Batwa pygmies in Uganda

Adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

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Gorilla Habituation Adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National park

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Start your adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with gorilla habituation. The Uganda Wildlife Authority introduced the mountain gorillas’ habituation experience in January 2014. The habituation adventure will cost each person $1500.

Gorilla habituation is a process where the wild mountain gorillas are trained to get used to people. This process can take 2 to 3 years. During this time, the researchers visit an identified wild gorilla group on a daily basis. Researchers learn more about the individual gorillas as well as the way they behave during this period.

Gorilla Habituation Experience

With gorilla habituation, clients will get to spend more time with the mountain gorillas compared to regular gorilla trekking. Gorilla trekking can take three quarters of the day just getting to and from the gorillas but actual time with them is only one hour. Clients get to spend 4 hours with the gorilla habituation experience.

Clients experiencing this adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable Park will be moving with the researchers as they habituate the gorillas. You may also visit semi habituated mountain gorillas during this adventure. The semi habituated gorillas are not as predictable. They can decide to hide and behave in a manner that is not predictable. Researchers can stop the experience at any time if they feel it is harming the semi habituated gorillas.

When Mountain Gorillas are habituated

With time, these mountain gorillas get used to the researchers and each individual gorilla is given a name. Once the researchers are very sure that these gorillas can be habituated, they introduce a mock exercise where a few people start visiting. These small visiting groups can include scientists and journalists. Once such a gorilla family has passed the mock exercise, it is opened for visitation by paying clients.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has around 12 habituated gorilla families. The named groups are Habinyanja, Mubare, and Rushegura found in the Buhoma sector. As well as Bitakura, Oruzongo and the Kyaguriro found in the Ruhija sector. And Nshonji, Mishaya, Busingye, Bweza, Kahungye found in the Rushaga sector, and the Nkuringo group found in the south. At the moment, 8 gorilla permits are available for purchase from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.  All these sectors are located in the southern part of the park.

Batwa Cultural Visit in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi forest is home to a beautiful diversity of fauna and Flora, including some exotic plants and rare and endangered animals. The forest was also home to the Batwa pygmies, the original dwellers of the ancient forest and known as the keepers of the forest. The Batwa lived in  harmony with the forest and survived by hunting small game using bows and the arrows, as well as gathering plants for food and medicinal purposes.

Adventure in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Batwa pygmies in trouble

In 1922, the lives of the Batwa people changed forever when the Bwindi forest became a national park and a world Heritage site. This was done in order to protect the endangered mountain gorillas living within in it’s boundaries. The Batwa pygmies were evicted from the park and became conservation refugees in a world that was very unfamiliar to them. Their skills and the means of subsistence were not so useful in this modern environment and they began to suffer.

In 2001, when the Batwa tribe was on the edge of extinction, the American medical missionaries Dr Scott and Carol Kellermanns came to their rescue. They bought land and established programs to help improve the conditions and the lives of the Batwa. This also included the building of a school, hospital and housing. The Kellermanns also developed water and sanitation projects and found ways that the Batwa pygmies could generate an income and sustain themselves.

Batwa Development Program

These projects are now managed and operated by the Batwa Development Program. The program works closely with the Batwa community to ensure that their indigenous rights are respected. Also that they benefit from the forest being a national park as well as a tourist attraction.

Batwa Cultural Experience

The Batwa cultural experience was created by the displaced Batwa pygmies. It’s goal is to educate Batwa children and to share their amazing heritage and traditions with the world. A day spent with the Batwa gives you a chance to enjoy many different things. This includes hiking in the forest with the people of the forest.

The Batwa guide will provide you with a chance to see how they used to live and hunt in the traditional manner. The Batwa guide will teach you how to use a bow and arrow, to hunt as they used to do. You will also visit a traditional Batwa home and learn from the women how to prepare and cook, as well as serve a meal. Talk to a medicine man and learn about the properties of medicinal forest flora. You also get to hear the ancient legends and the traditional songs. For more about Uganda’s Parks and Wildlife.

Submitted by Green World Safaris. To go directly to their website visit: Tours in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of the Congo with Green World Safaris.

Frequently asked questions about gorilla trekking

Gorilla Trekking FAQs Part 4

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More gorilla Trekking FAQs

Frequently asked questions (FAQS) about Gorilla Trekking

Below are some Gorilla Trekking FAQs submitted by Green World Safaris

What time of the year should I travel to see the gorillas?

The gorillas can be visited any time of the year. Be aware that it can rain any day of the year due to the rain forest climate in which the gorillas are located. May and April are the rainiest months, so most people avoid travel during those months.

Do I need to be fit to trek or find the gorillas?

A certain level of fitness is needed, as well as the willingness to hike up the muddy slopes and through the varied vegetation and uneven terrain. The gorillas live in the montane forests, which are at a higher elevation, so the treks to view them are at a higher altitude. Being at higher elevation requires more exertion and fitness than lower level treks.

Am I guaranteed to view the gorillas when I set out?

The gorillas live in their natural habitat and there is no guarantee that you will see them. That said, we have never heard any of the travelers regretting their treks. To help ensure visitors will see the gorillas, trackers set off at dawn to locate the gorilla group. The trackers then radio their GPS coordinates to the park headquarters. This means that when you set off on your trek with the guide, you are headed to where the gorillas are located. The trackers stay with the gorillas, even though they are not moving, until the group arrives. 

What type of clothes should I wear?

A water proof jacket is important because mud and rain can be expected. Long trousers are recommended, as well as a T-shirt underneath a long sleeved shirt. These will protect your arms and legs against nettles and other things you might encounter on the trail. It’s also a good idea to bring a water proof day pack to protect your camera and to carry water bottles and snacks. For at a small fee, the porters can be helpful in carrying your items up the steep slopes.

Is there a minimum or maximum age of guests visiting the gorillas?

The minimum age to trek the gorillas is 6 years and older. This rule is the same for both Rwanda and Uganda and is enforced by the national parks. There is no upper age limit.

Do I need a gorilla permit?

You must obtain a gorilla permit in order to visit the gorillas and this must be obtained 4 months prior to your visit. The permits currently cost $600 in Uganda, $1500 in Rwanda and $ 450 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. That price is per person. The money for the permits goes directly towards conservation of the gorillas, anti-poaching efforts and education of the local communities. Permits are limited to 8 visitors per group per day, so be sure you plan in advance.

Will this be covered by my travel insurance?

You may need to pay an additional premium to cover your gorilla trekking. Please check with your travel insurance.

Can you track the gorillas when feeling unwell?

This is a big no, the gorilla are vulnerable to human diseases and something that is small to us can be dangerous to them. You need to take care of yourself before the safari and avoid getting sick. You also need to warn your guide if you aren’t feeling well.

How big are gorilla tracking groups?

There is a maximum of 8 people per group in Uganda or Rwanda.

How far is my lodge to the park headquarters?

You will be located within easy access to the park headquarters, but the distance will depend on which accommodation you chose. Check with your lodge to find out exactly how far it is from park headquarters. The distance to the headquarters is usually within a 1-60 minute walk.

How much time can I spend with the gorillas?

Once you have sighted the gorillas, you will be given one hour to spend with them. We recommend that you track them at least twice. This means that the second time you track them, you can ignore taking photos and concentrate on enjoying the experience.

If you have more questions, please contact Green World Safaris at [email protected].

This is part 4 in a series about mountain gorilla trekking. See part 1 about mountain gorilla trekking, part 2 about mountain gorilla safari, and Gorilla Trekking Regulations and Permits Part 3.

This series of blogs was submitted by Green World Safaris. They arrange mountain gorilla tours in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They are based out of Uganda.