The two most popular experiences in Bwindi Forest, gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation are two distinct primate safari experiences. While they all draw trekkers close to mountain gorillas, they are distinct from each other in one way or the other.
Differences between gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experience
Gorilla trekking and the gorilla habituation experience differ mainly in purpose and duration. Gorilla trekking involves visiting fully habituated gorilla families for a brief one-hour observation, focusing on their natural behavior. In contrast, the gorilla habituation experience allows up to four hours with semi-habituated gorillas, actively participating with researchers and trackers in the process of familiarizing the gorillas with human presence. While trekking is more about observation, habituation offers a deeper, more immersive encounter.
Unlike the usual gorilla treks where trekkers have only an hour of magical encounter with the rare mountain gorillas, what sets gorilla habituation experience apart is the fact that it takes you the whole day and 4 hours with these remarkable world’s creatures.
Visitors on gorilla trekking safaris are assigned habituated gorilla families. Uganda offers 21 trekking groups, while only the Kutu group is for habituation. Rwanda has 10 families, including Karisimbi, Bwenge, Umubano, and Sabyinyo. Uganda’s trekking families include Bushaho, Bikingi, Bitukura, Nkuringo, and others.
Gorilla habituation experience permits are obtainable at $1500 per person.
For gorilla trekking, trekkers explore the already habituated families.
Essential items to pack on gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experience
There are many essential items you need to consider in your packing list for both gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experience;
- Gardening gloves-these are essential especially in cases where you need to get support and perhaps you grab thorns or itching plants.
- Insect repellents-to protect you from biting insects.
- Long sleeved shirt or t-shirt-to protect your hands from falling tree branches.
- Camera with no flashlight-for photo taking.
- Trousers-to safeguard you from biting insects and scratches.
- Hat-to protect your head from sun heat.
- Sunglasses-to protect your eyes from the sun rays.
- Waterproof hiking boots-these should be lightweight and comfortable while you are hiking. They are ideal in safeguarding you from muddy ground.
- Daypack-this is vital in protecting your documents and other essential travel items. Your daypack should be waterproof.
- Energy giving snacks-for you to keep strong so that you make a complete trek.
- Bottled water and for habituation experience you need adequate drinking since you have the whole day with gorillas
- Rain jacket or poncho-this is significant in protecting you in case of down pour while you are on gorilla trek.