Gorilla habituation permits
Gorilla habituation is a process whereby mountain gorillas are trained to be used to human presence .
Gorilla habituation in Uganda takes place in Bwindi impenetrable national park in the south western region of the country in the districts of kanungu , kabale and kisoro .
Gorilla habituation is one of the most fascinating activities as one spends more hours with the mountain gorillas in the wild.
Gorilla habituation is only recommended for thise with more money because its expensive , those that are physically fit , more enduring people because of the time it takes to complete it which is about 4 to 7 hours in the wild among others.
During gorilla habituation tourists will follow the same rules as gorilla trekking , water the same protective clothes however only 4 people are allowed to carry out this activity per gorilla family per day.
Gorilla habituation takes place in the Rushaga and Nkuringo sectors of Bwindi impenetrable park located in the southern region of the park
Rushaga sector and Nkuringo sectors have two gorilla families that are open for gorilla habituation experience and they include;
- Bikingi gorilla family
Bikingi is found in Rushaga sector and the name Bikingi was derived from an area in Bwindi where family members were first sighted
At formation the family was led by silverback Bikingi and habituation experience of the family started in 2012.
Bikingi family currently has 15 members including one silverback Bikingi , five adults , two sub adults , two juveniles and five infants.
2.Bushaho gorilla family
Bushaho gorilla family is found in Nkuringo sector of Bwindi in the southern part of the park. Gorilla habituation for Bushaho gorilla family started in 2012 . Bushaho gorilla family has 11 members which are one silverback , 4 adult females , blackbsck , 3 infants and 2 sub adults.
Gorilla habituation permits
A gorilla habituation permit is an authorization that allows tourists to carry out gorilla habituation experience.
A gorilla habituation permit can be secured at Uganda Wildlife Authority or tourists can use a trusted tour operator . Tourists are required to book a permit 3 months prior to their fate of gorilla habituation experience.
Cost of gorilla habituation permits
Gorilla habituation permits cost USD 1500 for foreign non residents , USD 1000 for foreign residents
Ugx 750,000 for East African citizens .
Best time to carry out gorilla habituation
Gorilla habituation can be carried out all year round however the best time is in the dry season in the months of June to September and December to February.
Accommodation
Bwindi jungle lodge
Fours Gorillas lodge
Gorilla hills Eco lodge
Ichimbi gorilla lodge
Lake Mulehe gorilla lodge
Nshingi camp
Rushaga gorilla camp
Rushaga gorilla haven lodge
In conclusion , Gorilla habituation permits are very expensive but yet allow tourists to spend for time with the mountain gorillas in the jungle thus offering unforgettable memories.
