Its goes without saying that mountain gorilla tracking is an unmatched adventure allowing groups of visitors to watch gorillas in the jungle forests of east and central Africa. With an estimate of 1000 mountain gorillas surviving in the jungle, visitors can ably see gorillas Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Gorilla safaris in Africa are a well managed conservation initiative managed by governments of the respective countries allowing tourists to visit groups of habituated gorilla families. Each forest has varying numbers of habituated gorilla groups with Bwindi impenetrable forest having the highest number of gorillas estimates to over 500 species with 13 habituated gorilla families, Rwanda’s Volcanoes national park follows with about 400 gorillas distributed in 10 habituated gorilla families, followed by Virunga national park which has 6 habituated gorilla groups and lastly Mgahinga national park with just 1 gorilla group.
Before mountain gorillas are fully habituated, they go through a habituation process which last over 4 – 5 years before they are ready to interact with intruding humans.
In 2014 the Uganda Wildlife Authority introduced gorilla habituation experience which allows tourists to join researchers and trained park wardens and guides to take part in the highly unique experience of training gorillas to get used to human presence where trackers have a chance to spend more time with mountain gorillas in the jungle compared to gorilla trekking which is restricted to only one hour. We specially love gorilla habituation because it’s a great insight for trackers who opt for habituation as they have the opportunity to learn firsthand from the researchers, trackers, rangers, conservationist, who have lived the habituation experience for years.
Current the Uganda Wildlife Authority opened two gorilla families of Bikyingi and Bushaho since 2014 both situated in Rushaga sector of Bwindi impenetrable forest. Gorilla habituation is only available in Bwindi forest and not in Volcanoes, Virunga or Mgahinga national parks.
What you need to know before you go;
Mountain gorilla habituation offers visitors up to 4 hours with your gorilla family with the tracking experience through the forest to find the gorillas, your adventure can take up to the whole day.
Gorilla Habituation permit costs 1,500 USD per person while ordinary gorilla safaris go for 1 hour costs $600.
Mountain gorilla habituation allows only 4 visitors to join a group of researchers and guides. Presently there just 2 groups available for this experience daily all year round, hence there is a total of 8 habituation permits available daily.
With just 8 permits available, many visitors are opting for gorilla habituation and hence if one wants to take-up this experience you must book at least 6 months in advance and secure your permits.
The habituation gorillas are under habituation are still shy and just in the process of getting used to seeing human being. Honestly these two families have been under habituation for more than 4 years and this is a great opportunity to explore mountain gorillas for 4 hours.
Gorilla habituation offers you a less crowded adventure since you are only 4 people joining this adventure. This is especially a very good experience for film makers and photographers as it offers enough time to be with the gorillas besides, this is a much cheaper option compared to the huge price and protocol of obtaining gorilla filming permits.
How to book a Gorilla Habituation Permit?
The most convenient way to confirm your gorilla habituation permit is to book your tour with Wild Rwanda safaris; they can just buy your permit and send it over to Bwindi forest or offer you a comprehensive tour package with gorillas, wildlife and chimpanzees.
Planning for Gorilla habituation
