Gorilla Habituation

What is Gorilla Habituation?

Gorilla habituation is the process of “taming” a group of extremely wild gorillas and getting them to be less aggressive to human visits. Upon the discovery of gorillas, human interest to visit and see them (up close) was birthed. However, because wild gorillas can be very aggressive, a plan to slowly get them accustomed to human visits (habituation) was necessary before humans could risk being attacked and killed by the gorillas – its this process that we now call Gorilla Habituation.

The habituation process usually lasts a period of 2-3 years and involves a team of qualified researchers and veterinarians (accompanied by the locals for extra support). The team sets out on a long-term mission to visit a selected wild gorilla group whilst closely studying its behavior and getting used to humans getting gradually closer and closer till the group accepts and gets tolerant to visits. It is after confirming that the group is accepting human visits that it is considered ready for gorilla trekking.

Gorilla trekking is however limited to strictly 01-hourwith the Gorillas to try and limit the human interferences that may arise with staying too long with the gorillas.

Learn more about Why gorilla Trekking is limited to 01-hour.

Where Can I Do Gorilla Habituation?

Mountain Gorilla Habituation as an activity for tourists can only be done in Uganda and NOWHERE else in Africa.

In Uganda, gorilla habituation is done in the far-flung Rushaga & Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi impenetrable forest National Park. Bwindi is one of the two (02) places in Uganda where one can take part in perhaps the most sought-after adventure activity of trekking to see Mountain Gorillas. Bwindi Forest is home to well over 19 habituated gorilla groups with 2 still undergoing habituation and open for gorilla trekking. The two (02) still undergoing habituation are Bikingi and Bushaho.

What is the cost of Habituation Permits?

The Price of Gorilla Habituation permits in Uganda varies based on residence status as indicated below;

Non-Residents (Foreign tourists) – USD1,500 per person.
Residents (Expats) – USD1,000 per person. (*proof of residence is required)
East Africans ( Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi) – UGX750,000 per person. (*proof of Citizenship is required)

***Rates mentioned above include guide fees, park entrance fees for the day, and community development contributions.

Why is Gorilla Habituation so expensive?

While you are pondering and thinking Gorilla Habituation is expensive, be informed that Rwanda charges the same ($1,500 per person) for a standard 01 -hour with a group of habituated mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, it starts to sound more financially worthwhile spending USD1,500 to stay four (04) hours with a gorilla family in Uganda’s Bwindi Forest National Park.

The money charged as permit fees is re-invested in Gorilla conservation. remember there are only a few (approximately 1,000) of them left on Earth. The numbers were far less before Gorilla trekking and habituation were introduced. Together let’s support Gorilla conservation ( See: The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International).

How does Gorilla Habituation Compare to normal gorilla trekking?

The price & the experience:

Gorilla trekking costs $800 per person and you get to spend only one (01) hour with an already habituated gorilla family. Gorilla habituation unlike Gorilla trekking costs more (USD1,500 per person) but allows you to spend four (04) hours with mountain gorillas still under habituation (still wild and not yet ready for gorilla trekking). Gorilla Habituation only takes place in regions that have mountain gorillas under habituation and as of now, it is only in Rushaga where new gorilla groups of Bikingi and Bushaho are under habituation.

Learn more about How Gorilla Habituation compares to Gorilla Trekking

Essential information worth reading before you go

What is the official age limit for Habituation?

Like it is with regular gorilla trekking, the minimum age to go for the habituation experience is 15 years old.

Learn more about the age limit for Gorilla Habituation and why its set at 15 years and above.

Gorilla Habituation Permits.

Upon Inquiry about booking a habituation safari, we will revert to your email asking you to state the actual intended date(s) that you would prefer to do the habituation experience. We will then Contact Uganda Wildlife Authority for the availability of permit (s) for the date(s) you sent us. After confirming that there is a gorilla habituation permit(s) available, then our consultant(s) will send you an email with all relevant information regarding your gorilla habituation permit booking procedure, documentation, and safari payment plan.

Special Note: Just as is for gorilla trekking, so it is for Gorilla habituation permits – the full amount of US$1500 is required in order for Realm Africa Safaris™ to book you on this tour. (see: Realm Africa Safaris™ booking Policy.)

Best time to go on a Habituation encounter

The best time to go is in the drier months of June-October and December to March when the area receives less rainfall and it is drier. This is also the time people have summer holidays. However, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park is a rainforest, meaning it can rain any time of the year and of the day. The forest is wet most of the time and that is why we recommend that you come with a rain jacket for gorilla trekking and habituation. During the wet months, mountain gorillas do not move very far to look for their favorite food.