Want to go on a Gorilla habituation experience in 2023? This article will help prepare you for an amazing 4 hours of a lifetime in the midst of a group of Wild Mountain gorillas ( Still undergoing the intense process called Habituation).
What is Gorilla Habituation?
Gorilla habituation is the process of gradually taming a group of wild mountain gorillas. This process involves a team of both local & foreign researchers, guides, and trackers that embark on the task of getting a wild gorilla family to become more welcoming to human visits. This entire process may last anywhere from 2 – 5 years.
Where does Gorilla Habituation in Uganda take Place?
The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is the only place in Africa where you can participate (as a tourist) in the thrilling and yet life-changing Gorilla Habituation experience. While Bwindi has four (04) Locations from which to trek Gorillas, there is Only one (01) region where gorilla Habituation is currently done. This is done in Rushaga Region.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has made available on a daily 04 Gorilla Habituation Permits to enable Tourists to experience the thrill of being a part of the Habituation exercise.
What is the Cost -Price of a gorilla Habituation Permit for 2023 – 2024?
The Price of a Gorilla Habituation Permit varies for Foreign Non-resident, residents, or East African Citizens.
- Foreign Non-Residents Pay $1,500 per person/permit.
- Foreign Residents pay $1,000 per person/permit. (* proof of residence is required)
- East African Citizens pay UGX750,000 per person/permit. (*Proof of citizenship is required).
When is the best time to go on a Gorilla Habituation Safari?
The best time to go on a Gorilla habituation Safari is the dry seasons, from June to August and December to February.
- June, July & August – June and July are the driest months in most of the south, but it can still rain. Average temperatures hover around 27°C/81°F in the afternoon and 16°C/61°F in the morning. …
- December, January & February – Most of the south has less rainfall, but still more when compared to June and July.
If our opinion matters, we would recommend June and July as the Best time for Gorilla Habituation Experience Safaris in Uganda. Much as the gorilla habituation exercise is generally physically demanding, it’s a lot easier to trek up and down the steep slopes (tangled with vegetation) during the drier months as opposed to the rainy months when the grounds get extremely slippery.
Best Place to stay during your Gorilla Habituation Experience in 2023 – 2024
Guided by your budget, the Rushaga region offers a variety of accommodation options ranging from great Value budget lodges like the well-situated Gorilla Havens Lodge, Midrange Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, or the more affluent Four Gorillas Lodge.
Check out More Options: Where to stay during your Gorilla Habituation in Rushaga Region.
