Difference Between Gorilla Trekking and Habituation Experience

Is gorilla trekking different from gorilla habituation? Explore the unique differences between gorilla trekking and habituation with Superfine Safaris Limited. Gorilla trekking and habituation are two distinct primate adventures, and each leads to the other. Before gorilla family groups are opened to gorilla trekking, they undergo thorough habituation. This means gorilla habituation marks the initial stage of the actual gorilla trekking adventure. A gorilla group can only be opened to visitors or the public to explore on a gorilla trekking tour if it has undergone a complete habituation circle.

What is the difference between gorilla trekking and habituation?

Gorilla trekking is a unique outdoor primate adventure that focuses on visitors hiking through the lush rainforest while in search of a fully habituated family of mountain gorillas. At the end of the gorilla trek, visitors expect to have an in-depth exploration of how mountain gorillas behave, taking pictures, and observing their body gestures.

Up to 25 habituated gorilla groups can be visited on a normal gorilla trek in Uganda, and these are distributed in Rushaga, Buhoma, Ntebeko, Ruhija, and Nkuringo sectors. In Rwanda, visitors can explore 13 habituated families of mountain gorillas and about 8 groups in Virunga National Park.

Gorilla habituation mainly involves exploring a semi-habituated or a non-habituated gorilla group. During gorilla habituation, mostly scientists or conservationists embark on the journey to search for unhabituated gorillas.

Where to go for gorilla trekking & habituation

Gorilla trekking is carried out across all the mountain gorilla safari destinations in East Africa. To experience the unforgettable gorilla trekking adventure, you can visit safari parks such as Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, or cross to the Democratic Republic of Congo to explore Virunga National Park.

Gorilla habituation is only offered in Rushaga, which is the southern gorilla sector in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The Rushaga sector also happens to be the region with the largest concentration of gorilla groups in the entire Bwindi.

Participation and moment with gorillas

Gorilla trekking can take about 2-6 hours for you to search for gorillas. When you have located a gorilla group, you can stay with these large apes for a maximum of 1 hour. This is a moment to observe how gorillas behave and take pictures.

Gorilla habituation requires a full day, and visitors embark on a search for a gorilla family with trackers. The full day search involves following gorillas, taking note of their behaviors, and the general view is to make these apes acclimatized to human presence. Gorilla habituation mainly takes about 2 years while trackers keep following the gorillas and making them get used to human presence. The gorilla group is officially open for gorilla tourism after it has completed a circle of habituation and is certain that they can be visited by tourists.

A habituated gorilla family is easier to interact with. Visitors can come across gorillas and spend some time with them without them running away. The unhabituated gorillas tend to disappear upon noticing human presence. To enjoy encounters with gorillas during habituation, visitors are given up to 4 hours just to observe how gorillas behave and take pictures.

Carrying capacity

On gorilla trekking, a maximum of 8 visitors are allocated to explore one gorilla group. If you are on gorilla habituation, a maximum of 4 tourists are allowed to explore one family of gorillas.

The cost of gorilla permits –trekking & habituation

A valid gorilla trekking permit costs USD 800 per tourist in Uganda and USD 1500 per visitor on a Rwanda gorilla tour. Gorilla habituation permits cost USD 1500 per tourist (for international tourists), USD 1000 for all foreign residents, and Ugandans + other East African citizens pay UGX 750,000 per visitor.

How fit should you be to go for gorilla trekking or habituation?

Whether it is a normal gorilla trek or gorilla habituation that you wish to engage in, a certain level of fitness is required. Both experiences involve walking through the rainforest and undefined forest paths. The length of the trek is generally unpredictable, given the fact that your journey involves conquering the high elevation before you come across gorillas. It can even take longer, especially when gorillas have a scarce food supply. It means you have to keep moving to further distances till you locate them.

The acceptable age limit for both gorilla trek & habituation

Both gorilla trekking and habituation are conducted by persons aged 15 years. This is the acceptable age limit as per the park authorities or government conservation agencies (UWA & UDB) in the respective destinations where gorillas live. Anyone above 15 years stands a chance to book a gorilla permit that allows him or her to participate in either gorilla trekking or mountain gorilla habituation.

Is gorilla trekking or habituation safe?

Yes, both gorilla trekking and habituation are safe and secure for tourists to engage in Uganda. Visitors embark on the search for the gorillas with the presence of a park ranger guide or tracker. Before visitors start trekking through the forest in search of gorillas, they are briefed on the set rules and regulations to be followed. The set of rules and regulations guides on how you should behave when you get into the jungle, interact with, or take pictures of the gorillas.

What to pack for a gorilla safari (gorilla trekking or habituation)

A complete gorilla trekking or habituation holiday requires you to pack well. The essentials to have include a daypack, a rain jacket, adequate bottled drinking water, long-sleeved shirts, a camera that is free from the flashlight, a torch, long trousers, a first aid kit, insect repellents, and a sweater. The packing list should also include a safari hat, sunscreen, snacks, and more.

Plan for your accommodation –where to stay.

When planning for a gorilla trekking or habituation experience, you should also consider securing a place to stay. The key places to stay in Bwindi include Nkuringo Gorilla Lodge, Rushaga Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Leisure Lodge, Bwindi Lodge, Buhoma Gorilla Camp, Buhoma Lodge, Mahogany Springs Lodge, Silverback Lodge, and Clouds Mountains Gorilla Lodge.

The accommodation choices in Mgahinga include Amajambere Iwacu Community Camp, Travelers’ Rest Hotel Kisoro, Mount Gahinga Lodge, Mucha Hotel Kisoro, and others.

Volcanoes National Park safari lodges include Kinigi Guesthouse, Best View Hotel, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Mountain Gorillas’ Nest Lodge, Bisate Lodge, and Silverback Lodge Rwanda.