The Gorilla habituation experience was introduced in 2015 and is done on a daily basis by Researchers, UWA Rangers and sometimes with Gorilla Doctors to study their behaviors and the rate at which they are copying with human beings. They observe and study each individual member behavior and naming them as well. Uganda wild life Authority declared gorilla habituation experience in 2016 to the public to be take part in habituation experience.
Gorilla habituation involves imitating the behaviors of the gorillas such as mimicking their voice, walking on knuckles, chewing the cud for all the 3 hours you spend in their presence, this helps them not to look at human beings as threat but this does not stop them from being wild and aggressive if under attack.
This experience is only in Bwindi forest national park, Rushaga sector. After2-3 years of the exercise and the gorilla family has stabilized and adapted to human presence, the family is then declared for Gorilla tracking. Unlike gorilla tracking, gorilla habituation experience is limited to 4 people per day. The cost of gorilla permit is at usd 1500 per person. The cost includes park entry fees and at the end of the experience you are presented a certificate of recognition from Uganda wild Life authority.
Since the number of people is very limited to 4 people, the activity is on the high demand and therefore its booking should be done at least 4-6 months in advance to avoid last minute disappointments.
Gorilla habituation starts with briefing in the morning at Rushaga park quarters about the do’s and don’ts before proceeding to the forest in search of the allocated gorilla family. The guides together with Researchers and on request Gorilla Doctors will lead you on this trek and once you encounter with them, you will spend 4 hours with them right from nesting (where they slept the previous day). Once the 4 hours’ time is done you trek back to the starting point.
It’s also important to follow the rules and guidelines which include;
Maintain a distance of at-least 21 feet (7 meters) from the gorillas when approach them.
Wear you face mask at all times while with the gorillas
Flash photography is prohibited
Do not attempt to touch the gorillas. Stay in the company of your group
Keep your voices lower while with the gorillas as you listen to instructions from the guides.
You will not be allowed to under take in case of contagious illness such as flu and cough.
Don’t eat, drink or smoke when you are near the gorillas.
Don’t litter the park with any polyethene or rubbish. Keep it together until you return to the lodge or designated dustbins
If you need to cough or sneeze while with the gorillas, please turn your head away, and cover your nose and mouth in order to minimize the spread of any contagious diseases.
In case you feel like easing yourself, inform the ranger guide and he or she will advise accordingly.
While planning for Gorilla habituation experience, there are essentials you need to consider carrying or before going for the activity which include but not limited to;
- Water proof good hiking boots and a pair of stocking
- Light Rain jackets/ coat, the weather in Bwindi is unpredictable.
- Safari hat or cap however it’s no much an essential if you don’t have.
- Long sleeved sweater top or shirt with long pair of trouser tucked in stockings to stop red ants from accessing the human body,
- clothes with dull colors are recommended than bright colors which may scare away Gorillas.
- Insect repellent because of gorilla flies and other insects that you are likely to meet in the forest.
- Camera and extra rechargeable batteries to take photos in close range but you will need to remove flash lights and adjust setting to silence.
- A small handy bag pack preferably water proof to keep your essentials together such as phones and camera.
- You also need packed lunch and enough drinking water as you will spend more time in the forest.
Reminder: Since Gorilla Habituation Experience is only in Rushaga sector, you are recommended to book accommodation close to the sector such that its easier for you to connect to the briefing point in the morning. Briefing starts at 6:30 AM and the activity starts at 7:00AM as opposed to tracking which starts at 8:00AM.
