Travel to Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, for a supremely incomparable mountain gorilla habituation experience in their natural environment. Gorilla habituation experiences in Uganda are only enjoyed in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, that covers about 321 square kilometers of total land area in the southwestern part of the country. With 24 groups and about 500 individuals, Bwindi National Park is home to almost a half of the extant mountain gorillas globally. The Rushaga sector in Bwindi is the only place where gorilla habituation experiences are done.

While at the Rushaga sector, you will start with a briefing session, where you will be told about the rules to follow. A group of expert trackers will ensure that you along with 3 other tourists follow specific trails as you locate a gorilla group in the thick forest. Once you encounter a gorilla nest left from the previous day, you will know that the group is close. You will finally see the gorilla group, then you will stop and wait for instructions by the guides. The trek could take even up to 6 hours, so ensure that you are fit enough to walk for long distances.

You will have an unforgettably charming experience with a unique opportunity to spend an incredible 4 solid hours in the presence of a group of mountain gorillas in the wild. This time is sufficient to witness firsthand the process of habituating these apes. Regardless of being less accustomed to human presence like those encountered on gorilla trekking tours, they are gentle so long as you follow the rules given by the researchers and rangers. You will also get an opportunity to observe their unique behaviors as you take cute photographs of them.

How Much is Gorilla Habituation Permit in Uganda?

To enjoy the gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi National Park you must present a valid gorilla habituation permit. This costs US$ 1,500 for foreign non-residents, US$ 1,000 for foreign residents, US$ 1,000 for African citizens outside the East African Community and UGX 750,000 for East African community citizens.

A gorilla habituation permit can be acquired from Uganda Wildlife Authority by a licensed tour operator. For a seamless booking process that will ensure that you get the most convenient itinerary, best accommodation, meals and transport, book through a registered tour operator.

Reaching the Rushaga Sector for Gorilla Habituation Experience.

While in Kampala, or Entebbe Airport, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can be accessed by either road or air transport. Your choice depends on whether you prefer a scenic longer journey, or a short trip that offers aerial views of Uganda’s natural wonders. On road from Entebbe, the journey takes about 9 hours and you can enjoy the lovely sights of rolling hills, the countryside life and other wildlife species along the way.

Conversely, air transportation ensures that you take a 1.5-hours’ flight from Entebbe Airport to either Kisoro or Kihihi airfields. From either airfield, you will reach Bwindi National Park using ground transportation.

Best time to do Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda.

Gorilla habituation experience in Uganda have no seasons, they can be enjoyed on any day of the year. However, if you want to have a less challenging time to trek on gorilla trails, or even navigate the access roads, the dry season is ideal to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Bwindi experiences 2 dry seasons annually, one running from June to September and the other from December to February. These ensure that you walk through drier trails and access roads. The chances of showers during the day are also lower than during the wet seasons, thus offering uninterrupted experiences in the forest.

On the other hand, if you are interested in photography or having a less crowded gorilla habituation tour, the wet season is ideal time to travel to Bwindi national park. This season occurs in the months of March to May and from September to November. The heavy rains cause dense foliage in the forest thus offering beautiful background for photography. Since this is generally a low tourism season, you can enjoy peaceful and intimate encounters with the mountain gorillas. Also, some tourist services are offered at discounted fees during the wet season compared to the dry season. These include accommodation facilities and other tourist activities.

What to Pack for Gorilla Habituation Experiences in Bwindi National Park?

The best gorilla habituation experience demands for careful consideration of traveling with the following items,

• A pair of waterproof hiking boots or shoes with ankle support and firm grip to walk on uneven terrain.
• Clothes that are light, breathable and made of dull colors such as brown and green. These should be long-sleeved like shirts and trousers that also protect against insect bites and friction against flora in the forest.
• Rain jackets or raincoats to ensure that you minimise the chances of getting wet in a tropical rainforest like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
• Sun protection items like a pair of sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat, and suncream to ensure that your body is safe from the harsh ultraviolet radiations of the African sun.
• Binoculars that can enable you to observe flora and fauna from far away.
• A camera with a spare battery to take as many beautiful pictures as possible for your profoundly sweet memories back at home
• Insect repellent to ensure that you avoid insects such as mosquitoes from biting you
• A portable backpack that will accommodate essential items such as water bottle, snacks and others
• First-aid box to treat any unexpected minor injuries that may occur.