Which sector can I do a gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi?
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is divided into four different sectors, and the Rushaga gorilla sector is the only sector where you can do a gorilla habituation experience. Other sectors include the Buhoma sector, Nkuringo sector, and the Ruhija gorilla sector, but here one can only do gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation. Gorilla habituation experience is not a common activity in most of the gorilla destinations because of the sensitivity and complexity of this activity. This gorilla habituation is not like other primate activities, like trekking, because it is carried out by researchers and scientists. This activity is also very expensive compared to other activities like trekking.
Gorilla habituation involves introducing the wild mountain gorillas to the presence of human beings for the first time in a bid to prepare these primates for future gorilla trekking. Gorilla habituation is the formation of gorilla trekking, as the trekking of a certain gorilla family should have been habituated first. Among the gorilla destinations in the Virunga Conservation Area, the Rushaga gorilla sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a recognized gorilla habituation destination. The Rushaga gorilla sector is situated in the southern region of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Kisoro district.
Gorilla habituation experience blesses the visitors with an unmatched experience of an untamed encounter with semi-habituated or wild mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas are wild animals and may exhibit wild behaviors towards humans, and silverbacks are known to be very protective of their families and also very territorial and would not think twice to charge at humans. This is why gorilla habituation is carried out to familiarize these wild mountain gorillas with the presence of human beings by showing them that humans are not rivals or a threat.
With time, mountain gorillas finally get used to the presence of humans, and when the researchers and scientists discover that these primates do not act or show aggression towards human beings, then they are cleared for gorilla trekking daily. This process of gorilla habituation is not short, as in most cases it lasts over 2-3 years. However, this period depends solely on the character of the primates, as they have been gorilla families that have been habituated for a shorter period. This is attributed to the friendly character of the primates towards humans.
How much is gorilla habituation in Bwindi’s Rushaga gorilla sector?
Gorilla habituation in Rushaga gorilla sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park costs depend on the visitors’ country of origin and status of residence. Foreign non-residents are charged USD 1,500 for this habituation permit, foreign residents pay USD 1,000, and the East African citizens are charged UGX 750,000 for a gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi. This price covers a lot of costs, from entrance fees and research fees to conservation and ranger fees.
A portion of the cost of this habituation goes to community development as the first line of conservation and sustainable tourism. This money is paid to the Uganda Wildlife Authority through the tour company like Standard Safaris, which later obtains the habituation permit on behalf of the visitors. This is because visitors can only pay for gorilla habituation in the Rushaga gorilla sector and obtain a permit through a tour company.
Which season is favorable for a gorilla habituation experience in Bwindi?
The dry season is the most favourable season for gorilla habituation in Bwindi’s Rushaga gorilla sector. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located close to the equator and therefore receives a tropical climate, which is characterized by two dry and wet seasons. Each season presents a unique time in the park because of the diverse conditions. The dry season in this case sees a spike in dry weather due to the strong sun that shines hot on most days in this dry season.
These conditions take a toll on the park by causing dryness in all the trekking trails and reducing vegetation by making it sparse. This affects the gorilla habituation experience positively by easing mobility in the rugged, steep terrain of the park and also increasing visibility of the primates even at a longer distance. This increases the chances of a successful gorilla habituation experience in the Rushaga gorilla sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The two dry seasons received every year run from June to September and from December to February.
About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park needs no introduction because its experiences speak for themselves. A notable experience is the gorilla habituation adventure that takes place in the park’s Rushaga gorilla sector. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in Uganda’s southwestern region and is the main gorilla destination in the country.
It stretches across the districts of Kisoro, Kanungu, and Kabale, at an area of about 331 square kilometers. With this large mass area, the park houses over 50 gorilla families scattered across its four gorilla sectors. Among the gorilla families in the park, 26 families can be trekked daily since they are already habituated.
