3 Days gorilla habituation experience tour takes you to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Bwindi has the highest population of Mountain gorillas in the world. It also has the highest number of habituated gorilla groups – 15 in number. Bwindi is the only gorilla park where one can take part 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. The 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, several tests are done before tourists can be allowed to start visiting the group.
Overview
Overview
The gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi is very demanding compared to standard gorilla trekking. It requires trekking through thick forests with unpredictable terrain. It starts very early in the morning and ends late in the afternoon. One needs to be fit enough to enjoy the experience. It is important to hire a porter for the gorilla habituation experience. If you are not sure of your overall fitness, try to take long walks in the countryside as you prepare for the activity.
To cut the journey short, this tour can start from Kigali. This journey by road takes four hours at most. To have the best experience of Uganda and its wildlife, you can combine the gorilla habituation experience with golden monkey trekking or visiting the chimpanzees in Kibale National Park. You could even include a game drive in the breathtaking Queen Elizabeth National Park.
A packing list for the gorilla habituation experience would include long trousers, a backpack, drinking water, a rain jacket, long trousers/shirts, hand gloves, hiking boots, a hat, and a walking stick. Don’t forget to go with packed lunch because the experience goes on for most of the day. A camera is a must but you will need a binocular for spotting birds and smaller primates along the trails.
Trip Highlights
- Day 1: Pickup and transfer to Bwindi
- Day 2: Gorilla Habituation Experience
- Day 3: Departure to Entebbe or Kampala
