Uganda Wildlife Authority Gorilla Habituation experience

Uganda wildlife Authority gorilla habituation experience is an exciting trek introduced in the Bwindi impenetrable National Park focusing on tourists that prefer spending more time with mountain gorillas in the jungle of the vast, impenetrable forest. Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla habituation experience allows you to spend four hours with mountain gorillas still under habituation or mock and are about to be opened up for regular one-hour gorilla trekking. Encounter Africa safaris was one of the first Tour company to conduct escorted gorilla habituation experience safaris to Bwindi impenetrable National Park.

6 Things you need to know about Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla habituation experience

Gorilla habituation experience takes place in the southern part of Bwindi.

Ever since its inception, gorilla habituation experience safaris have been taking place in the southern part of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The reason why this four-hour gorilla trekking experience is taking place in the southern sector of Bwindi is that it’s in the south where the Uganda Wildlife Authority currently has gorilla families still under habituation. The southern part of Bwindi impenetrable National Park includes two regions of Rushaga and Nkuringo and all those interested in spending more or four hours with these great apes will have to trek of visit Nkuringo and Rushaga. Efforts are in high gear to introduce this experience in other regions of Buhoma and Ruhija. Only time will tell if this will be implemented.

Only 4 people are allowed to visit a given gorilla family.

Unlike the usual gorilla trek where the maximum number of people is 8, for gorilla habituation, the maximum number of people is 4. The reason why gorilla habituation experience attracts half the number of the usual gorilla treks is that many people cannot visit gorillas under habituation as they are not yet ready for big numbers. To control the unexpected, the number is limited to four people. This, therefore, means that gorilla permits tend to sell out quickly and thus need to book them in advance.

Price of Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla habituation experience permit

Gorilla habituation experience permit cost $1500. This is almost double the price of the normal gorilla trekking permit which will be at $700 effective 1st July 2020. The reason for this high price is the value of the experience. The price includes four hours with mountain gorillas, park entry fees, services of a ranger guide, informative talk from experts in gorilla habituation, a certificate from UWA as well as security while in the forest.

Experts in gorilla habituation guide the walk.

Unlike the normal gorilla trekking of one hour, four-hour gorilla treks are guided by experts in habituating wild gorillas to become used to the presence of human beings. While a ranger guide might move with, you, it is these experts who normally wake up daily to train these wild gorillas that will move with you until your experience is completed.

Is gorilla habituation permit price worth it?

Gorilla habituation permit costs $1500, and this fee is quite expensive compared to the regular gorilla permit which costs $600 and will be $700 effective 1st July 2020. On paper, gorilla habituation permit looks costly, but when you look at the time you spend with gorillas, it then becomes the value for money. If for example one wants to spend four hours with mountain gorillas and he or she has to purchase four gorilla permits of $700, it will cost that person 3800 dollars and four days to enjoy spending four hours. By booking this experience, you are in a position to save both time and money.

Must book accommodation I Rushaga or Nkuringo Region

The fact that this experience takes place in the southern sector of Bwindi impenetrable National Park, one has to book accommodation in Rushaga or Nkuringo. This is because gorilla habituation experience starts very early at 6:00am, and in order to arrive at the park headquarters in time, one has to stay closer to make it in time. Encounter Africa safaris works closely with Rushaga and Nkuringo Lodges, and we are in a position to book you in Budget, Mid Range and High-end lodges if requested.

Gorilla habituation versus Rwanda gorilla permits

Both gorilla habituation permit and Rwanda normal gorilla trekking permit cost or have the same price of $1500. The question to be answered is if one has $1500 should this person spend it on the four-hour gorilla experience in Uganda or go for one hour Rwanda gorilla trek. In the first place, Rwanda’s gorilla trekking is slightly expensive since the government is looking at positioning Rwanda as a luxury tourist destination. This, however, does not take away the fact that the experience of gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is the same. If you are not looking at spending much, it is better to go for Uganda normal gorilla trek at $700 and save a hooping $800 or go for gorilla habituation and get 4 hours with mountain gorillas under habituation.

Book your permit in advance to avoid shortage.

The fact that there two gorilla families allocated for gorilla habituation, it means that only 8 gorilla permits are available daily which should be booked in advance at least 4-5 months to avoid shortage. Encounter Africa safaris assists all clients that books all-inclusive gorilla habituation safari packages. We will check availability, reserve and buy your permit as soon as payment is made and received on our end. Once permits are secured and purchased, we will send you scanned copies of receipts for your records and perusal.

Listed Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla habituation experience safari packages

Encounter Africa safaris operates and has listed safari packages that allow you to fly or drive to Bwindi and enjoy your four-hour gorilla trek. You can start your gorilla habituation tour from Kigali or Entebbe. Whichever airport in the country you choose, our guide will make sure that you are picked, transferred to Bwindi and back. All our safaris are all-inclusive, value for money and have no hidden costs.

Encounter Africa safaris credentials.

Encounter Africa safaris is a fully registered and licensed tour operator with its head office in Entebbe Uganda. We have been operating gorilla and wildlife safaris for more than 10 years, registering a high level of success. Encounter Africa safaris is owned and run by local Ugandans. We employ a group of young and motivated staff who will be glad and ready to answer all your questions regarding Uganda Wildlife Authority gorilla habituation experience. Encounter Africa safaris is highly rated on trip advisor and safari bookings where you will be encouraged to leave a review if you book any safari with us.