Gorilla Habituation Experience Uganda
Gorilla Habituation Experience Uganda is a new picking activity operated in Bwindi Forest Rushaga sector. The activity is similar to Gorilla Trekking but differs in away that GHEX is carried on Gorilla families that are not yet friendly to human beings in Bwindi Forest National Park
Gorilla Habituation Experience
is a process where wild mountain gorillas are trained to get used to people. Gorilla Habituation Experience may take between two to three (2-3) years to be completed and during this time, researchers keep on visiting an identified Wild gorilla group on a daily basis. They get to learn more about individual gorillas and the way they behave.clients spend more time 4 hours or so with mountain gorillas compared to gorilla trekking which is restricted to only one hour.
With time, these gorillas get used to these researchers and in the long run, each individual gorilla is given a name. Once researchers are sure that these mountain gorillas can be trekked, they then introduce a mock exercise where some few people who may include scientists, journalists start visiting it. Once such a gorilla family has passed mock exercise, then it is opened for Gorilla Trekking Exercise.
Every day, 4 Gorilla permits are issued to Trekkers at 1500USD per Gorilla permit. You may secure your Gorilla Habituation Experience permits in advance with us
Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Forest during a Uganda Tour
Gorilla Habituation Experience call is carried out on Gorilla Families in Rushaga Sector of Bwindi Forest National Park Uganda. Some of the Gorilla Families for Habituation Experience adventure include Bikyingi Gorilla group. It is situated in Rushaga region in the southern Uganda Bwindi Forest was put a side for Gorilla Habituation Experience – GHE in Uganda, apparently Byikyingi group has 1 silver back, 9 adult females 2 sub adults and 9 infants. Another Gorilla group is Bushaho gorilla family.
Bwindi Forest national park has about eleven habituated gorilla families which include Mubare, Habinyanja and Rushegura in the Northern section of the park called Buhoma, then Bitukura, Oruzogo and Kyaguriro in the Eastern Part of Bwindi in Ruhija, Nshongi, Mishaya, Busingye, Bweza, Kahungye in Rushaga and then Nkuringo Gorilla Family all in the Southern sector.
Two gorilla families have been put aside for gorilla habituation experience and are located in the Nkuringo and Rushaga side of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Its for this reason that gorilla habituation safaris can only be done in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Gorilla Habituation Experience costs USD1500 per permit and guests are allowed to stay with the gorillas for 4 hours and If you book a permit for gorilla habituation, you will be allowed to spend four hours with mountain gorillas under habituation. These four hours excludes the time you spend to reach the gorillas.
The activity starts at 7:30am and briefing is done much earlier unlik gorilla trekiing which starts at 8:30am
Currently gorilla habituation experience can be possible in Rushaga located on the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. It is thus not possible in Bwindi Buhoma or Ruhija side of the forest. This is because currently, it is only in Rushaga that we have two mountain gorilla families being habituated as compared to other regions which do not have gorilla families under habituation. For those interested in this experience should be ready to go to the south and book accommodation closer to Rushaga since this activity requires an early start.
What is inclusive in Gorilla Habituation Experience permit
This includes rangers, researchers and spending four hours with mountain gorillas under habituation. It also includes park entrance fees for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
For an exciting experience one should carry the following
Boots,Trousers, Long sleeved shirts, A rain coat, A jacket, A flash free camera, Insect repellents, Trekking stick (can be hired at the trekked point)
Reserve with us for this amazing experience, u will surely live to tell
Gorilla Trekking Sectors Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Trekking mountain gorillas in Gorilla Trekking Sectors is an amazing and a diversified activity in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park because unlike other national parks in Uganda Bwindi comprise of 4 sectors in the south, north and east. Never the less each sector is different from the other in terms of location, accessibility, altitude and the trekking experience.
These different gorilla families have been habituated in each Gorilla Trekking Sector in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and no gorilla group can be trekked in both sectors. However despite the different locations of these sectors, connecting from one sector to another is easy and quick.
Trekking gorillas in Bwindi can be done in any of the gorilla trekking sectors but the experience is undeniably memorable. Also enjoy the uniqueness of each sector some travelers have visited both sectors on different occasions hence providing them with in-depth understanding of each sector and its distinct features. Altogether Bwindi shelters over 480 mountain gorillas, which is half of the world’s total population.
The four Gorilla Trekking Sectors that make up Bwindi impenetrable forest national park include;
Buhoma Gorilla Trekking Sector
It is located in the northern part of Bwindi, Buhoma is currently the most visited sector of the national park compared to other sectors. The ease of access from kabala town and kihihi airstrip make Buhoma the best part of Bwindi to visit at all times.
Being the first sector where gorilla tourism was first done when Bwindi’s oldest gorilla family Mubare was habituated in 1992 just a year after the establishment of Bwindi forest into a national park. The sector is close to Queen Elizabeth national park via ishasa sector a home to the famous tree climbing lions hence an added advantage for travelers unlike other sectors in the Far East and south.
