Uganda Gorilla Habituation in Rushaga

Habituation of Uganda Gorillas in Rushaga: Although they can be found in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Congo, mountain gorillas are most commonly found in Rwanda and Uganda. The only remaining endangered mountain gorillas in the world are under the protection of these three nations and their national parks.

It appears that only Bwindi Forest National Park permits the gorilla habituation experience for roughly four hours in its Rushaga zone. Rushaga is the only location where gorilla habituation is permitted, giving visitors the opportunity to create a lifelong, unforgettable moment.

There are gorilla families in every sector, and all of them are habituated; however, in the Rushaga sector of Bwindi, there are only two families that are available for habituation. Due to the large number of gorilla families there, Rushaga, which is in the southern part of Bwindi, is the most popular destination for gorilla trekking. Buhoma, Nkuringo, and Ruhija are additional sectors.

To teach mountain gorillas how to coexist with humans and carry out their daily tasks in the wild, a two-year technique known as “habituation” is used. Only eight members or trekkers are permitted to see the mountain gorillas, and they are only permitted to spend an hour with the habituated animals.

While gorilla habituation enables people to spend four hours in the bush training and teaching mountain gorillas, gorilla trekking allows visitors to see gorillas that are already habituated families. In contrast to gorilla trekking, which needs a maximum of eight people for one-hour encounters, habituation allows a maximum of four people for four hours.

Trekking in the forest requires a high level of fitness because Bwindi is a mountainous area. Permits for gorilla habituation experiences cost USD 1500, which is higher than the USD 800 charge for standard gorilla trekking permits. Spending more time observing and identifying various species, such as trees, plants, birds, primates, and Bwindi mountain vistas, makes it worthwhile to spend time with the world apes in their natural habitat.

To participate in this activity, you should be at least 15 years old. Due to limited availability, it is recommended that you reserve your permit in advance. This will give us the chance to plan an unforgettable gorilla habituation experience in Rushaga.