How difficult is Gorilla Habituation Experience Trek

Are you planning to visit gorillas in Africa and you want to spend more time with these gorillas, in Uganda are you trying to search how difficult is Gorilla Habituation Experience Trek, in this article we explain to you in detail how difficult is Gorilla Habituation Experience Trek can be even if you are fit enough and ready for hiking to visit the gorillas? gorilla habituation timings and conditions vary tremendously as the gorillas move continuously through the rainforest this also determines how hard and challenging the gorilla trek will be that day of your trek. It is good to be prepared and remember the weather can change with very little warning. The terrain is often steep and through areas where there are no marked paths. It can be very strenuous it may be just a couple of hours but it can also be for a full day of up to 8 hours or more of hiking in hot, high altitude conditions therefore please be prepared for this by being as fit as possible.

Gorilla habituation, also known as gorilla trekking or gorilla tracking, is an activity that involves spending an extended period of time with wild gorilla groups in order to acclimate them to human presence. It is a challenging and demanding process that requires a significant level of effort and expertise. Here are some factors that contribute to the difficulty of gorilla habituation:

1. Physical Demands: Gorilla habituation typically involves trekking through dense forests, often in steep and muddy terrain. The physical fitness required to endure long hikes and potentially difficult conditions can be demanding.
2. Time and Patience: Habituation is a gradual process that can take several years to complete. Researchers and guides spend many hours over an extended period of time habituating the gorilla groups to tolerate human presence. This requires a high level of patience, dedication, and persistence.
3. Unpredictable Gorilla Behavior: Gorillas are wild animals, and their behavior can be unpredictable. During the habituation process, gorillas may display defensive or territorial behaviors, which can pose risks to the researchers and guides. It is crucial to have experienced guides who understand gorilla behavior and can ensure the safety of both the gorillas and the humans involved.
4. Limited Accessibility: Gorillas typically inhabit remote and inaccessible areas, often located in national parks or protected reserves. This can make reaching the gorilla groups challenging, requiring long journeys and logistical arrangements.
5. Environmental Considerations: Gorillas are highly sensitive to human diseases, and close contact with humans can pose health risks to the gorillas. Therefore, strict protocols are in place to minimize the potential transmission of diseases, such as maintaining a safe distance and wearing protective gear.
6. Conservation Ethic: Gorilla habituation is carried out with the primary goal of promoting conservation and sustainable tourism practices. This requires a deep understanding of the ecological and conservation needs of gorillas, as well as a commitment to minimizing negative impacts on their natural habitat.

Overall, gorilla habituation is a complex and demanding process that requires physical endurance, patience, expertise in gorilla behavior, and a strong commitment to conservation. It is an incredible opportunity to observe and study these magnificent creatures up close, but it should be undertaken with proper guidance, respect for the animals, and adherence to ethical and conservation principles.

Gorilla Habituation is made easy for those who are not fit enough, old and unable to hike up to see the gorillas? There is no maximum age for gorilla trekking provided on can travel to the Park, though there are options to help the elderly to get to see the gorillas. You can opt to pay for a Porter who helps you carry your bag pack and also gives you a hand as you hike through the forest, there is also a sedan chair which helps to carry the elderly to see the gorillas, and this goes for about $300 per person be carried to and from the forest. We have had visitors aged 70’s and 80’s be able to trek and see the gorillas. Gorilla trekking is a life time experience that you shouldn’t miss out.

Important things to consider when planning for gorilla habituation

Booking your gorilla permits in advance

When planning a trip to visit mountain gorillas we recommend you book your gorilla permits at least 3 to 4 month prior your gorilla safari date. This is because during high season permits sell out in advance on first come first serve basis. You need a gorilla permits to be allowed to trek mountain gorillas, Gorilla Habituation this costs USD1500 for Foreign nonresidents, USD1000 for Foreign residents and 750,000 Uganda Shillings for East Africa Citizens and this gives an opportunity to spend one hour encounter with the Mountain Gorillas in Bwindi. Contact us here for more details on how to book gorilla permits for tracking in Uganda or Rwanda in advance.

Booking your accommodation in advance

This is very important to consider when planning a trip to visit gorillas, for you to have a great experience and comfort during your safari it is always good to book your hotel where to stay during gorilla trekking in advance to avoid missing out on the good ones.

Booking your travel

You should consider travelling in 4×4 Land cruisers this will give you comfort on the road. There is also an option of flying to Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrip which are both close to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, this will help cut the long drive from Entebbe/Kampala which is normally 8-9 hours drives to only 1 hour drive that you spend from Kihihi to your lodge in Buhoma.

What to pack/wear during Gorilla Trekking

You might be probably wondering what to wear for your trek, below is a compiled list on what to wear;

• A long armed sweater since the park gets cold
• 2 pairs of long trousers
• Water proof hiking boots
• A hat and sun glasses depending on the weather though this is optional
• Cameras and long lasting batteries since photography are very important to keep your memories alive. Always remember to keep our flash off.
• A pair of Binoculars. This will help you to see the vast birds Bwindi impenetrable forest has among other primates
• Gardening Gloves; these will help you when you a holding onto trees are branches through the trek.
• A rain coat; Since  Bwindi impenetrable forest is  rainforest, the rain is unpredictable so to be on a safer side, you will be required to carry along  a coat.
• A mosquito Repellent; since it is a forest, it has different dangerous insects so its advisable to carry it along or wear it
• A sun screen; Well this is optional but depending on the season, it might get too hot and you end up getting sun burns on your skin so to avoid that, you will need a sun screen.
• You should not wear very bright colors since this will charge or scare away the gorillas.
• Black and Blue colors are also not recommended since they attract Tsetse flies So I would recommend neutral colors.

Why book Gorilla Habituation Experience with Eco Adventure Safaris?

Eco Adventure Safaris is experienced in organizing amazing gorilla trekking safari experiences to Uganda and Rwanda. We are also highly rated and reviewed on trip Advisor. We combine gorilla trekking safaris with eco-friendly and unforgettable high-end adventure and wildlife safaris that help preserve biodiversity, conserve wildlife and uplift local communities, these include chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris and game viewing, Mountain Hiking, Boat cruises excursions and Cultural encounters to give you a memorable and best African Safari experience including popular and great African safari destinations Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Namibia. Feel free to contact us about how difficult is Gorilla Habituation Experience Trek.