The goal of the gorilla habituation experience is to reduce the natural fear that gorillas have of humans. By spending time around the gorillas every day, the team shows them that humans are not a threat. Over time, the gorillas become more comfortable and continue their normal daily activities, even in the presence of humans.

In Uganda, gorilla habituation is only offered in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, specifically in the Rushaga region. Two gorilla families, located in the Nkuringo and Rushaga areas, are available for this experience. Habituation takes place in the Rushaga-Nkuringo area, with the Bushaho and Bukingi groups currently being habituated.

This experience is not for everyone, as it requires more effort, costs $1,500 per person (compared to $600 for regular gorilla trekking), and involves a longer time with the gorilla family. However, for those up for the challenge, it offers a unique and rewarding experience.

The Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest offers tourists a unique opportunity to spend four hours with a semi-habituated gorilla family. This experience is more immersive than the regular gorilla trekking, and it's available only in Uganda.

Mountain Gorillas are naturally wary of humans. If approached, they may move away or become aggressive. While gorilla charging is rare, it can happen if a wild group is disturbed without undergoing habituation. Gorilla habituation is the process of getting these gentle creatures comfortable with human presence. This process typically takes two to three years, but it can last up to five years.

What is Gorilla Habituation?

Gorilla habituation is the gradual process of getting wild Mountain Gorillas used to the sight and presence of humans. This is done for research, care, and conservation purposes. The process involves trackers, conservationists, researchers, and rangers, and usually takes about 2 to 3 years to complete. Recently, this experience has been offered on a limited scale by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

What Happens During the Experience?

The experience starts with an early morning briefing where the ranger explains what to expect and the rules to follow around the gorillas. You then join the habituation team and hike into the forest, led by trackers, to find a gorilla troop. You'll learn how the trackers work, following trails and nests used by the gorillas overnight.

Once you find the troop, the rangers will make gorilla calls, chop vegetation, and talk among themselves to help the gorillas get used to these sounds. The team will also share information about the troop, including the names, habits, and personalities of individual gorillas.

If the troop is early in the habituation process, the gorillas may be shy and avoid humans, so you might not get as close to them as you would on a regular gorilla trek. This experience offers a more authentic interaction with the gorillas, but it may not be as up-close as some might expect.

How to Book the Gorilla Habituation Experience

Since only four tourists are allowed per day, it's important to book your permits early. Gorilla habituation permits cost $1,500 per person, and you can book them through a local tour operator. It's recommended to book at least 3 months in advance for the low season and 6 months ahead for the peak season.

Fitness Requirements

The gorilla habituation experience involves a challenging hike that can last several hours, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. The trails can be muddy and slippery, so being sure-footed is important. Many trekkers hire porters to carry their backpacks, which not only provides jobs but also makes the hike easier.

What to Pack for the Gorilla Habituation Experience

Your packing list should include long-sleeved shirts, gardening gloves, a hat, long trousers, a rain jacket, water bottles, hiking shoes, a camera, a walking stick, and insect repellent. Bring some snacks or lunch, as the experience can take a long time. Consider hiring porters to help carry heavy equipment or assist with climbing steep slopes.

Best Time for Gorilla Habituation in Uganda

The gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is available year-round, but the best time to go is during the dry season (June, July, August, September, December, January, and February). During these months, there is less rainfall, making access to the park easier. The wet season (March to May) sees more rain, which can be challenging, but it also offers some advantages for photographers, such as clearer air and a moody, wilderness atmosphere.

How to Access Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

There are three main ways to get to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The cheapest is to drive from Kampala/Entebbe in Uganda or Kigali in Rwanda. The drive from Kampala/Entebbe takes about 10 hours, while the route from Kigali is shorter, at around 4 hours.

The quickest and most convenient way is to take a charter flight from Entebbe or Kajjansi to Kisoro airstrip, which takes about an hour and a half. From there, it's a 45-minute drive to your lodge in Rushaga.