Seeking, longing and inquiring; having a one-on-one encounter with the gorillas is once-in-a-lifetime event. With these apes being one of the world’s largest animals and having over 98 percent human’s similar DNA, it’s one way of fulfilling your life’s dreams and reunite with your relatives in the jungle. Mountain gorillas can only be found on the African continent, in the Misty jungles of Virunga Mountains, which stretch through Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Gorilla Habituation Experience is a method of taming gorillas to become accustomed to the presence of humans in their daily life. It is a safe pastime, with visitors permitted to spend up to four hours in the company of the apes, taking pictures and observing their unique forest routine. Gorillas are quiet and gentle creatures that live in groups / families led by an adult male with silver fur on his back. Leaves, shrubs, stems and roots are some of the foods they eat.

Where to go for gorilla habituation experience?

Habituation exercise takes place only in the Rushaga region, south of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Kisoro district. With up to four gorilla sectors – Buhoma, Nkuringo, Rushaga and Ruhija, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has the highest concentration of mountain gorillas in the world. Over 19 gorilla families are available to be trekked by tourists on daily basis, with one family dedicated to the habituation experience.

Each day, a maximum of four persons with valid habituation permits are allowed to encounter the semi-habituated gorillas. The day begins with briefing by the ranger guides at park headquarters before heading into the misty jungle to find the sought after apes. The guidelines are identical to those for trekking, except that habituation exercise is more intimate, as visitors are allowed to get much closer to the apes and spend more time monitoring their relationships in a family.

Cost of Gorilla Habituation Experience.

To engage in the gorilla habituation experience, there is a price to pay, from which a permit will be issued to allow access to a family of gorillas and the park. As of 2021, a habituation permit costs only 1500 USD for foreign non-residents, 1000 USD for foreign residents and 750,000 UGX for East African residents, including Ugandans. This fee is valid for only one day per person, for adults aged 15 years and above, with no any kinds of infectious diseases.

This cost includes park entrance fees, ranger guide fees and contribution to local communities living near the park. The permits are scarce and on very high demand, thus advisable to book for one at least six months in advance to avoid disappointments or wrong timing.

Best time to do Gorilla Habituation Experience.

Habituation experience is open for visitors all year round, with gorillas present in the park from morning to sunset. Primate lovers can meet them any day of the week, from about 07:00 hours local time, running for a duration of four hours.

Most suitable months to visit gorillas for habituation is from June to October and December to February when there is no or very little rains. The wet months like October to November and March to May are also possible for budget travelers or those who wish to take amazing photos with the green cover and learn about the reactions of mountain gorillas under rain.

What to pack for gorilla habituation experience?

As you plan to head for a gorilla habituation experience, put into consideration some of the following must-have;

• Garden gloves to protect your hands.
• Good hiking boots for safety.
• Insect repellants to protect you against insects in the forest.
• Professional camera for photography.
• Binoculars to watch the apes and other park residents at a distance.
• Medical documents / clearance if required.
• Necessary documents including a passport, valid visa and valid habituation permit,
• A hat to protect you against scorching sun.
• Long-sleeved shirt / blouse, trouser and a rainproof jacket, since rains in the forest may fall any time.
• Make sure that only what is necessary for the number of days is carried to avoid charges for extra luggage.

If you need to understand unique behaviors of the gorillas, their family structure and feeding habits, then spending a full day with them is the only recommended way. Gorilla habituation experience is quite safe and affordable. Book your habituation permit at least six months in advance to ascertain availability and appropriate time of travel.