What is a gorilla habituation experience?

First initiated in 2016, a gorilla habituation experience is a prolonged trek during which you will join a group of conservationists, researchers and rangers on an expedition to find a troop of gorillas who are unfamiliar with human visitors. Before the trek even begins, a full safety briefing of the dos and don’ts is given and you will then set off in search of the gorillas’ nests. Gorillas are searched according to where they had stayed on the previous night, which will be used to track their current position. It can take up to six hours or longer to locate a gorilla family. Along the way, you will learn a great deal about how the rangers use signs left behind to track them. This process is a major part of the entire experience and fascinating to witness. The habituation process takes between two and five years, during which many treks are completed. Once the family of gorillas is found, the rangers will perform certain actions making calls and grunts. Also chopping vegetation with machetes and talking amongst themselves in order to slowly get the gorillas used to different sounds. If the troop is early on in the habituation process, you can expect them to be quite shy. During your time with the gorillas, you will really get to know their individual behavior and social dynamics and the habituation team will share the names and traits of each gorilla. You will also be able to capture some truly incredible photos without competing for space. Remember that flash photography is strictly prohibited. [caption id="attachment_4404" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] gorilla habituation experience[/caption]

What is the difference between a gorilla trek & habituation experience?

Firstly, on a gorilla trek, you will encounter a family who is completely used to human presence. While on a habituation experience, you are there to assist in getting the troop to this point. They are therefore less predictable and much wilder. Secondly, the time spent with these creatures differs greatly. On a standard gorilla trek, guests are able to spend an hour with the gorillas. while a habituation experience allows for up to four hours to be spent in their presence. However, bear in mind that this time begins when you discover the previous night’s nests.

Which is more challenging?

The gorilla habituation experience is likely to be more challenging as you start far earlier .It could be on your feet all day. While on a standard gorilla trek, the trackers go ahead so finding the gorillas takes far less time. In preparation for the gorilla habituation experience, you are advised to take long hikes of varying inclines before you arrive at your destination. However, both require a reasonable level of fitness due to the challenging terrain, and hiring a porter could be useful to assist you with tricky areas and carry your bag. [caption id="attachment_4401" align="aligncenter" width="1366"] gorilla habituation experience[/caption]

Where can you do it?

Gorilla trekking is available in three locations including Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda. On the other hand, a habituation experience is only offered in the Rushaga sector in the south of Bwindi in Uganda.

How many people are allowed on a trek?

Across all three destinations, a maximum of eight guests are allowed on a standard trek. While a habituation experience is limited to four people per troop (eight in total), making the experience far more intimate.

What are the costs?

For a standard gorilla trek, the price of the permits varies from country to country, the highest being $1,500 in Rwanda, followed by $800 in Uganda and $400 in the DRC. Only available in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda, the habituation experience costs $1,500. These prices are all based on a per person, per day basis and are subject to change.

Is there an age restriction?

For both the gorilla trek and gorilla habituation experience, guests must be 15 years and older to participate. This is due to the nature of the activity and the strict rules that need to be followed in order to co-exist harmoniously with the gorillas.

How close can you get to the gorillas?

All guests are required to maintain a distance of seven meters from the gorillas at all times. However, during a habituation experience, this will likely be more as the gorillas are shy and unlikely to venture closer of their own accord, as often happens during a standard trek.

Is gorilla trekking ethical?

Due to the high risk of poaching and habitat loss, it’s vital that rangers operate within the forests where gorillas live in order to protect them and their environment. In turn, the majority of the fees paid for both trekking and the habituation experience go towards anti-poaching efforts, ranger salaries and training, and habitat preservation and restoration. Thus, the opportunity to take part in either experience works towards the protection of these majestic creatures. Participation in a habituation experience, also allows for increased opportunities for conservationists and researchers. These activities also mean rangers spend more time in the forest and delve deeper, acting as even more of a deterrent for poachers. A portion of the fees is also invested back into local communities, making them more likely to support conservation efforts and more jobs within gorilla tourism means less reliance on activities like farming or logging. A gorilla trek and habituation experience differ in a variety of ways including the amount of time spent with the gorillas, how strenuous they are and, ultimately, the purpose of your presence there. However, both are highly rewarding and will likely be one of the highlights of your safari.