3 Days Gorilla habituation in Uganda tour takes you to Bwindi impenetrable national park in Uganda. Bwindi forest has half of the habituated population of mountain gorillas in the world and also has the highest number of non-habituated mountain gorillas. Bwindi forest is the only mountain gorilla park where one can take park in the gorilla habituation experience. Mountain gorillas are wild and are naturally wary of human beings. If a group is approached without undergoing the full habituation process, they could become aggressive and attack. The gorilla habituation process involves exposing the gorillas to prolonged human presence around them. This process takes between two to three years. Naming of the gorilla group and individuals is part of the habituation process. The entire process is led by a team of researchers and experienced local trackers. They approach the gorillas in a careful and controlled manner until they are comfortable with their presence. The first step during the habituation process is to gain the acceptance of the dominant male. Once the dominant male is okay with the human intruders, the rest of the group members will follow his lead. When the process is complete, there are several tests that are done before tourists can be allowed to start visiting the group.
The gorilla habituation experience is different from normal gorilla trekking because it involves visiting a group that has not completed the habituation process. The experience takes longer (four hours) and involves following the gorillas for most of the day accompanied by researchers. Its more engaging and offers opportunities to learn a lot about the primates and what is being done to protect them globally. Gorilla habituation permits costs $1500 and is done at the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Only four people may participate in the gorilla habituation experience.
Safari highlights
Day 1: Pickup and transfer to Bwindi
Day 2: Gorilla Habituation Experience
Day 3: Departure to Entebbe or Kampala
Day 1: Pickup from Entebbe or Kampala – Transfer to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Depending on your location, your Uganda safari driver will pick you up from Kampala and begin the journey to Bwindi Impenetrable forest after briefing. Its quite a long drive from Entebbe taking about 8-9 hours. However, there are domestic flights available at extra costs if you wish to reduce on the driving hours. While on the drive, prepare for stops midway to check out the beautiful countryside and take great photos at the Uganda Equator crossing. The western part of Uganda is blessed with amazing scenery. The Gorilla habituation process takes place in the southern sector of Bwindi forest. The journey towards this sector involves passing through the rolling hills of Kigezi and valleys of Kisoro. Arrival time is late in the afternoon, check-in at your booked lodge. Dinner and Overnight will be at Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge/Rushaga Gorilla Camp/Four Gorilla Lodge
Day 2: The Gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi
You wake up early and take breakfast before heading for briefing at the park offices. While there, you will join other tourists and be informed about what to expect during the gorilla habituation experience. You will be briefed about what not to do and what to carry along during the activity. After the briefing, you will start trekking into the forest accompanied by Ranges, trackers and researcher. Unlike standard gorilla trekking where visitors are allowed only one hour with the gorillas, with the habituation experience, you will be with the primates for four hours. As you track the gorillas, you will encounter several forest creatures including birds, butterflies, smaller primates and insects. Listen and observe what the researchers are doing. You may be asked to participate in making gorilla calls, gathering samples or naming group members. After spending your four hours with the primates, you will go back to the lodge for rest and relaxation. Dinner and Overnight will be at either lodge above
Day 3: Drive back to Entebbe – End of Tour
Wake up early and take your breakfast as you wait for the Guide/Driver to start the long journey back to Kampala or to Entebbe Airport. You will once again have stops for lunch. Proceed to Entebbe/Kampala and drop off will be as you advise.
