3 DAYS GORILLA HABITUATION EXPERIENCE.

TOUR OVERVIEW:

The 3 Days gorilla habituation experience takes you to the Southern sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, Rushaga which is a popular region with the highest number of habituated gorilla groups. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has the highest population of Mountain gorillas in the world. It also has the highest number of habituated gorilla groups. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is the only gorilla park where one can take part in the gorilla habituation experience. Mountain gorillas are wild and are naturally wary of human beings. Gorilla habituation means training the gorillas to get used to the presence of human beings without causing any change in their behaviour.

The gorilla habituation experience is different from normal gorilla trekking in Bwindi because it involves visiting a group that has not completed the habituation process. The experience takes longer (four hours) and involves following the gorillas for most of the day accompanied by researchers. Its more engaging and offers opportunities to learn a lot about the primates and what is being done to protect them globally. Gorilla habituation permits cost $1500 and is done at the Rushaga sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Only four people may participate in the gorilla habituation experience.

If a group is approached without undergoing the full habituation process, they could become aggressive and attack. The gorilla habituation process involves exposing the gorillas to prolonged human presence around them. This process takes between two to three years. The naming of the gorilla group and individuals is part of the habituation process. The entire process is led by a team of researchers and experienced local trackers. They approach the gorillas in a careful and controlled manner until they are comfortable with their presence. The first step during the habituation process is to gain the acceptance of the dominant male. Once the dominant male is okay with the human intruders, the rest of the group members will follow his lead. When the process is complete, there are several tests that are done before tourists can be allowed to start visiting the group.

3 DAYS GORILLA HABITUATION EXPERIENCE – DETAILED ITINERARY:

DAY 1: Transfer from Entebbe or Kampala Town to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

A driver Guide from MuAfrika Adventure Safaris will pick you up from your Hotel in Kampala or Entebbe town and begin your 8 – 9 hour journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Southwestern Uganda. You will have a stopover at the equator enroute to Masaka and take great photos at the equator crossing, later continue to Mbarara Town where you will enjoy your lunch. Enjoy the amazing scenery and the beautiful countryside as you proceed to Bwindi National Park in preparation for your Gorilla habituation process that takes place in the southern sector of Bwindi National Park. The journey towards this sector involves passing through the rolling hills of Kigezi and the valleys of Kisoro. You will later arrive in Bwindi Forest in the evening to relax at your lodge for dinner and Overnight at:

• Luxury accommodation:  Gorilla Safari Lodge / Rushaga Gorilla Lodge
• Midrange accommodation:   Rushaga Gorilla Camp / Bweza Gorilla Lodge / Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge
• Budget accommodation: Rushaga Gorilla Haven Lodge / Nshongi Gorilla Camp

Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 2: The Gorilla habituation experience

Just like the Gorilla tracking activity, wake up early and take breakfast, with your packed lunch and enough bottled drinking water, head to Rushaga Gorilla Trekking region for a briefing at the park offices on Gorilla Habituation rules, with a group of researchers, scientists and other tourists you will be informed about what to expect during the gorilla habituation experience. After the briefing, you will start trekking into the forest accompanied by Rangers, Trackers and Researchers. Unlike standard gorilla tracking where visitors are allowed only one hour with the gorillas, with the habituation experience, you will be with the primates for four hours. As you track the gorillas, you will encounter several forest creatures including birds, butterflies, smaller primates and insects. Listen and observe what the researchers are doing. You may be asked to participate in making gorilla calls, gathering samples or naming group members. Look out for several bird species as you trek these forest giants. After meeting a gorilla family under habituation, you will return to the lodge for an Evening to relax, later return to the lodge to enjoy dinner and an overnight stay as above.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 3: Drive back to Kampala / Entebbe.

Wake up early take your breakfast, and start the long journey back to Kampala or Entebbe Airport to catch up with your flight. Enroute enjoy great views of the rolling and terraced hills of Kigezi along the way as you drive through the countryside. You will stop over enroute for lunch. End of your 3 days Gorilla Habituation experience.

The above 3 days Gorilla Habituation Experience includes:

• Gorilla Habituation experience permit at $1,500
• Transportation and Fuel in a 4x4WD safari vehicle
• Park entrance and ranger fees
• Bottled drinking water
• English-speaking driver/guide allowances
• 2 nights accommodation and Meals on Full board
• Airport transfers
• Relevant Uganda government taxes

The above 3 days of Gorilla Habituation Experience exclude:

• Accommodation before and after the tour
• Air Fares
• A Uganda Visa.
• Tips to the Guide, hotel staff and park officials
• Alcoholic drinks and laundry
• Personal Insurance

What to pack for your 3 days gorilla habituation experience

• Safari boots comfortable enough to support you in case the slopes are slippery and can walk through the soggy ground.
• Warm wear like a sweater because the temperature of the area drop to about 7 degrees centigrade. The mornings and late afternoons are very cold.
• Energy snacks to munch on during the search to locate the mountain gorillas during habituation. Breakfast is taken too early to last the entire time in the jungle.
• A pair of stocking to securely tack in your clothes so that you allow no insects to creep into.
• Garden gloves protect your palms from stinging nettles that you may trip and fall onto during the gorilla habituation adventure.
• Camera to protect the memories of your encounter with the mountain gorillas. It is worth keeping your experience with the gentle giants.
• Insect repellant to keep away stinging insects that may bite you during the gorilla habituation safari.
• First aid kit with items that be applied in case of an emergency while in the jungle
• Foldable water bottle to carry drinking water to take in case you get thirsty.
• Some cash to exchange into local currency in case you wish to do ground shopping. Credit cards are not commonly used in Uganda because of the bureaucracy of obtaining money from them.
• Extra batteries to exchange with when one runs low during gorilla habituation.
• A travel adapter or charger to use on your electronics in case you need to recharge them.
• Toiletries fit your skin in case it is sensitive to avoid causing eczema.
• Pyjamas warm enough for the very cold nights of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
• Duffel bag to pack in your travel belongings. Pack well so that you can easily carry them in case you get no help.
• Raincoat or poncho because is a tropical rain forest which receives rain without warning.
• Flip-flops to change into after a long day in the wilderness.
• Other clothes to wear after changing from the stained clothes from gorilla habituation.
• Bug spray in case your lodge has them
• Light shoe bag to keep in your dirty shoes after gorilla habituation and you get no time to clean them. In order not to stain your clothes.
• A light waterproof backpack to carry your gorilla trekking gears or hand them to a porter. They are not scattered in the wilderness.

For more information about our 3 Days Gorilla Habituation Experience in Bwindi Uganda;
BOOK TOUR Or Contact us by Email at: info@muafrikaadventures.com

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