Difference between gorilla habituation and gorilla trekking – Gorilla habituation is a process where mountain gorillas are trained to become accustomed to human presence.
Mountain gorillas undergo habituation for a period of 3 to 5 years, carried out by a team of researchers, conservationists, trekkers, and park rangers.
The purpose of gorilla habituation is to allow researchers to study the species, protect them from poachers, treat their illnesses, and promote conservation efforts.
In Uganda, only two gorilla families are under habituation: the Bikingi and Bushaho families in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in southwestern Uganda.
During habituation, researchers and park rangers spend short periods with the mountain gorillas, gradually increasing the time spent over 3 to 5 years until the gorillas become comfortable with human presence.
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is an outdoor activity that involves hiking through dense forests to search for mountain gorillas and observe them in their natural habitat.
Gorilla trekking takes place in four national parks across three countries:
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda
- Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
- Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The activity usually begins early in the morning with a briefing at the park headquarters. Tourists are divided into groups of 8 people, each assigned to visit a specific gorilla family.
Differences Between Gorilla Habituation & Gorilla Trekking
Cost:
Gorilla habituation is more expensive than gorilla trekking. A gorilla habituation permit in Uganda costs:
- USD 1,500 for foreign non-residents
- USD 1,000 for foreign residents
- UGX 750,000 for East African citizens
Gorilla trekking is cheaper. A gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs:
- USD 800 for foreign non-residents
- USD 700 for foreign residents
- UGX 300,000 for East African citizens
Time Spent:
Gorilla trekking limits tourists to only one hour with the gorillas after they locate the assigned family.
Gorilla habituation allows tourists to spend up to 4 hours with the gorillas, providing a deeper understanding of their behavior.
Regions Where Activities Occur:
Gorilla trekking in Uganda takes place in four sectors of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Rushaga, Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Ruhija.
Tourists can trek in any of these sectors to see mountain gorillas.
Gorilla habituation takes place only in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi. This activity is limited to two gorilla families: the Bikingi and Bushaho families.
Number of Participants:
Gorilla trekking allows a maximum of 8 people per group to visit a single gorilla family per day.
Gorilla habituation allows only 4 people to spend about 4 hours with a gorilla family, during which research, treatment, and other activities are carried out.
Both gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation are incredible activities that bring tourists face-to-face with mountain gorillas.
Each experience offers unique opportunities, whether it is the one-hour encounter of trekking or the more in-depth four-hour habituation process.