Buhoma is a home to different families that is mubare family habituated in 1992, Habinyanja habituated in 1997 and Rushegura habituated in 2000 all available for trekking. Buhoma has an interesting history being a forest sector where first group of travelers toured in 1993 when gorilla tourism had just been introduced.
Further more Buhoma is known for the most luxury lodges, which provide excellent food and sleeping services to travelers. These loges include Mahogany springs, Bwindi forest lodge and Buhoma lodge among others. The First-class lodges are one of the reasons for the popularity of Buhoma sector compared to other sectors of the park.
Besides gorilla trekking, travelers to the sector enjoy memorable time with the community like the Batwa and Bakiga communities who reside at the edge of the forest, hiking trails which include Munyaga trail, Waterfall trail, Rushura trail, River lvi trail and Muzabajiro loop trail among others. Also, Buhoma is good for bird watching being a shelter for several bird species that can be is a home to rare bird species such as Blue Turaco and many others.
Nkuringo Gorilla Trekking Sector
Also in southern Bwindi, Nkuringo is a home to Nkuringo family available for trekking. At times, Bushaho Gorilla family crosses from Rushaga to Nkuringo sector is located on higher altitudes which make it strenuous to hike to see the gorillas. The sector is therefore recommended for the young travelers and the physically fit that can manage strenuous hikes. Interestingly the summit of the sector provide travelers with clear and close views of the Virunga volcanoes in Uganda and Rwanda which make it district and worth visiting. Accommodation in Nkuringo sector include clouds mountain gorilla lodge for luxury, Nkuringo safari lode for budget and Nkuringo gorilla camp for mid-range. Cultural visits to Bakiga communities is also a not miss for travelers in Nkuringo sector.
Rushaga Gorilla Trekking Sector
The sector is located in southern part of Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, Rushaga is a home to 5 gorilla families which make it best for gorilla trekking. Rushaga is easily accessed from kisoro hence the nearest to connect from Kigali via Chanika border. The habituated gorilla families include Busingye, Bweza, Nshongi, Mishaya and kahungye all available for trekking. Also, Rushaga offers gorilla habituation and two families named Bushaho and Bikyingi are currently going through training. More still, Rushaga offers cultural visits to Batwa communities, forest walks and bird watching among other activities. Accommodation in Rushaga includes gorilla safari lodge, gorilla valley lodge, Ichumbi lodge, Bwindi jungle lodge, Chameleon hill lodge and gorilla safari camp among others. These provide luxury, mid-range and budget accommodation services to travelers at affordable prices. Additionally, Rushaga is a home to lake Mutanda hence an opportunity for travelers to a boat cruise at the lake hence an added advantage.
Ruhija Gorilla Trekking Sector
Ruhija sector is located in Eastern part of Bwindi forest national park and is a home to Kyaguriro family, Bitukura family, and Oruzogo family all available for trekking. Ruhija stands at 2,350 meters above the sea level hence one of the coldest areas in Bwindi. For those interested in hiking, Ruhija offers the most strenuous and adventurous hiking trail to Rwamunyonyi peak hence a not miss. While in Ruhija expect to meet other primates such as elephants and several monkey species, which make your stay in the area interesting. Lodges in Ruhija include Bakiga lodge, gorilla mist lodge, Ruhija gorilla resort and Ruhija gorilla safari lodge, which all provide luxury and budget accommodation services to travelers at fair prices.
Gorilla Trekking can be done in any of the above sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and at low costs, BOOK WITH US for any sector of your choice
Gorilla Permit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla Permit for Bwindi Impenetrable National Park grants permission to trekkers to trek mountain gorillas in their natural habitats which is among the most amazing and health rewarding venture in Uganda and Rwanda national parks.
Meet the gentle giants of the jungle see their different families, their ways of life in their habitats. Reserve a permit to AVOID any resistance at national parks since it is a MUST requirement at national parks to trek mountain gorillas. Africa Treasures as one of its best fields will provide relevant gorilla permit booking information for Bwindi national park in Uganda and volcanoe national park in Rwanda so as to enable you plan your gorilla safari very well.
If one is to talk about gorilla trekking in Uganda, Bwindi gorilla permits come directly in the picture. Africa treasures brings you detailed information about Bwindi gorilla permits in Uganda. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is an expansive tropical rain forest located in south western Uganda. It is shared between three districts of Kisoro, Kabale and Kanungu. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to many forest animals including the jungle giants mountain gorillas. According to the current census, Bwindi impenetrable National Park has half of worlds mountain gorillas. The rest of the mountain gorillas are found in Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park in Rwanda and Democratic republic of Congo
Gorilla permit for trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park are reserved depending on the sections or regions in the park. These regions have different gorilla families and accommodation properties and they include Buhoma in the North,Ruhija in the East,Rushaga and Nkuring in the South.thus one trekks afamily of his or her choice.
It is highly advisable to reserve or book a gorilla permit in advance that is some months earlier like 3-5 months. This is to avoid inconveniences like late reservations especially during peak seasons when more gorillas are trekked in Bwindi and volcanoe national parks.Peak seasons are majorly in months of June, July, August, September, December and January, there fore African treasure books for these gorilla permits for you until your arrival for the trekking.
