Gorilla habituation is an incredible experience that only happens in Uganda’s Bwindi impenetrable national park, situated in southwestern Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the few national parks in Africa and the world at large that inhabits mountain gorillas found on the edge of Albertine rift. In the whole world, Gorilla habituation experience is only done here.
Uganda, the pearl of Africa has got a lot to explore and adventure while on your African safari and can cover wildlife, untouched nature and culture. Uganda neighbors Kenya and Tanzania which are well known for their wildlife, D.R. Congo, Rwanda and South Sudan. The gorillas in Uganda can be found in both Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks.
Our expert team organizes the best gorilla habituation experiences ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury but the experience remains the same. Four hours are located for visitors to spend in a face to face interaction with the gorillas. Gorilla habituation, therefore is an activity that is aimed at introducing gorillas to human beings as the visitors learn and get entertained from unique behaviors, movement and lifestyle of these primates.
Gorilla habituation experience takes place in Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors and each sector has one dedicated group for habituation. This means that the permits for habituation are limited to 8 people per day since each group is allowed to be restricted to only 4 visitors. The experience is accompanied by researchers, park ranger guides and conservationists.
This activity was recently introduced by Uganda Wildlife Authority, the organization in charge of managing wildlife and protected areas in Uganda. This came as a request by visitors who would want to spend more time with the primates than the granted one hour during gorilla trekking experience.
Gorilla habituation permits are limited due to their high demand, so you are advised to book your habituation permit for at least 7 months before the day of carrying out the activity. The habituation permit goes for $1500 for foreign non-residents, $1000 for foreign residents and 750,000/= UGX for East African residents per person. After the activity, you will be rewarded with a certificate of recognition for gorilla habituation experiences.
What to consider for a Budget gorilla habituation experience in Uganda?
A gorilla permit price is constant, so this means that for a budget gorilla habituation in Uganda to succeed, you need to consider accommodation, meals, transport and time / season to visit. For instance, about the best time to visit, budget tourists are advised to take a gorilla safari in low season which takes place in the rainy months of March to May and October to November. Most accommodation facilities tend to reduce their prices since they are on low demand unlike in dry season months of December to February and June to September where demand is so high.
Consider booking affordable accommodation facilities like camps, safari tents, Bandas that suit your budget.
Consider budget transportation. Use the best but affordable tourist vehicle which may not have a cooler box but with comfortable seats, open roof, and in good mechanical conditions to manage the rugged Ugandan terrain.
For a budget gorilla habituation in Uganda to succeed, take the number of days spent on a safari in consideration. At least limit the days to only 2 to 3 depending on the route used. For instance, if you start from Kigali – Rwanda, 2 days are enough but when you use Kampala-Uganda, 3 days can be the best.
We are experienced in organizing gorilla habituation safaris in Uganda and choosing us would be an ideal decision you can never regret.
