Gorilla habituation is a process that involves training wild mountain gorillas to get used to the presence of human beings. Wildlife researchers identify wild gorilla groups and start training them slowly until there are comfortable with these people. Gorilla Habituation normally takes between 2 – 3 years to be completed and during this time, researchers keep on visiting an identified Wild gorilla group on a daily basis to see the progress in their behavioral change towards people.
During this course, researchers get to understand the gorillas deeper and individually, know their behaviors and even get to the point of naming each of them. If the researchers are certain that the wild gorillas are okay with the presence of human beings, a mock exercise is done to test and prove their facts. When the gorillas pass this test, the gorilla group is then opened for trekking.
Time spent with the Gorillas
Unlike Gorilla trekking that limits visitors’ interaction with the gorillas to only an hour, Gorilla habituation allows guests 4 hours in the company of these forest giants. This time begins from the time of encounter with these forest giants. Trackers are always in place to help you identify the exact location of the gorillas as you follow their trails in the forest.
Cost of habituation permit
Gorilla habituation permits are 1500USD for each person wanting to do the Habituation experience in Uganda. The much higher amount paid gives you much more time to understand the Gorilla life in the forest and participation in the real training of these apes like the naming exercise.
Where to do Gorilla Habituation
This kind of experience is done in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in the Rushaga sector in the South of the park. Bwindi harbors the largest number of Gorillas with more than half of the world’s surviving mountain Gorillas. Apparently only Uganda offers gorilla habituation experience and only two groups at Nkuringo and Rushaga were set aside as the gorilla families available for habituation experience.
Age for habituation experience
Children below 18yerae are not allowed to go for Gorilla habituation just like it is the case with Gorilla tracking. It is believed that they may not have the brain power to react before that gorillas in case of anything happening in the presence of Gorillas. They may for example scream in fear of attack, they may run away or touch the gorillas which could cause trouble with these apes. Children whose birthday to their 15 years reaches close to the date of the habituation experience can be allowed with the consent of their parents. Kids who prove mature can also be allowed to do this activity in company of their parents after signing an agreement with the park officials. The exception to age is a rare case but parents can request through their travel agents to prepare and have this in program.
Gorilla Habituation guide
Just like in gorilla trekking, travelers going for gorilla habituation experience are introduced to the dos and don’ts while with the gorillas. These rules are meant to ensure safety of travelers and the endangered gorillas. Among the rules and regulations of gorilla habituation experience include:
Conclusion
Gorilla habituation experience gives you more time to explore the real nature of these forest giants to learn their real nature as they feed, play and care for each other.