Prices for Gorilla Trekking Permit
We reserve your permit for trekking gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park and volcanoe national park at a cost USD $600 and USD1500 per permit respectively . The permit if paid includes park entry fees as well as services of a ranger guide who will trek with you in the forest in search of mountain gorillas. A gorilla permit is used once depending on the period specified on it, other services like accommodation, car hiring are customized according to clients needs.
Note that gorilla family allocation happens on the day of trekking where tourists are grouped depending on their physical abilities and interest. You will need to express your interest so that they allocate you a gorilla group that will help you achieve it. For more information and gorilla permit booking and allocation, do contact us at Encounter Africa safaris.
How to acquire a gorilla permit
You(client) contact Africa treasures with date or period of trekking and location of trekking. we will check availability of gorilla permits and inform you. We will send you an invoice and once you have transferred your funds on to our account, we will purchase your permits and send you scanned copies.
When to book Bwindi gorilla permits
Gorilla permits should always be booked well in advance to avoid shortage. Avoid trying to book gorilla permits on ground as you may be frustrated once they are out of stock. Everyone interested in tracking mountain gorillas should contact Africa Treasures at least 3-5 months in advance to check whether gorilla permits are still available. We will then contact Uganda Wildlife Authority and advise you accordingly.
Contact Africa Treasures for timely bookings and reservations for the gorilla trekking permits
Gorilla Trekking Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Gorilla trekking Bwindi impenetrable national park is one of the wonderful adventurous experience to adventuresome people in the world, Meet the gentle giants of the jungle in their natural habitat from their different families in the impenetrable forests, the trek is majorly foot based with a ranger who directs you to gorilla locations
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Is located in the southwestern Uganda on the edge of the Rift Valley. Its mist-covered hillsides are blanketed by one of Uganda’s oldest and most biologically diverse rain forests, which dates back over 25,000 years and contains almost 400 species of plants. More famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has this “impenetrable forest” that also protects an estimated 400 mountain gorillas – roughly half of the world’s population, including several habituated groups, which can be tracked.This biologically diverse region also provides shelter to a further 120 mammals, including several primate species such as baboons and chimpanzees, as well as elephants and antelopes. There are around 350 species of birds hosted in this forest, including 23 Albertine Rift endemics.
Best time for Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
Mountain gorillas can be seen year-round, therefore the best time for trekking is ultimately up to you. The dry seasons, from mid-December to February and from June to September, are considered the most comfortable times for trekking and the trails are in better condition.
However, there are some advantages of trekking in the wet seasons (March to May and October to December). During these months, gorillas tend to stick to the lower slopes as food is plentiful and temperatures are milder, therefore trekking times can be much shorter.
What to expect from Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
For one to prepare for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of gorilla trekking,here is some detailed information about what you can expect.
The trek activity itself
Initially you are welcomed by Africa treasure staff for the trek ,then he\she takes you to the park from your destination , you are transferred to a ranger’s station where the trek commences . rangers will lead you through cultivated lands, then into dense rain forest and as close as is allowed to a gorilla family.
The rangers monitor the gorillas on a daily basis so they have a fairly good idea of where they are. However, they are free roaming animals, and their sighting cannot be guaranteed. Trekking can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 8 hours and can be quite strenuous, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.further morre gorilla treking starts in the morning hours
Time with the gorillas
Spend some time with the gentle giants in accordance to time you are given to watch their activity and take photographs\snaps.But To ensure the gorillas don’t get too used to human presence, and because they share many of our genes and are able to be affected by our diseases, the maximum time permitted to spend with them is 1 hour.
The rangers will be able to provide you with a background information to the family you are visiting. Then, once your time is up, you trek back out of the rain forest to your meeting point.
However , as gorillas are extremely sensitive to human disease, the park authorities will not allow anyone they consider to be in poor health to visit the gorilla groups. Additionally, no children under 16 years of age are permitted to visit.
What is required for the best Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
gorilla trekking as an activity does not require bulky items for it to be a wonderful venture at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park ,Here are some of the items we recommend you to pack for your gorilla trekking experience.
Comfortable hiking/walking boots: As you’ll most likely be trekking for a few hours to reach the gorillas, a good pair of boots is essential. These foot wears prevent feet from sharp grass ,thrones among others
Trousers and a long-sleeved shirt: You’ll be ‘bushwhacking’ into a misty rain forest, so wear trousers and a long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from the thick undergrowth and nettles.
Gloves: A pair of gloves will protect your hands when grabbing branches and vines, particularly a tough pair of gardening gloves.
Light rain jacket: Even if you’re visiting during the dry season, it’s a good idea to pack a light rain jacket. These tropical forests can be damp and there can still be rainfall.
Getting Around
Bwindi’s various trail heads can be reached by vehicle. However there are no roads within the park itself, which is explored on foot. Bwindi is aptly named the ‘impenetrable forest’; paths pass through dense vegetation and can be steep. Take advantage of walking sticks offered at the start of a walk
