Gorilla Habituation experience in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was introduced in Uganda through Uganda Wildlife Authority in 2014 1st January to tourist to get involved in the gorilla habituation process. This is the process where wild mountain gorillas get used to the presence of humans. Gorilla habituation takes place only in the Rushaga section of the southern Bwindi National Park in Uganda. Two gorilla families in the Rushaga district of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are committed to this experience. This is among the best opportunities to get up close and personal with gorillas, allowing you to appreciate their amazing beauty.
A maximum of eight tourists per day, each paying USD 1500.00 for the gorilla habituation experience, are permitted for all tourists who are interested in the gorilla experience, taking into account the number of participants.
Compared to gorilla trekking, which lasts only an hour, tourists spend more time with mountain gorillas during this exhilarating encounter. When you spend four hours observing the daily routines and behaviour of mountain gorillas, you undergo gorilla habituation. In contrast to gorilla tracking, which allows visitors to spend up to an hour in the company of gorillas, this gorilla habituation experience allows visitors to spend less time getting to know the behaviour of the gorillas.
Close to Buhoma, there are eleven habituated groups: Rushegura, Habinyanja, Rushegura, and Mubare. In Rushaga, to the south, there are several groups: Busingye, Nshonji, Kahungye, Bweza, Mishaya, and the Nkuringo gorilla family. Other gorilla families, such as the Kyaguriro, Bitukura, and Oruzogo families, can be found in the eastern portion of the Ruhija parking lot. The Nkuringo and Rushaga are the only two groups that are available for habituation.
Gorilla Habituation Rules and Regulations
All visitors must possess a current gorilla habituation permit in order to comply with gorilla habituation laws and regulations. Permits for gorilla habituation experiences are limited to a specific date and need ahead booking. Anyone without a current gorilla habituation permit will not be permitted to partake in this activity. The Uganda Wildlife Authority sells gorilla habituation permits for USD 1500.00 per four hours. Anyone must be at least 15 years old in order to take part in the gorilla habituation experience. Similar to gorilla trekking, the minimum age for gorilla habituation has been set at 15 years old and up in order to reduce immature behaviour.