What is the difference between gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experience? Often times, most people have mistaken gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experience to be similar. However, the two experiences are totally different. One leads to the other. Gorilla Habituation experience is the first step of gorilla trekking. Mountain gorillas first go through gorilla habituation before they are open to travelers for trekking. Mountain gorilla habituation experience is an experimental practice of familiarizing wild mountain gorillas to human presence while gorilla trekking is the actual encounter with the habituated gorilla families. No gorilla family is open for trekking without going through habituation experience. African Ape Tours gives you detailed differences between gorilla habituation experience and gorilla trekking to potential travelers on Uganda gorilla safaris
The difference in permit costs
The permit for gorilla habituation experience costs $1500 each by all travelers despite one’s nationality. The cost also applies to Ugandans who wish to take part in this experimental experience. Each day, there are 8 gorilla habituation permits available for issuing. On the other hand, a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda costs $700 for foreign non-residents, $600 for foreign residents and UGX 250,000 for East African residents. All bookings are done directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority or through Magical Africa Safaris, the ultimate gorilla safari company in Uganda.
Number of people allowed
Gorilla habituation experience allows 4 people to visit a gorilla family while gorilla trekking permits 8 people per gorilla family. Two gorilla families namely Bushaho and Bikyingi are currently undergoing habituation experience. On the other hand, Bwindi has 17 habituated gorilla families available for trekking in Bwindi Forest. These include Busingye, Kahunge, Bweza, Nshongi, Nkuringo, Mubare, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Katwe, Christmas and Kyaguliro among others. Each day, Bwindi forest has 8 gorilla habituation experience permits and 136 gorilla trekking permits available for issuing. Both permits are sold on a first come first serve basis.
Where to do gorilla habituation experience
It’s only in Rushaga sector south of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park that the gorilla habituation experience takes place. Any traveler who wants to take part in gorilla training MUST, therefore, hike down to Rushaga sector. If you are connecting from Kigali Rwanda, Rushaga sector is easily accessed through Cyanika border in Kisoro district from where travelers easily connect to Rushaga. A 3-Day gorilla habituation experience tour gives you chance to take part in this magical experience. Gorilla trekking is done in all four sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo) of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park
Difference in time
Gorilla habituation experience allows travelers to spend 4 hours with the wild gorillas while gorilla trekking allows one hour. However, the actual time to spend in the jungle is unpredictable depending on the location of the gorilla, travelers hiking speed and gorillas speed of movements. For that case, travelers are given packed lunch to keep strong in case they take long to see gorillas. Timing is both experiences is counted from the time travelers set their eyes on the gorillas. Therefore the time spent hiking up and downhill is not counted.
Similarities
Despite a slight difference in gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experiences, the two practices have some similarities. These include
How to book
You can book both experiences through a similar travel agent. African Apes Tours helps you book gorilla habituation permits and arrange for you a tailor-made gorilla habituation experience tour at affordable rates. just contact us, inform us on your travel dates and we shall do the rest for you. Alternatively, you can book a gorilla habituation experience permit directly with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Contact UWA, check the availability and book for your permit as soon as possible.
What to pack
You ought to be ready and pack basics to ensure successful and enjoyable gorilla habituation and trekking experience. The packing list for gorilla habituation experience must include:
1. Hiking boots/shoes
2. Gardening gloves
3. Insect repellants
4. Bottled drinking water
5. Sunglasses
6. Hat
7. Long pants
8. Long-sleeved shirts/blouses
9. Rain jackets
10. Scarf and sweaters
11. First aid kit
Dos and don ts of Gorilla Habituation experience
At the start of the day, travelers will be introduced to the dos and don’ts of gorilla habituation and trekking experience. The rules and regulations are put to ensure the safety of gorillas and travelers. The rules of gorilla habituation experience include:
• Do not trek when sick – gorillas are susceptible to human diseases
• Do not run when gorillas charge, keep calm and imitate tier behaviors
• Keep a seven-meter distance away from gorillas
• Avoid direct eye contact with a gorilla
• Do not use flashlight cameras
• Do not litter in the park
• Keep your voices low
• Keep within your groups
Conclusively, therefore, gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation are two different experiences. Check the difference between gorilla habituation and trekking experiences, decide what to do with African Apes Tours & Travel
