Gorilla Trekking and Gorilla Habituation Experience – Difference, Permit Cost and Travel Guide

Gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experience are significantly distinct wildlife experiences visitors on Uganda gorilla safari shouldn’t miss being part. Whereas the two adventures all give visitors a close encounter with mountain gorillas, in one way or the other, they vary depending on a number of aspects.
Gorilla trekking is done in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park in Southwestern Uganda; Volcanoes National Park in the Northern Province of Rwanda and the Virunga National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Gorilla habituation experience is conducted only in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The normal gorilla treks allow trekkers to spend an hour with mountain gorillas, learn how they feed, socialize, make their new nests, body gestures and for you to take as many pictures as possible. Gorilla habituation experience takes the entire day of searching for the endangered mountain gorillas and once you locate them, you are given 4 hours of the magical encounter.

Gorilla trekking involves trekking only one habituated gorilla group and in Uganda, currently, there are 21 gorilla groups set for trekking. Gorilla habituation experience is only done in the Kutu gorilla group-the newly identified gorilla family in the Rushaga area of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Trekking mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park lets you explore anyone of its 10 habituated gorilla families (Hirwa, Susa A, Agashya, Karisimbi, Bwenge, Umubano, Amahoro, ugenda, Kwitonda, and Sabyinyo). The gorilla families that are open to gorilla trekking in Uganda include Nyakagezi in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park they include Bitukura, Oruzongo, Bushaho, Bikingi, Kutu, Mucunguzi, Mishaya, Kahungye, Busingye, Nkuringo, Kyaguriro, Nkuringo, Habinyanja, Rushegura, Mukiza, Christmas, Katwe, and Bweza.
In terms of gorilla permits, gorilla trekking permits in Uganda cost $800 per person for foreign non-residents, $700 for foreign residents and shs 300,000 for East African citizens.

Gorilla habituation experience permits are obtainable at $1500 per person. Gorilla habituation experience is by far an extra-ordinary primate adventure experience the fact that visitors are allocated to only a semi-habituated gorilla family. It involves visitors following mountain gorillas in order to make them get used to human presence prior opened for tourism. 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 is essential especially in cases where you need to get support and perhaps you grab thorns or itching plants.
Gorilla permit-very essential tool every trekker should have if he or she is to be allowed to trek mountain gorillas.
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 safeguards you from biting insects and scratches.
Hat-to protects your head from sun heat.
Sunglasses-to protects 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 the 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 a gorilla trek.
Binoculars-this is an essential tool for birders since gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation experience isn’t only about a glimpse at mountain gorillas but a chance for you to also spot out a variety of bird species along the way.