Budget Gorilla Habituation Experience
Budget gorilla habituation experience offers the most affordable option for you to engage in the active training of wild mountain gorillas, a process in which they are initiated to familiarize to human presence. Gorilla habituation is basically a step by step process where conservationists or scientists, researchers/trackers embark on daily observation of gorilla families in order to get them accustomed to human presence in their natural environment. Mountain gorilla habituation experience offers a once in lifetime encounters with the world’s gentle giants –the mountain gorillas. Unlike the normal gorilla treks, gorilla habituation experience is done only in one place –that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. While it is considered to be a high-end adventure, there is an option to embark on a budget gorilla habituation tour as well.
With budget gorilla habituation experience, visitors have an option of adjusting to budget or mid-range lodges and also transportation. Luckily, there are budget options to enable you go about your budget mountain gorilla habituation experience. This is suitable to backpackers on gorilla safari in Uganda.
Where to go for budget gorilla habituation experience
The only place to visit to enjoy the budget gorilla habituation experience in Uganda is the Rushaga sector. The Rushaga sector/region/trailhead is one of the southern sectors in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Rushaga is where the highest concentrations of gorilla groups are located in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
How much is gorilla habituation permit?
The valid gorilla habituation permit in Uganda is obtainable at USD 1500 per person for foreign nonresidents, USD 1000 for foreign residents, and Ugandans or East African citizens can secure a permit at UGX 750,000 per visitor. The gorilla habituation permits are issued to only persons above 15 years. It is easy to book a valid gorilla habituation permit through the reliable tour operator on ground. Contact our team now to begin the process to secure your permit and also book the final gorilla habituation tour. Note, the gorilla habituation permits or tour should be booked in advance and preferably, at least 2 to 6 months earlier.
Gorilla habituation regulations
Before you set off for the actual gorilla habituation experience, you can be briefed on the guidelines to be followed. Here is a check list of dos and don’ts for gorilla habituation;
- Visitors must maintain a distance of 8-10 meters away from gorillas.
- The maximum time allowed for a face-to-face encounter with gorillas is 4 hours.
- When taking pictures, only cameras with no flashlight are acceptable.
- Avoid making noise when searching gorillas –this act can scare away gorillas.
- Strictly persons above 15 years are given a chance to engage in the gorilla habituation experience.
- Do not go for gorilla habituation when feeling sick/ill.
- When you come across a charged gorilla, stay calm and observe the instructions of your park ranger guide.
- Try as much as you to avoid direct eye contact.
- Human wastes must be buried at least 30 cm deep and properly covered.
- Drinking/eating in the presence of gorillas increases the risks of drink/food remnants being left behind with potential to attract these apes which may result into disease transmission.
When to go for budget gorilla habituation experience
Gorilla habituation experience is best done during the dry months of the year. This can be from June to September or from December to February –when there is minimal rainfall with the ground floor kept relatively drier. You experience less disruption when you embark on gorilla habituation experience during the peak dry seasons.
The packing list for budget gorilla habituation
Essentials to carry on your budget mountain gorilla habituation adventure include insect repellents, bottled drinking water, gardening gloves, waterproof hiking boots, a face mask, a rain jacket, and a safari hat. You also need energy giving snacks, sunglasses, a waterproof daypack, long-sleeved shirts, a camera, additional batteries, first aid kit, toiletries, a pair of binoculars, and more.
Where to stay in Rushaga before/after gorilla habituation
Rushaga comprises of many lodges and camps ranging from budget, midrange to luxury. The accommodation options in and nearby Rushaga include Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Rushaga Haven Gorilla Lodge, Bweza Gorilla Lodge, Gorilla Valley Lodge, Nshongi Cap, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, and Gorilla Leisure Lodge.
Getting to Rushaga for budget gorilla habituation
Rushaga which is found in the Southern end of Bwindi can be accessed by road using a full time 4×4 safari vehicle. Visitors can begin their journey from the heart of Kampala through Masaka-Mbarara-Kabale-Kisoro route and the road trip can last for 9-10 hours.
Or you can cut the long hours by departing from Kigali city through Katuna/Chanika border to Rushaga sector in the Southern Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Contact our expert to plan your connectivity to and from Rushaga to enable you have a successful gorilla habituation expedition.
What else should you expect to do in Rushaga Sector?
Gorilla trekking: Rushaga is one of the best regions you should consider for gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. At the Rushaga region, expect to explore habituated gorilla groups such as Mishaya group, Nshongi gorilla family, Rwigi, Busingye, Bikingi, Bweza group, Mucunguzi group, Kahungye family, and others. Trekking gorillas in the Rushaga sector is possible if you have a valid permit and each costs USD 800 per person.
Birding: In addition to gorilla safaris, expect to also enjoy enriching birding tours in the Rushaga region. Diversity of birds can be spotted in the Rushaga, especially the Albertine rift endemic species. Among the various birds to spot on a Rushaga birding tour include black bee-eaters, African green broadbill, and grey cuckoos, etc.
Guided nature walks/hikes: Nature enthusiasts also have a chance to enjoy guided hiking adventures. During a guided hike, expect to explore trails such as Kara ridge trail, Kapata, Waterfall, and 6-hour 360-degree trail, and more.
In summary, budget gorilla habituation experience is a unique adventure you shouldn’t miss engaging on Uganda safari. Book budget gorilla habituation with us and enjoy multiple hours with a group of mountain gorillas in their natural environment.
