Gorilla Habituation Experience in Uganda

Mountain gorillas are probably the most fascinating primates that still roam in nature. The opportunity to observe mountain gorillas in the wild is highly sought after, and combined with a general wildlife safari, it is the ultimate wildlife experience. Mountain gorillas are found only in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Just over 1000 are still in the wild in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park in the Dr. Congo, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda. Most visitors planning gorilla tours in Uganda and elsewhere don’t realize that in addition to the gorilla hike, there is an even more fascinating experience possible with gorillas in Uganda—the gorilla getting used to experience. The experience is currently only possible in Uganda. This is a recent introduction by the Uganda Wildlife Authority and an attempt to give visitors and tourists the opportunity to experience the process of gorilla habituation, but in a controlled manner. Two groups of gorillas, Rushaga and Nkuringo, were set aside for the habituation experience.

Like most animals, wild gorillas are shy with people and go away as soon as they come into contact with people. The habituation of gorillas refers to the manufacturing process of the wild gorillas, accustomed to a long human presence. The process takes between 2 and 3 years and is led by primatologists, researchers, experienced pursuers, environmentalists, and park rangers. Dian Fossey, the great primatologist, was the first person to suggest effective methods of getting used to large primates. Some of his methods included adopting the dominant silverback, imitating gorilla sounds, and resting even when a member of the group appears aggressive. Although this process takes a lot of time, the successful process of gorilla habituation is the key to the success of conservation programs, as it facilitates the monitoring of the overall well-being, population, and safety of gorillas. A gorilla group can only be opened if it is completely used to it. The gorilla habituation experience is especially suitable for primate lovers who have already done gorilla trekking and now want to learn more by spending more time with the gorillas. Gorilla trackers for the first time can, of course, experience it directly if that’s what they want.

How is gorilla habituation different from gorilla migration? The difference between gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experience is clear. The number one is the price. While gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost $600, a gorilla habitat experience license. The higher price may deter travelers, but those who go for this special experience will be rewarded with 4 hours with the gorilla after finding them in the jungle. In standard gorilla trekking, the gorillas are only watched for an hour to find the family. The gorilla habituation experience is to interact with semi-wild gorillas, which are relatively more mobile than the normal gorilla trekking groups. Gorilla trekking is led by park guards and local guides, while there is an international sensation among the leading follow-up team during the habituation experience, as we will see.

Like the usual gorilla trekking, the habituation experience starts very early in the morning in the park offices with briefings from researchers and those in charge of the Uganda wildlife authority. Only four tourists are allowed to participate in the gorilla habituation experience per day and with a group of gorillas, unlike the gorilla hike, which allows a maximum of 8 people with a gorilla per day. The reduced number makes it possible to spend more devoted time with the gorillas. In addition, visitors reserved for the gorilla habituation experience are usually accompanied by experienced researchers, rangers, and pursuers who share important information about gorilla research and conservation. Visitors have several opportunities to ask some of the best specialists in the conservation and study of gorillas. You will learn how gorillas care, feed, and build their daily nests. The behavior and position of each member of the group will be discussed in detail. If a visitor is lucky, he may be asked to participate in the nomination ceremony for the new members of the group.

The rules to be followed in the gorilla habituation experience are similar to those in the standard gorilla trekking. Travelers must be free of communicable health issues such as flu or cough. Never surround the gorillas by watching them. The use of flash photography can irritate gorillas and is strictly prohibited. A mountain gorilla may be annoyed by a sudden movement or a loud noise; speak softly and stay calm even if a band member seems to be powered.

As with trekking with the gorillas, for the usual experience, visitors are asked to bring a walking stick, a camera, a packed lunch, water, rain jackets, a hat, gloves for hands, long shirts, and pants. Permits for the gorilla habituation experience can be obtained from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, preferably through your preferred tour operator.