Difference between gorilla habituation and gorilla trekking
Gorilla habituation is a process whereby mountain gorillas are trained to be used to human beings. Mountain gorillas are habituated for a period of 3 to 5 years and this is done by a team of researchers , conservationist , trekkers and park rangers.
These great apes are habituated in order for researchers to study their species , protect them from poachers , treat their sickness and finally to promote their conservation efforts .
In Uganda there are only 2 gorilla families under gorilla habituation that is Bikingi and Bushaho gorilla families in Rushaga sector of Bwindi impenetrable national park in south western Uganda.
Gorilla habituation is done when researchers or park rangers pend a short period with mountain gorillas and this period is increased after every few months for 3 to 5 years until gorillas are used to human presence .
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is an outdoor activity which includes hiking through the dene forest I order to search for gorillas and as well spotheirnaturl habitats.
Gorilla trekking occurs in 4 national parks I Africaand these are found in 3 countries . The national parks are Bwindi impenetrable national park & Mgahinga National park in Uganda , volcanoes National park in Rwanda and Virunga National park in Democratic Republic of Congo .
Gorilla trekking usually starts very early in the morning with a briefing at park headquarters . Tourists are then later divided into groups of 8 people who are required to visit each gorillafamily.
Difference between gorilla habituation and gorilla trekking
- Cost
Gorila habituation is the most expensive activity compared to gorilla trekking a gorilla habituation permit in Uganda costs USD 1500 for foreign non residents , USD 1000 for foreign residents and ugx 750,000 for East African citizens.
While
Gorilla trekking is cheaper and a gorilla permit cost USD 800 for foreign non residents , USD 700 for foreign residents and ugx 300,000 for East Africans Uganda.
- Time spent
Gorilla trekking limits tourists to only one hour after they have allocated a gorilla family.
While
Gorilla habituation allows tourists to spend up to 4 hours with the gorillas and this allows tourists to gain a deep understanding of the mt gorillas.
- Regions where activities occur
In Uganda in Bwindi impenetrable national park , gorilla trekking takes place in n four sectors of the park which are Rushaga , Buhoma , Nkuringo and Ruhija . Tourists can trek in any region of Bwindi and have a glimpse of how the mountain gorillas look like.
While
Gorilla habituation takes place in only Rushaga sector of Bwindi and only 2 gorilla families are habituated ie Bikingi and Bushaho gorilla families.
- Number of participants
Gorilla trekking allows only 8 people to trek and have a glimpse of how gorillas look like . Group of 8 people is allowed to visit a family per day.
While
Gorilla habituation allows 4 people to spend about 4 hours with the mountain gorillas as research is carried out , treatment among others.
In conclusion , both gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation are wonderful activities that bring tourists face to face with mountain gorillas .
