Four Hours Gorilla Trek in Uganda
The four hours gorilla trek in Uganda is known as the Gorilla Habituation Experience. This long trek with mountain gorillas allows tourists to observe their unique behaviors and take photos. The trek involves penetrating the dense forest as you look for a group of gorillas. During the four-hour gorilla trekking experience, visitors can explore the semi-habituated family of mountain gorillas. Spending four hours in the wild with Mountain Gorillas offers more time to interact with them than the one hour during regular gorilla trekking.
Where to enjoy the 4 hours Gorilla trek in Uganda
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the only place to experience the 4 hours trek with gorillas (Mountain Gorilla Habituation). At Bwindi, your adventure starts from the Rushaga sector –the only region where gorilla habituation experience is offered.
What is a typical day of a Gorilla Habituation like?
A typical day of gorilla habituation begins with registration/clearing at the reception desk and later briefing about rules and regulations to be observed when on this adventure. A gorilla park ranger, guides, trackers, and porters can be available at the briefing area. The park official leads the briefing session and allocates park ranger guides to take you through your thrilling four-hour trek with gorillas.
Before finding a semi-habituated group of gorillas, expect to spend quality time in the jungles as you search for these apes. With the long day search, you should also consider having a pack of snacks, bottled drinking water, and walking sticks.
What to Pack for your Gorilla Trek in Uganda
Are you wondering how to dress up for your adventure? Here is a checklist of essentials for your gorilla trek in Uganda.
The essentials to include range from a pair or two of long-sleeved shirts to gardening gloves, sunscreen, a safari jacket, a safari hat, a tin of insect repellent, a sweater, and bottled water. You also need essentials such as a sweater, long trousers, sunglasses, a pack of snacks, gaiters, toiletries, a first aid kit, sun blocker cream, binoculars, and more.
Gorilla permits
A valid gorilla permit must be obtained, and the cost varies depending on the three recognized visitor categories as per the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Foreign nonresidents can book gorilla habituation permits at USD 1500 per person, USD 1000 for foreign residents, and Shs 750,000 per visitor for East African citizens. Tours to Uganda and gorilla habituation permits can be safely booked through Native Africa Tours –a reliable and trusted local tour operator.
When to Travel for Gorilla Habituation
A successful Gorilla habituation experience is an all-year-round destination. But the dry season is ideal for gorilla adventures. Uganda’s two peak dry seasons occur from June to September and December to February. These months are often characterized by less or no rain, with the forest floor kept drier, thus making it passable as you search for gorillas.
The wet or rainy months (March, April, May, October, and November) record heavy rains, and the forest floor tends to be muddy and slippery. Considering the weather conditions that come with the rainy months, most trekkers avoid them. But it is around these months when you can enjoy a trek with fewer crowds, and they are also ideal if you are targeting a budget gorilla tour.
Where to stay
Accommodation options around the Rushaga sector in Bwindi include Bwindi Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Nshongi Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Safari Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Gorilla Safari Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Havens Lodge, Four Gorillas Lodge, and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gorilla habituation?
Gorilla habituation is a step-by-step process in which wild mountain gorillas are gently introduced to human sight. The entire process mainly focuses on research and conservation purposes. Trekkers can engage in this step-by-step process through the gorilla habituation experience.
What is the difference between gorilla habituation & gorilla trekking?
Gorilla habituation and gorilla trekking are different, looking at certain factors like gorilla permits and the length of the adventure. A single gorilla habituation costs USD 1500 per person, and normal gorilla trekking permits are issued at USD 800 per person –these are the current set gorilla permit costs. The regular gorilla trek allows you to spend a maximum of 1 hour face-to-face with a group of gorillas, unlike 4 hours when you embark on the captivating gorilla habituation.
Why is gorilla habituation so expensive?
Gorilla habituation is expensive, considering the cost of protecting gorillas and their habitats. The high cost of conservation is one reason why the rates for gorilla permits are high. The revenues generated from the licenses are invested in supporting conservation practices, research, park patrols, and more.
Is Gorilla Habituation Safe?
The gorilla habituation experience is safe and secure. Visitors embark on the gorilla search with the presence of an experienced guide or trackers. When interacting with a family of gorillas, expect to maintain a recommended distance of 8-10 meters away from these great apes.
Do I need to be fit to go for gorilla habituation?
A specific fitness level is essential to trek through Bwindi to explore a semi-habituated gorilla group set for habituation. Gorilla habituation can last half a day or an entire day and involves walking through the jungle. The journey takes you through areas unusual from the usual places where you have had guided nature walks.
What is the acceptable age limit for gorilla habituation?
Like the regular gorilla treks, you can participate in the gorilla habituation experience if you are over 15. Anyone in this age bracket is eligible for the gorilla habituation experience.
Can I take pictures during gorilla habituation?
Yes, photography allows tourists to experience gorilla habituation. However, it would be best for you to turn off the flashlight on your camera. When you choose a camera to use during your gorilla habituation, please find one with incredible pictures and a good battery.
Do you know how I can get to Bwindi?
If you dream of enjoying a four-hour gorilla trek in Uganda, then be ready to travel to Rushaga in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Getting to Rushaga by road involves driving in a 4×4 tourist car via the Masaka-Mbarara to Kabale route. Starting from the heart of vibrant Entebbe or Kampala, this route can take about 8-9 hours.
Getting to Rushaga is also possible starting from Kigali, which is about a 4-5 hour drive. All road transportation to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park requires a fully mechanized 4×4 safari vehicle to ease your navigation through the remotest southwestern Uganda.
Air travel can save you time connecting to Bwindi National Park to begin your gorilla habituation experience. Opting for air transportation offers the quickest travel choice to reach Bwindi, and visitors set off from Entebbe International Airport or Kajjansi Airfield to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip. When you land at the Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip, a safari guide can safely pick you up, and you connect to the safari lodge to relax.
