal times of the year to relish the experience, although it is always important to be prepared of rain showers ay anytime of the year.

The wet months of March to May and October to November typically experience the most rains within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park hence most visitors avoid these months. Nonetheless, encountering mountain gorillas during these months also reward visitors with some of the most remarkable photography opportunities. What you need to know is that once the rain stops, the air is cleared of dust hence clearer photos as well as the mist combining with rain to bring out moody wilderness thrill.

Where to stay during Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi

There are a number of wonderful places to stay within or nearby Bwindi while undertaking the Gorilla Habituation Experience and these include facilities within Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors such as Gorilla Safari Lodge, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Gorilla Heights Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge and many others.

Getting to Bwindi for the Gorilla Habituation Experience

The southern sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Nkuringo and Rushaga) are accessible by air or road transport. Flights can be arranged from Entebbe International Airport/Kajjansi Airstrip to Kisoro Airstrip lasting one and a half hours, then drive for another two hours to Rushaga or Nkuringo sectors.

The Park can also be reached by road transport from Kampala or Entebbe in about 8-9 hours with beautiful sceneries and thrill/excitement while on the road.