Gorilla habituation is the best activity for a tourist to participate in and learn more about the gorillas at a closer range. It is only associated with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the Rushaga gorilla sector which is located in the southern sector of the park. Bwindi is a special icon for Uganda’s tourism.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a haven for more than half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. The park harbors over 459 mountain gorillas as per the last record in 2018 by the Uganda Wildlife Authority fostering the conservation of these outstanding giant primates. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has over 50 gorilla families with about 26 families habituated while a few are still going through the habituation process.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has four gorilla sectors including the Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo gorilla sectors. The Rushaga gorilla sector which is located in the southern sector of the park is mostly visited by travelers from Kigali through Cyanika border in Kisoro. This journey takes about 3 hours and the sector is also famous for other activities such as birding, canoeing on Lake Mutanda, and the Batwa community tour to mention but a few.

The Ruhija gorilla sector which is located in the eastern part of Bwindi is the coldest of all the sectors and it is in this sector where you can do mountain cycling. The other activities in this sector include bird watching, and Batwa cultural tour. The Nkuringo gorilla sector is also located in the southern region of the park offering stunning views of the Virunga mountain ranges in Congo. The Buhoma gorilla sector is located in the northern part of the park and it is close to the Kihihi airstrip making it the best option for tourists who use flights.

The Buhoma gorilla sector is also close to Ishasha making it also a good deal for visitors traveling from Queen Elizabeth National Park. The Buhoma gorilla sector was the first sector to be established in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It is also the most popular since it has developed infrastructure such as roads and accommodation facilities. Buhoma is famous for accommodating the first habituated gorilla family called the Mubare gorilla family. The Buhoma gorilla sector is the easiest to track and so convenient for old-age travelers.

What Is Gorilla Habituation Experience?

Gorilla habituation is the process where wild mountain gorillas are gently introduced to the presence of humans in a bid to prepare them for trekking. The gorilla habituation experience is the best opportunity for visitors to have a one-on-one encounter with the endangered mountain gorillas. Gorilla habituation takes a maximum of 4 fours and visitors get to spend this time watching and studying the different behaviors of the mountain gorillas in responding to human presence.

Visitors move through the thick rain forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in search of a particular identified gorilla family to habituate. After locating the gorilla family, they spend 4 hours observing and recording the lifestyle of the wild mountain gorillas by watching them play, feed, care for their young, and generally roam around with their daily chores.

In Bwindi, there are only two gorilla families under habituation and these are Bikyingi and Bushaho gorilla families. The Bikyingi gorilla family is the most visited gorilla family for habituation. These are found in the Rushaga sector in the southern part of Bwindi. The Bikyingi gorilla family has 1 silverback, 9 adult females, 9 infants and 2 sub-adults. The Bushaho gorilla family is made of 10 members with uniquely one black back that is expected to be a rival to the dominant silverback of the family.

How much are gorilla habituation permits?

The cost for gorilla habituation permits varies according to the region and nationality of the visitor. Gorilla habituation permits cost USD 1500 for the foreign non-residents, the foreign residents pay USD 1000, the rest of Africa pays USD 1000 while East African citizens and nationals pay UGX 750,000. The gorilla habituation permits are best purchased 4 months before the habituation date. before so as the park plans accordingly since few numbers of people are permitted to participate in the habituation experience per day.

The habituation experience is more effective in March, June, October, and December as well as the dry season. You are advised to wear long-sleeved clothes, gloves, light rain jackets, and long trousers and strictly to those from 15 years and above.

Feel free to book with us and get your gorilla habituation permits within no time. Taking you to through the world of apes with unbeatable moments you will live to jubilate exploring the Pearl of Africa.

How to get a gorilla habituation permit in Uganda?

Gorilla habituation permits are sold at Uganda Wildlife Authority UWA a body that oversees all protected areas in Uganda. You can only purchase a gorilla habituation permit through a local tour operator who is registered with UWA to get access and buy for you a permit. However, for you to be on the safer side, you need to book your permit at least 6 months ahead, this is because the permits always have high demand and are limited.